I love how a random verse from Scripture can speak truth to our heart. I experienced this recently while reading from the prophetic book of Ezekiel. “This is what the Lord GOD says: I have set this Jerusalem in the center of the nations, with countries all around her” (Ezekiel 5:5).

The note in my study Bible detailed how Jerusalem was perfectly located at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe. God had set her in just the right place to be a witness to the other nations that He was the one and only God. Jerusalem had the opportunity to demonstrate that life and blessings come from Him.

God’s hope for Jerusalem is described later in Ezekiel 16:14. “Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through my splendor, which I had bestowed on you. This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.”

Unfortunately, the nation of Israel, as a whole, rebelled against God and rejected His laws and decrees. She turned to idol worship. God even accused her of being more unruly that the nations around her!

So, what truths and life application can we glean from these verses?

• God has placed each of us in a specific place.
• We are to be a witness to those around us.
• We are to positively influence others and not be influenced by the evil in the world.

Look around. Others are watching and listening. May we reflect God’s beauty and His love wherever He has placed us.