Category: Ezekiel-BibleTrekToday
Speak to Dry Bones!
Scripture reading for August 28th: Ezekiel 37-39
Ezekiel’s prophesies contain a phrase used many times: “Then they will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 38:23b) God wants all nations to know Him, for all peoples are made in His image and likeness. Sin has caused all people of every nation to forget God and become darkened in their understanding of God. But God is sovereign over all nations and has promised to use Israel to reveal His power and love to all other nations.
God took Ezekiel in the Spirit to the middle of a valley full of dry bones. He asked Ezekiel if he thought that the dry bones could live. Ezekiel responded that only God knew about that. God then told him to prophesy to the bones and tell them to hear God’s word: “I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:4-6) Ezekiel obeyed God, and as he began to speak to them, a great noise brought the dry bones together and flesh appeared on them.
God next told him to speak to the winds to blow on the bones. As Ezekiel spoke, breath entered the bodies and they stood up, a mighty army. God told Ezekiel that these represented Israel and that God would bring them hope and restoration through faith in His prophetic word. The wind represented God’s Spirit and power that would bring it to pass. The restoration of Israel to the land would help Israel and all nations to know that God was the Lord of heaven and earth! (Ezekiel 37:11-14)
As we look back across history, we see that God was true to His word and did resurrect Israel by His power. He resurrected them from the valley of dry bones and brought them back to Israel. He brought a son of David, Jesus Christ, out of Israel who brought the true knowledge of God. God raised Him from death, according to His word! His plan has always been that through His mighty power through resurrection from death He would proclaim His greatness to the whole world! Let’s make His greatness known by speaking to dry bones!
“Like the Garden of Eden”
Scripture reading for August 27th: Ezekiel 33-36
I noticed that Ezekiel mentioned the garden of Eden in a number of passages. He seemed to be attracted to that beautiful Garden and the state of man walking with God in peace and harmony. “This is what the Sovereign Lord says; On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited. “” (Ezekiel 36:33-35)
In the case of Jerusalem and the destroyed towns of Israel, God told Israel that He would resettle them in the towns and restore what was destroyed. The cultivated land that was overgrown with weeds would be restored to productivity. In fact, those who saw the restoration would liken it to the “garden of Eden”. By the way “Eden” means “delights”.
In the case of man’s broken relationship with God, He also has a plan of restoration to the state of delights. It is given in Ezekiel 36:26-27, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws.” This is the new covenant that God promised for His people and fulfilled through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit from our Father. We have the rubble of a stony heart removed by God’s surgery when we turn to Him in humble repentance. He gives us a new heart and the Holy Spirit to move us to keep His word and follow His ways. We have our fellowship with God restored and are filled with joy and delight to know God again! Instead of the garden of Eden, we are now looking for Jesus Christ who will take us to a beautiful place prepared just for us! There will be complete restoration, even better than the garden of Eden! Are you ready?
Lament for Egypt
Scripture reading for August 26th: Ezekiel 29-32
Ezekiel’s next assignment was to speak a prophetic word and lament over Egypt and Pharaoh. Egypt was a powerful country that for years had influence on Israel. God used them earlier to preserve His people during a time of famine. He sent Joseph there to help Egypt to manage resources and save lives. God then brought His people out of Egypt after their appointed time there. He judged the nation for their idolatry, but Egypt continued to hold attraction for God’s people. Some of the idolatry had come with them out of Egypt and their hearts often turned toward Egypt.
“You have been a staff of reed for the house of Israel. When they grasped you with their hands, you splintered and you tore open their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke and their backs were wrenched.” (Ezekiel 29:6-7) God was not pleased that His people would turn to Egypt instead of Him. Egypt is a picture of the flesh and humanistic power of man without God. When God’s people depend on Egypt, nothing good ever comes of it.
God was going to again judge Egypt and warned them with Ezekiel’s prophetic word and lament. They claimed ownership of the Nile and were filled with pride in their power and influence. God was going to bring them down to ruin and allow their cities to lie in ruins for forty years. He would then bring the Egyptians back and allow them to have the land of their ancestry back. They would be a humbled people and lowly kingdom from then on. (Ezekiel 29:12-16) God was removing Egypt as a source of confidence for the Israelites and the judgment would be a reminder of the sin of trusting in Egypt for help.
Another interesting reason for the fall of Egypt was the payment of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon for doing God’s will! God used Nebuchadnezzar to punish Tyre and Egypt. When he went against Tyre, he did not get much spoil and it took resources. However, the riches of Egypt were given to him by God as payment for his services! (Ezekiel 29:17-20) God is truly sovereign and does what He will with nations and wealth. What an interesting passage that gives us insight into God’s ways in using even heathen nations for His purposes! Remember He judged Babylon too, for their own sins!
