God’s wrath – Be Still…

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 11:1-13 – Misguided Beliefs

Read Ezekiel 11:1-13

Ezekiel’s temple vision continues as he is shown what will come of twenty-five prominent citizens of Jerusalem. Apparently, these men were not part of the first wave of those leaders and officials taken away to Babylon. Instead, they were the ones left behind, making evil choices in Jerusalem leading the people astray.

You can imagine how angry God was with them. God’s plans were to destroy them, but first Ezekiel would prophesy to them about their impending doom. Why did God want to do that? Continue reading “Ezekiel 11:1-13 – Misguided Beliefs”

Daniel 8:15-27 – Hey Gabriel!

Read Daniel 8:15-27

I think I would have fainted, too, in the presence of the angel, Gabriel. It’s probably the appropriate human response to a visible appearance of God or his messenger. I understand this may be Gabriel’s first appearance in the Old Testament. You may recall Gabriel announced the births of John the Baptist and the Messiah in Luke’s gospel account.

Gabriel tells Daniel, “you must understand that the events you have seen in your vision relate to the time of the end.” It’s helpful to remember this reference to “time of the end” encompasses the years between the end of the exile and Jesus’ second coming. That’s a lot of years! Gabriel makes it sound like these events won’t be happening any time soon. Daniel doesn’t need to fear for he will not likely be alive. Continue reading “Daniel 8:15-27 – Hey Gabriel!”

1 Chronicles 21:18-30 – Build an Altar

Read 1 Chronicles 21:18-30

In this reading, we learn more about Araunah the Jebusite and the angel of death that was standing by his threshing floor. You may recall in our last reading how at the last minute the Lord called off the angel’s mission of destroying Jerusalem. But the angel remained ready, with his sword drawn, bringing fear to David and Araunah.

For some reason, the angel gave David’s seer, Gad the message to build an altar right there on Araunah’s threshing floor. David was very quick to be obedient. It appears Araunah was also anxious to give the king whatever he asked for. David didn’t want to take advantage of Araunah’s generosity, so payment was made.