“No hope remains, for I will unleash my anger against you. I will call you to account for all your detestable sins.” Ezekiel 7:3 NLT
According to Merriam-Webster the definition of hope is “to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true”. Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of a positive outcome with respect to events and circumstances.
In the first 13 verses of today’s chapter the words “the time has come”, or variations of those words, were used a total of 5 times. There will come a time when we will all be judged according to our conduct (vs 8) and this reality applies to everyone (vs 13).
A quote that I came across is “hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man” – Friedrich Nietzsche
When the day of judgement comes to reality, no amount of hope will help. The eyes of the Lord will no longer be turned away and no amounts of wealth or treasure will pay for our wrong doings.
Unless, of course, the hope we have is in the One who is in control – not in ourselves nor in our possessions, but in the Lord. It is because of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and our faith in Him, that we can face this day. Acknowledging our sins, believing in Christ, and confessing that He is Lord of our lives, is what provides us with confidence and assurance in our hope.
Lock Your Wings 
This stood out for me: “Even if the merchants survive, they will never return to their business. For what God has said applies to everyone— it will not be changed! Not one person whose life is twisted by sin will ever recover.”
Ezekiel 7:13 NLT
Merchants makes me think of sales people and often sales is successful because of personality or charisma. In bible study we w talked about not relying on our own abilities and skills but acknowledging God is our ultimate provider. Pride and self sufficiency can interrupt this thinking and cause sin. Sin separates us from God and our eternity will be affected.
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Good point – even at 3 am 😏
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