Lament for the King of Tyre!
Scripture reading for August 25th: Ezekiel 24-28
Ezekiel was also a prophet to the nations of his day. God gave him a message for Tyre, in the form of a lament or funeral song. Tyre was a city/nation on the Mediterranean Sea that was located partially on an island. Tyre was populated by a proud group of sea people who controlled much of the commerce on the sea and surrounding areas. These people were very rich from their trading. They boasted that they were invincible and were celebrating the fall of Jerusalem. (Ezekiel 26:1-6) God had Ezekiel read a prophetic warning and pronouncement over Tyre. God’s goal was to help them know that “I am the Lord“. (Ezekiel 26:6) The end decreed by God for Tyre: “I will make you a bare rock, and you will become a place to spread fishnets. You will never be rebuilt, for I the Lord have spoken, declares the Sovereign Lord.” (Ezekiel 26:14) Ezekiel wrote a lament at God’s direction for Tyre.(Ezekiel 27) By the way, Tyre does not exist today, except in ruins!
Following that lament, God gave Ezekiel another lament for the ruler of Tyre. The King of Tyre felt that he was “god” and possessed great power, wisdom and wealth. (Ezekiel 28:2) This “king” was proud and felt invincible, but God decreed his removal by death. Pride goes before destruction!
Ezekiel’s strange lament spoke of this “king” being in the Garden of Eden and a model of perfection. (Ezekiel 28:11) He told of being anointed by God to be a guardian cherub on the holy mount of God. It spoke of iniquity being found in this perfect being and God’s removal of him in disgrace. The reason for removal was pride in his beauty and splendor. (Ezekiel 28:17-18) Many commentators feel that this lament speaks of the fall of Satan from heaven as well as the earthly King of Tyre.
We do know that pride causes destruction. As citizens of one of the most powerful nations on earth, we must guard against the sins spoken of concerning this “king” of Tyre. Many have become proud of our wealth and our power, and feel invincible. Many have forgotten that God is sovereign, and act in brazen sin and dishonesty. Satan has been cast down to earth and is at work. A day of reckoning is coming! These laments remind us that God weeps over sin and it’s destruction of people He loves!
Prophet of Personal Responsibility!
Scripture reading for August 23rd: Ezekiel 16-19
There was a proverb in Israel that went something like this, “The fathers eat the sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” (Ezekiel 18:2b) Through Ezekiel, God brought this popular myth into question. To God, each person belonged to Him and answered to Him personally. He judged each person on their own conduct and either rewarded or punished them accordingly.
We have a teaching in Pentecostal circles today that speaks of “generational” curses. It goes something like this: if your father or mother was involved in alcoholism, for example, you might have this “curse” passed on down to you. This curse must be broken off for you to be free. Now we know that there might be some truth in this; if there is a genetic disposition in your family for alcoholism, you may have that, too. But what God was teaching here is different. Each person is responsible before Him for their actions and choices. We are not victims of our family tree or some generational curse. We choose either to obey and follow God, or to disobey and rebel against God. We are free moral agents with the ability to choose.
God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but would rather that they repent and live. (Ezekiel 18:23) Repentance requires taking personal responsibility for our sins, not blaming someone else. Repentance requires turning from the sin and then doing what God commands. It is very simple and yet so profound. God is merciful and desires to show mercy rather than judge. When we fail to repent, He must judge us! (Ezekiel 18:26-28)
“Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone.” (Ezekiel 18:30-32)
Sin is man’s major downfall. We have all sinned and need God’s mercy. (Romans 3:23) God has sent Jesus Christ to take away our sins in the sacrifice of His body on the Cross of Calvary. Why not take a moment and confess your faith in Jesus Christ and the cross? God loves to show mercy!
Sunday Rest and Reflection:Glory Restored!
Dear Friends of Jesus,
Greetings in the Glorious Name of Jesus Christ! In Him is the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form. He is the final word from God for man. His life and teachings are revelation of the heart of God and bring life and immortality to light through the Gospel. He is the reason we gather this first day of a new week to study and worship with others of like-precious faith. He is the express image of God’s Glory, upholding all things by His powerful Word! (Hebrews 1:3)
As I reflect on the past week’s readings from Ezekiel, I am again remembering this Sunday morning the vision of God’s glory that Ezekiel was given after a “hair-raising” journey of over 600 miles! He saw the temple being defiled by the leaders of Jerusalem and those over the temple. He saw God’s glory being escorted out of the Temple and the holy city of Jerusalem. The Glory paused at the temple entrance. (Ezekiel 10:3-4) It stopped briefly over the East Gate of the Lord’s house. (Ezekiel 10:18-20) The final place where this appearance of glory was seen was on the mountain east of the city, the Mount of Olives. (Ezekiel 10:22-23)
As I meditate on this departure of God’s glory, I think of Jesus Christ coming again to the city and temple to reveal God’s glory to His own people. Jesus taught in the temple and worshiped there. Jesus drove the money changers from the temple, cleansing it with a whip. Jesus prayed in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives as He prepared to offer His body as the final sacrifice for our sins. He died outside the city, hanging on a cross for us! The ultimate sacrifice representing the glorious mercy of God for all mankind!
