Category: OTC

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Introducing Daniel — True Integrity

Read: Daniel 1

The book of Daniel includes favorite stories from my youth as well as that of our children. I’m confident this has been the case for many people, literally for centuries–even before Gutenberg’s printing press! I’m in no hurry to run through the book, but it is only a few chapters, so we’ll see how it goes. Today, we will simply get started as Daniel sets the stage from some incredible life lessons.

Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, fulfilled God’s plan for punishing the Israelites for their generations of unfaithfulness. As crazy as VeggieTales makes him out to be, I would suggest Nebuchadnezzar was quite intelligent. He has a plan to assimilate those he has captured by integrating them into the fold carefully.

They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. Daniel 1:6-7

After all, why waste such valuable resources? It is all selfishly motivated, Nebuchadnezzar is only interested in advancing his cause, but once again, God’s plan is greater than any man’s desires and so we read in this short narrative just how that plays out.

The stage is set with Daniel and his comrades who are faithful followers of God. The training program consists of choice wine and food from the king’s kitchen, but Daniel has a different plan, he will not defile himself for the king or anyone else.

Not obeying the king is a bad idea, from the trainer’s perspective. Not only will Daniel be punished, but the trainer won’t escape wrath, so he asks Daniel to play nicely and eat the food offered! Daniel patiently suggests he give them 10 days to prove the king’s diet isn’t necessary for their health, strength and well-being.

At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. Daniel 1:15-16

The training continued. God showed favor to Daniel and his friends for their faithfulness, though they had no idea of what would transpire.

To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. Daniel 1:17

It’s no surprise that Nebuchadnezzar was impressed…after all we are reading the book…and they pass the 3 year indoctrination course with flying colors!

In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. Daniel 1:20

And so it begins.

My primary takeaway from this introduction is that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were faithful for the purpose of being faithful. They were not told by Isaiah, Jeremiah or Ezekiel that they were instruments of God, nor were they given any special vision for their well-being. They did what honored God because it was the right thing to do. They were not bucking the system for favor and certainly not trying to gain attention. In a word, they had true integrity. This is why they stood out and why we love to read these stories.

Lord, may we do the things we do today to please you, an audience of one. This doesn’t give us a wildcard to disrespect those who are in authority over us; that was not Daniel’s intention, but help us to know how to serve you over all and work within the present circumstance for your greater glory. May we, in some ever increasing amount, grow in holy integrity. Amen.

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Ezekiel’s Vision of Restoration

Read: Ezekiel 44-48

We pick up where we left off yesterday through the end of Ezekiel. This time focused on restoration of the priesthood and Israel, the allocation of the land and the reinstatement of the rituals and offerings. It’s unlikely that we would get excited about these details, but those who are in exile, banished from the Promised Land for generations of sinful behavior, these people would read these words over and over again with great anticipation.

In the details, God honors those who have proved themselves faithful through the ages:

“‘But the Levitical priests, who are descendants of Zadok and who guarded my sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from me, are to come near to minister before me; they are to stand before me to offer sacrifices of fat and blood, declares the Sovereign Lord. They alone are to enter my sanctuary; they alone are to come near my table to minister before me and serve me as guards. Ezekiel 44:15-16

The priests are given specific duties and special recognition for their work (not news, but there is a point):

“‘In any dispute, the priests are to serve as judges and decide it according to my ordinances. They are to keep my laws and my decrees for all my appointed festivals, and they are to keep my Sabbaths holy. Ezekiel 44:24

Here’s the rub:

“‘I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession. Ezekiel 44:28

Special treatment, yes, but not for personal gain. The priests enjoy the firstfruits of the land that are part of the offering and sacrifice, but their possession is God himself. Wouldn’t it be interesting if we would fully live for Christ? This doesn’t seem practical in our society, yet I think it’s worthy to consider in degrees. If I can move one degree more in this direction each year or month, in time, my focus would be fully on Christ.

Lord, be my inheritance alone. Teach me to appreciate that above all other gifts and things of this world.

 

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Ezekiel’s Vision of the Temple

Read: Ezekiel 40-43

Today we are treated to a vision that speaks to the people in exile, that offers them hope in a desperate time. We have to jump toward the end of this section to gain an understanding for this scripture: “Write these down before them so that they may be faithful to its design and follow all its regulations.” (Ezekiel 43:11)

Imagine for a moment that all we know and take for granted today is gone, our home, our place of worship, our livelihood, even friends and family have been killed or separated. Now extend that for 25 years. Look back where you were 25 years ago to try and gain some perspective. I find this difficult to do and appreciate, but it’s within this context that God tells Ezekiel to write down a vision that will inspire the people.

