Ezekiel 16:35-63 – What’s the Verdict?

Read Ezekiel 16:35-63

The indictment we’re given here is longest in prophetic literature, and then we get to the verdict. We have to endure reading about the depths to which Jerusalem had fallen to understand how God’s heart was breaking. How would God respond? What punishment would be appropriate?

It’s hard to read those words and almost wince at God’s fury being unleashed. We know what happened to Jerusalem. We sit on this side of history wondering why the people didn’t pay attention. It was like they were tempting God. But God is true to his word, and when these prophecies were fulfilled the people would then realize. Continue reading “Ezekiel 16:35-63 – What’s the Verdict?”

Ezekiel 16:1-34 – She Had It All

Read Ezekiel 16:1-34

The Sovereign LORD has quite a message for Jerusalem. We see how God describes the history of the holy city. He equates Jerusalem to an unwanted child now bound for her “happily ever after.” That is until her own pride and confidence get in the way. What happens is predictable even today as she falls away from God, leading her to make many unhealthy choices.

First we see God’s mercy in choosing to rescue this abandoned child. What devotion the creator feels toward his eventual bride! But the word picture here of this forgotten child is chilling. Sadly, there was a time in history when parents would leave behind their unwanted children, particularly daughters. God uses this familiar example to get attention but mainly to be understood. Continue reading “Ezekiel 16:1-34 – She Had It All”

Ezekiel 15:1-8 – Wood of the Vine

Read Ezekiel 15:1-8

Normally, when we think about a vine in Biblical terms, we imagine it bearing fruit or talking about Jesus, the “true vine.” Yet Ezekiel’s message is not dealing with fruit at all, In fact, the LORD surprisingly said, “Vines are useless both before and after being put into the fire!”

Other Biblical references speak of the “fruit of the vine” or bearing fruit, but Ezekiel’s vines don’t appear to be fruitful. When compared to a mighty tree of the forest, the wood of a vine would be pretty wimpy or useless for tasks known to be handled well by other wood sources, like trees. Continue reading “Ezekiel 15:1-8 – Wood of the Vine”

Ezekiel 14:12-23 – Set Apart

Read Ezekiel 14:12-23

This vision from the LORD sets apart three holy men, Noah, Daniel, and Job. God recognizes them for their righteousness. But even their righteousness pooled together would not be enough to rescue the Israelites from doom. That gives Ezekiel and us and tangible picture of how far the Israelites have fallen.

In fact, this message confirms we are responsible for our own mess. However, as Christ followers, we know there is hope, and that hope lies in Jesus. Until Jesus came, people were lost in their sins unless they purified themselves according to the law. How fortunate we are to have Jesus as our sacrificial lamb. Continue reading “Ezekiel 14:12-23 – Set Apart”

Ezekiel 14:1-11 – What’s Lurking in Your Heart?

Read Ezekiel 14:1-11

If God can see idols hidden in the hearts of Israelites, imagine what he can see in our hearts! It’s a little frightening to know we are like open books to God, yet at the same time refreshing. The latter is true when we have welcomed the Holy Spirit to reside within and cleanse us.

Some people avoid passages like this because they don’t want to examine their own failings. They can’t imagine having a God that is that interested in their hearts, feeling limited to “do their own thing.” Yet the time is now to take inventory of what may be lurking in our own hearts. Continue reading “Ezekiel 14:1-11 – What’s Lurking in Your Heart?”

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