prophet Ezekiel – Page 4

Ezekiel 36:16-38 – Thy Holy Name

Read Ezekiel 36:16-38

God means what he says. For those that don’t believe, I mourn for them. This message that the LORD gave Ezekiel makes it clear that his “naughty” people did not deserve to be rescued. Their sins had been detestable, and the LORD punished them just like he said he would.

Here, he is letting the people know that they would be restored. They could place their hope and trust in these words because God does what he says he will do. God’s mercy would be revealed so that his name could be “cleared.” It seems God believed his own reputation had been marred because of the behavior of his children. Continue reading “Ezekiel 36:16-38 – Thy Holy Name”

Ezekiel 36:1-15 – God Cares Deeply

Read Ezekiel 36:1-15

You may recall in Chapter 6 how Ezekiel’s prophecy focused on God’s creation. Here again, God calls out to the mountains as if they had ears to hear. Nature had nothing to do with the fall of God’s people. The mountains were simply in the wrong place, taking the abuse resulting from the people’s sinfulness.

Do you think Ezekiel wondered how in the world he would do what God asked this time? What went through Ezekiel’s mind when God said, “Therefore, son of man, give the mountains of Israel this message from the Sovereign Lord.” Do you think that Ezekiel thought God had lost his marbles? How silly would he look talking to the hills of Israel! Continue reading “Ezekiel 36:1-15 – God Cares Deeply”

Ezekiel 35:1-14 – Edom’s Turn

Read Ezekiel 35:1-14

There are some nuggets in this reading for me! While it is definitely a passage of judgment against Edom, it can be an encouragement to the LORD’s people of Judah and Israel. The LORD saw all the bullying and resulting devastation because of Edom’s hand on the LORD’s people. It’s one thing for the LORD to punish his children, quite another for an outsider like Edom.

With all that is going on in the world, it’s good to get an approximation of the geographical location of the people to whom this prophecy is addressed. The Edomites, and particularly Mr. Seir, are both mentioned. As I understand it, Mt. Seir was part of the mountainous range south of the Dead Sea along the border between Israel and Jordan, and perhaps as far south as Elath on the Northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. It was likely a traditional stop along the route to Mt. Sinai.

Continue reading “Ezekiel 35:1-14 – Edom’s Turn”

Ezekiel 34:25-31 – Covenant of Peace

Read Ezekiel 34:25-31

This is a very hopeful message for people everywhere, not just those living during Ezekiel’s day. It clearly points to the new covenant ushered in by Jesus. Yet, it doesn’t appear this moment has fully arrived yet. God’s people, Israel, remain in bondage of one sort or another. Looking over the history of the Jewish people, never has there been a time of such peace and harmony as described here.

Perfect peace is more than just the absence of war. The peace described here is complete harmony between man and nature as well as a between all people. God is present and recognized. This promise is one we can all cling to. There will be a day when harmony like this will come to pass. Continue reading “Ezekiel 34:25-31 – Covenant of Peace”

Ezekiel 34:11-24 – The Good Shepherd

Read Ezekiel 34:11-24

As I was reading along in today’s text, I couldn’t help but notice how the 23^rd psalm that we closed our last reflection with was ringing through the word pictures. The pastures of rest sound delightful! God being the one to search for us sounded like a prophecy of Jesus. There’s just a lot in this passage to unpack and reflect upon.

Of course, one can’t forget Jesus’ teaching that aligns with these words of sorting. In Matthew 28:31-32, Jesus is explaining what will happen when he returns. Jesus says, “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” I couldn’t help but think of those words when reading Ezekiel’s message. Another connection to Scripture! Continue reading “Ezekiel 34:11-24 – The Good Shepherd”