40:1 In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth of the month, in the fourteenth year after the fall of the city—on that very day the hand of the Lord was on me and he took me there. 2In visions of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city. 3He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. 4The man said to me, “Son of man, look carefully and listen closely and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see.” Ezekiel 40:1-4

Tell the people everything you see to give them hope, to inspire them to keep the faith.

He said: “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. The people of Israel will never again defile my holy name—neither they nor their kings—by their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings at their death. Ezekiel 43:7

Our God, the Creator of all, cares so much that he would go into elaborate detail to paint a vision for our ancestors to understand they are not forgotten–and He will dwell with them again. With us.

To be completely transparent, the details included in the reading today did not give me an exciting view of the future. It wasn’t until the end when I heard the whisper that suggested I needed perspective, I needed to have some empathy; only then did this make sense to me. Preaching a sermon on this text would likely fall flat as the ornate description of ancient buildings is unlikely to draw a crowd, but this is where I need to learn the lesson for today: it’s not all about me! Seriously. I’m embarrassed to think every word must be something for me.

Lord, your promise is too good for us. The hope you offer too great. Help us to humbly accept that which you lavish upon us.

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The Great Battle of the Ages

Read:  Ezekiel 38–39

From all appearances we’re taken to the end of time in the reading this morning, a time when God will show his ultimate power and might. There’s a lot of discussion amongst scholarly writing, probably dissertations written on the subject, a rather provocative subject for many. While I look forward to the final days of reconciliation, I’m not anxious to advance the calendar. So many who write about the end days seem to want them to come now–not me. My heart breaks for those who are not living with Christ, those who have not turned their hearts and given themselves to Jesus. I’m in no hurry, but I’m not in denial. If anything, I hope these words stir us to action, to look for opportunities to be a witness and not wait for “that day.”

It begins

On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme. You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars. Ezekiel 38:10-11

No walls, no gates, no security systems — all are caught by surprise. Whether spiritual or physical, the battle is raged against an unsuspecting people.

You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes. Ezekiel 38:16

This seems similar to John’s revelation, at least conceptually:

Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them… Revelation 20:7-9

There is no doubt that God is in control when this great battle takes place:

I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Ezekiel 38:22-23

The devastation will be so great that it will take months to bury the dead. Fires will be fueled by the former weapons of war, for there is no need for such in this future.

Restoration

I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name. They will forget their shame and all the unfaithfulness they showed toward me when they lived in safety in their land with no one to make them afraid. Ezekiel 39:25-26

Shame is forgotten, peace prevails — this will be that day! The day when the Lord is seen by all his people. In contrast to Exodus 33:20:

I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 29:29

This will be a great and glorious day indeed! I pray these words stir our hearts to action, that we would do something about the knowledge of Christ in our lives and not sit and gloat over the victory that is assured. Lord, help us to act as you would have each and everyone of us according to the gifts and talents you have poured out for your people.

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Ezekiel: Hope for a New Heart

Read: Ezekiel 35-37

As I obediently work my way through the Old Testament, I’m so amazed how God speaks through our ancient ancestors. The lessons we are offered in God’s amazing Bible all point to a loving Father that looks forward to the day when we all live in complete unity. Crazy to think about. We’re nearly done with Ezekiel–hang in there, and listen for the lessons God has for you.

Hope for Israel: (Ezekiel 36)

The enemy said of you, “Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession.”’ Ezekiel 36:2

Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I swear with uplifted hand that the nations around you will also suffer scorn. “‘But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home. Ezekiel 36:7-8

God promises that Israel will once again flourish in the land they loved so much…one day “The towns will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt.” This is a great promise for a renewed Israel that comes deep into the time of exile when it seems all is lost. At the end of chapter 33 we recall that Ezekiel is established as a credible prophet, so assuming these words come after 33:33, those who hear them must have been truly comforted, even if they can’t put a date on their calendars.

A New Heart

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:26-27

This is a great and wonderful promise, one that is used often as we seek to spread the gospel. Whether we say these words or not, this is the message we are attempting to convey: Jesus will change your heart. When we invite Jesus into our heart, we are dramatically changed, we have to be since we are told that the Spirit himself dwells in us. For those of us who grew up in the church, this seems normal, but it’s nothing short of miraculous! Many songs carry this message and I’m confident that it’s accurate, but we often miss the purpose behind this change, at least I do.

