Ezekiel – Page 13 – Be Still…

Ezekiel 13:17-23 – It’s Not Just Men

Read Ezekiel 13:17-23

In case you were wondering, Ezekiel’s visions clear it up. Women can also be false prophets. From God’s message to them, it appears they are more into the magic and fortune telling gigs. It is easier to picture women sitting behind a crystal ball or a stack of tarot cards, isn’t it?

God isn’t pleased with this sort of activity at all. From God’s perspective, he sees how these female false prophets are ensnaring the innocent for destruction and empowering the guilty. In the end, God’s wrath will be known to all who are apart from God. Continue reading “Ezekiel 13:17-23 – It’s Not Just Men”

Ezekiel 13:1-16 – False Prophets

Read Ezekiel 13:1-16

There are plenty of references to the evils of false prophets in the Bible in both the old and New Testaments. Even Jesus warns us about them in Matthew 24:11-13 when he said, “And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Do we learn anything different in God’s message through Ezekiel?

Like others before them, these false prophets were recognized as descendants of God’s people, living among the people. Yet these false prophets did nothing to support their community during battle. Their visions and predictions were nothing but lies. God’s message tells us they will be banished and unable to return to their homes. How could they claim peace where there was no peace? Continue reading “Ezekiel 13:1-16 – False Prophets”

Ezekiel 12:21-28 – God’s Timing is Perfect

Read Ezekiel 12:21-28

The message that rings out in this reading is that we shouldn’t question God’s timing. It’s easy for us to point fingers and say those Israelites were not in touch with reality, believing God’s messages were not for them. Even though the LORD was clear time and time again. We can be just as guilty of believing we are immune to problems, God’s judgment, or even death.

It’s true that we have a Savior who laid down his life for us. It’s true that God loved us that much he sent his son to die. But it’s also true God loved his people, Israel, and sent countless course corrections to them which they ignored. Continue reading “Ezekiel 12:21-28 – God’s Timing is Perfect”

Ezekiel 12:1-20 – Knowing God

Read Ezekiel 12:1-20

What does it take for us to recognize and know the LORD? We might recognize God moving in a lot of things, like an exquisite sunset or rescue from a tragedy or answered prayer. But how do we know God? For us, we can take Paul’s counsel in Colossians 1:15a which says, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” We can start knowing God by knowing Jesus as our Savior.

God seems intent on being known in this vision. He’s certainly making Ezekiel jump through some hoops to make that message tangible for the people to grasp. If the people can witness the future before it happens, that should open their eyes to recognize God’s hand. Just one more way to effectively get his message across. Continue reading “Ezekiel 12:1-20 – Knowing God”

Ezekiel 11:22-25 – Obedience to God

Read Ezekiel 11:22-25

Ezekiel’s temple vision ends with the glory of the LORD finally leaving Jerusalem. Did you notice the hesitation? We read that the LORD hovered for a moment over the mountains to the east. I can just imagine that there was one last hopeful moment that his people would somehow be pleading for forgiveness, running after him with arms open wide.

The LORD’s decision was final in this moment. The people of Jerusalem would be abandoned because of their behavior and lack of devotion to God. It was a very sad day to be sure. Continue reading “Ezekiel 11:22-25 – Obedience to God”