fall of Jerusalem – Be Still…

Ezekiel 24:15-27 – She Died?

I can’t believe she’s dead. I’m not a fan of this passage at all! It’s one thing to lose a beloved spouse, but quite another not to be able to mourn the loss because God tells you not to! The text doesn’t say Ezekiel didn’t mourn in private, only that he is not to display any of those behaviors publicly. But when you live a life of ministry you are more visible than most, and people are watching.

We’re halfway through the book of Ezekiel, and now everything God used Ezekiel to say has happened. Now what? This first section was focused on the fall of Israel, and the next two focus on the judgment of nations and future blessings for Israel. Continue reading “Ezekiel 24:15-27 – She Died?”

Ezekiel 24:1-14 – That’s Intense!

Read Ezekiel 24:1-14

What a turning point! Everything that Ezekiel has been sharing in his prophetic ministry will now come to pass. God’s announcement alerts Ezekiel that the siege on Jerusalem is beginning. No more wishful thinking that God will change his mind. Ezekiel lived hundreds of miles away, but God gave him the news firsthand.

If he hadn’t been taken into exile already, Ezekiel could be one of those being destroyed. Talk about putting things into perspective! Can you imagine how surreal it would be to get such news? It’s possible Ezekiel had family left behind in Jerusalem. Soon they, along with friends and acquaintances, would soon be no more. How do you wrestle with news like this? Continue reading “Ezekiel 24:1-14 – That’s Intense!”

Ezekiel 4:1-17 – Getting Our Attention

Read Ezekiel 4:1-17

What we’re seeing in the first eight verses is Ezekiel demonstrating a “sign act.” Such sign acts are a prophet’s way of totally immersing themselves in the message. When a prophet is “all in,” there is a greater chance more people will pay attention. In other words, it’s an “attention getter.”

For example, after play-acting the siege on Jerusalem, Ezekiel will be bound by ropes as he continues to put himself into this prophetic word. The meaning or representation of being tied up may suggest the people are in exile, held captive by a powerful force. What does that message mean for the people of God already living this reality? This confirms their predicament of being restrained from living life as they would desire, like they did back “home.” Continue reading “Ezekiel 4:1-17 – Getting Our Attention”

Ezekiel 2:9-3:15 – Digest This!

Read Ezekiel 2:9-3:15

We’ve just read of the physical example of actually digesting the word of God. Now we know what God put in Ezekiel’s open mouth. Ezekiel was open for God. We can only imagine how overwhelmed Ezekiel would have been by this vision.

I was reminded of Jeremiah’s words in Jeremiah 15:16, “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name.” Ezekiel was able to actually do that, devour the word of God! Continue reading “Ezekiel 2:9-3:15 – Digest This!”

1 Chronicles 17:1-15 – The Promise

Read 1 Chronicles 17:1-15

There are many promises in the Bible, but this is one God made particularly for David. God knew what David needed to hear and used Nathan as his messenger. David was starting to feel guilty that he was living in such a beautiful palace while the Ark, the presence of God lived in a tent. I can understand David’s perspective wanting to honor God.

Judging from the message God gave Nathan, the time for such a grand home had not yet come. God promised David that one of his ancestors would be the one to build this place of honor, the temple. God said, “He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for me. And I will secure his throne forever.” There is a promise within a promise!