Too often I want my heart changed so I will reap rewards, feel the connection to the Spirit and walk in confidence that the Lord is with me. This all sounds good, but let’s be clear:

It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. Ezekiel 36:22

That puts a different perspective on my desire to have my heart changed — it’s not about me, it never was!

The promise of a clean heart is overwhelming to consider and Ezekiel hammers the point home after promising the hope for Israel, “I want you to know that I am not doing this for your sake, declares the Sovereign Lord. Be ashamed and disgraced for your conduct, people of Israel!” (Ezekiel 36:32)

I just read Lecrae’s biographical book, Unashamed, a gift I received for Father’s Day. I’ll write a post or two from some of the lessons drawn from the book, but suffice it to say, Lecrae’s title is not meant to say he was unashamed of his past, no sir, he is unashamed of his future. He doesn’t reference Ezekiel as he talks about his failures in the past, but he shows his scars to help us all recognize that scars are reminders of wounds that have healed. We all have wounds, some deeper than others, but Lord I look forward to the day that I can unashamedly reveal the scars from the wounds I feel today. Just being honest. Through many struggles it seems this man of God has found his identity in Christ alone, is not trying to please the world or the church, but rather he serves One God. A lesson for us all to draw from, even those who don’t understand hip-hop or appreciate the genre.

Israel’s Dry Bones Revived and Unity Restored (Ezekiel 37)

The imagery in this chapter is amazing to consider — resurrection for all!

4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:4-6

Again we are invited to receive the promise that the Spirit will indwell in us:

I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’” Ezekiel 37:14

Even more exciting is the promise that God will once again reunite all of Israel:

I am going to take the stick of Joseph—which is in Ephraim’s hand—and of the Israelite tribes associated with him, and join it to Judah’s stick. I will make them into a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand.’ Ezekiel 37:19

These are great promises given in the middle of overwhelmingly oppressive times. Hard to appreciate in my present day luxurious surrounds where I have little worry about what I will eat or drink or where I will sleep comfortably. I’m spoiled.

Lord, help us to soak in your words and stir our hearts to action for your glory and for your kingdom.

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People Will Recognize Ezekiel; God Is The Shepherd

Read: Ezekiel 33-34

There is a lot to consider in these two chapters, but I hope that they encourage us to be a witness to the world, to be accountable to whatever our calling may be as we live out our lives for Christ.

Ezekiel’s Call as a Watchman Revisited

Flashback to chapter 3, here we are reminded of Ezekiel’s call.

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. Ezekiel 33:7

While is it certainly an honor to be called by God to be the watchman, the price of this calling is now understood more fully. In the previous 30 chapters we’ve read Ezekiel’s words from the Lord to the people, hard words and difficult lessons. The most difficult, personally, was the death of his wife and the reaction required by the Lord (Ezekiel 24:15-27). With these experiences, the calling has deeper meaning.

if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. Ezekiel 33:4

Life experiences changes how we witness to the world. Spiritual maturity happens by experiences we encounter, how we respond to those challenges and, probably more than anything else, how we introspectively examine both. We need deep friendships, brothers and sisters in Christ to help us process these times and work out how God is using them to sharpen us. Listen friends! Even in the hardest of times, when Israel is swept away into exile and Jerusalem destroyed, Ezekiel has these words from the Lord, the Creator of all:

Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’ Ezekiel 33:11

Our heavenly Father wants us to grow and be in relationship with him.

Now they know that a prophet has been among them

It’s no surprise to Ezekiel that Jerusalem will fall, that the crown jewel of the Hebrews is to be taken by force and all within it killed or dispersed. Yet he has to explain again that God is using invading forces to effect his wrath on his chosen people.

I’ve read this a dozen times and I’ve talked about the difficulty that comes with taking on the mantle of leadership in the church, rather depressing:

My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:31-32

At some level, there is some assurance that this will happen, but honestly, it’s not all that wonderful to be reminded that our message goes in one ear and out the other! The next Ezekiel consolation prize, now that years have passed and Ezekiel’s message is being lived out, the people finally start to recognize this truth:

“When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” Ezekiel 33:33

It’s certainly not about fame or fortune, but to know that your words are heard and respected is enough. Sometimes we need to hear these words.