Jesus rose again in glory and appeared to His own. He ascended in Glory from the Mount of Olives and promised to come back in the same manner He left, on clouds of power and great glory! (Matthew 24:30-31) (Acts 1:11-12) In Solomon’s porch of the temple, on the Day of Pentecost, fiery tongues rested on the 120 disciples gathered there and they were filled with a deposit of God’s glory to empower them to reach the world with the message of Jesus Christ! What a glorious God and Savior we have! May you enjoy His glory as you worship today!
In His Love,
Pastor John
God’s Message by Charade
Scripture reading for August 21th: Ezekiel 12-15
God often used illustrated messages with His prophets. Ezekiel was given ten different illustrated messages for the people to help them understand what was going to happen. This time, Ezekiel was to pack up his belongings as if he were going into exile. He was to take everything he owned and put it on his shoulders and go to the wall of the city. There he was to dig through the wall and leave the city at dusk, with his face covered in shame. (Ezekiel 12:1-7) He was to do this in front of all the people of the rebellious house of Israel.
The people had a proverb that was popular in the land during this time of Ezekiel’s and Jeremiah’s prophesy. “The days go by and every vision comes to nothing.” (Ezekiel 12:21) God told Ezekiel to tell the people that that proverb would be eradicated from the land. Every vision and word of true prophetic warning was about to be fulfilled. The vision would not be for the distant future, but would come to pass in their day and time. (Ezekiel 12:26-28)
God sent Ezekiel with these true words from His mouth. He spoke them to the people faithfully, but most just scoffed. They were more interested in the words of the false prophets. (Ezekiel 13:1-12) These false prophets spoke from their own imaginations and yet declared “Hear the word of the Lord.” God called them “foolish” prophets and likened them to “jackals” among the ruins, looking for some dead meat to feed on! They had false visions and lying divinations for the people that soothed them into thinking that God would not judge them. God promised to remove them from Israel and from the record of God’s people!
These false prophets were like a person who whitewashed a flimsy wall to help strengthen it. Another coat of paint made the wall look good, but because it was not on a solid foundation it would surely fall. God sent Ezekiel with a message for these who whitewashed the walls with false prophecy. The wall would fall and destroy the people who listened to them and these false prophets themselves. (Ezekiel 13:13-16)
Have you noticed how God tried so hard to reach His people? Hard words of repentance were and are not popular! Check out your own heart today. Which prophets are you listening to?
The End Has Come!
Scripture reading for August 20th: Ezekiel 7-11
Ezekiel had a hard message to preach to the people of Judah who were in captivity. In today’s reading he announced that the end had come! God was finally forced to act and judge the land because the people of Judah failed to listen and repent. Judgment must always begin at the house of God. Why? Because those with the most light are most accountable for their response!
What were the terrible things done in Judah by it’s leaders? Ezekiel cites violence and the idolatry brought on by wealth as trigger points. (Ezekiel 7:10-13) People went through the motions of religion but were really trusting in their own strength and wealth. Materialism has a way of creeping in and taking God’s people captive. In this tragic end, the people’s silver and gold would not be able to help or save them. (Ezekiel 7:19-22) During the extreme famine, no amount of wealth would be able to buy food.
Another sin was violence and the shedding of innocent blood. (Ezekiel 7:23-27) The land must be purged of these sins and what men sow, they will reap! These sins, when persisted in, bring about a blindness and confusion concerning God and His holy word. People will look for God’s counsel and mercy but not be able to find it. God must judge them so that they know that He is the Lord who is in charge!
As this judgment of the end was prepared and executed, Ezekiel was taken by the hair and transported to Jerusalem. There he was given a vision of what was really going on in the city and temple among it’s religious and political leaders. (Ezekiel 8:2-6) All kinds of idolatry and pagan practices were being done by the so-called leaders of the nation. With judgment on the doorstep and the end at hand, they were seeking help from worthless idols! They were worshiping nature and the sun instead of the Creator of heaven and earth! (Ezekiel 8:16-18)
Ezekiel then got to see the Glory of the Lord being escorted out of the temple and city by some awesome creatures with wheels and wings. (Ezekiel 10:1-5) The worst form of judgment on God’s people, is the withdrawal of God’s presence and glory from their lives. Without God’s presence, all that exists is sin and darkness! That is truly the “end” we all want to avoid!