The Lord Will be Israel’s Shepherd

The Lord will not stand by idly while we screw up!

So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. Ezekiel 34:5-6

As we are reminded in James 3:1, not many should become teachers, bearing the title “leader” in the church comes with a significant price.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.
“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. Ezekiel 10-11

What more could we ask for? As the world’s religion teach rituals and duties required to please their gods, the Lord himself reminds us that he will reconcile himself to us, that he will send his Son to save us. Our message is quite different that the rest of the world.

Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the Israelites, are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Ezekiel 34:30-31

“You are my sheep,” perhaps some of the most comforting words declared by the Lord of all, spoken during a time of great desperation, must have touch some of those who heard Ezekiel’s message. Somewhere in the crowds there are those who took the words to heart. Like tossing seeds without discretion, Ezekiel’s words are spoken to all people with one assurance, God will shepherd his people. In the end, that is more than enough.

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Ezekiel’s Prophecies Against Egypt

Read: Ezekiel 29-32

It’s always interesting how God speaks to me as I read His words and attempt to listen to His voice. In the beginning, as I read through the verses, I catalog those that seem to capture the story and provide a synopsis of what is happening. I try to be concise, to appreciate the greater story within the details. By the end of the time, my thoughts are quite different from when I began. This morning I read these prophecies against Egypt and somehow ended up in Ephesians. Weird? I dunno. It’s just the way it works for me. I pray God will speak to you as you immerse yourself in his word and listen for his voice.

The scripture this morning includes significant amount of text is devoted to Ezekiel’s prophesies against Egypt, so many words, it must be important to unpack. The prophecies here span a little over two years and reveal God’s utter contempt for Egypt.

“Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all Egypt. Ezekiel 29:2

Ezekiel is given a strong vision for the demise of a powerful nation, words that would have sounded foolish to many at that time.

It will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. I will make it so weak that it will never again rule over the nations. Ezekiel 29:15

Once again, God uses Nebuchadnezzar as an instrument of wrath.

I am going to give Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he will carry off its wealth. He will loot and plunder the land as pay for his army. I have given him Egypt as a reward for his efforts because he and his army did it for me, declares the Sovereign Lord. Ezekiel 29:19-20

“‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘I will destroy the idols
and put an end to the images in Memphis.
No longer will there be a prince in Egypt,
and I will spread fear throughout the land.
Ezekiel 30:13

All the major cities of Egypt are named in the lament, “Cush and Libya, Lydia and all Arabia, Kub and the people of the covenant land will fall by the sword along with Egypt” (Ezekiel 30:5). From Migdol to Aswan, cities will lay in ruin.

  • Zoan will be set on fire
  • Pelusium will writhe in agony.
  • Thebes will be taken by storm;
  • Memphis will be in constant distress.
  • Heliopolis and Bubastis will fall by the sword,
  • Dark will be the day at Tahpanhes

This is no small feat! These are forces to be reckoned with.

Ezekiel has words specific to the Pharaoh:

Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt. I will break both his arms, the good arm as well as the broken one, and make the sword fall from his hand. Ezekiel 30:22

Then they will know that the Lord is The Lord.

Chapter 31 depicts Pharaoh as a great cedar tree that is cut down, poetic words that describe how the mighty have fallen.

no tree in the garden of God
could match its beauty.
I made it beautiful
with abundant branches,
the envy of all the trees of Eden
in the garden of God.
Ezekiel 31:8-9

The conclusion:

“‘Which of the trees of Eden can be compared with you in splendor and majesty? Yet you, too, will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth below; you will lie among the uncircumcised, with those killed by the sword.
“‘This is Pharaoh and all his hordes, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”
Ezekiel 31:18

Chapter 32 provides a lament over Pharaoh, verses to remember how the mighty has fallen by the hand of the Sovereign Lord, the Creator of all. Ezekiel is told to say these words to Pharaoh, a tall order for a lowly prophet, or so it seems.

“‘You are like a lion among the nations;
you are like a monster in the seas
thrashing about in your streams,
churning the water with your feet
and muddying the streams.
Ezekiel 32:2

I will throw you on the land
and hurl you on the open field.
I will let all the birds of the sky settle on you
and all the animals of the wild gorge themselves on you.
Ezekiel 32:4

Seriously, I’m not sure I could ever have the courage to say such words to one of the most powerful men in the world. But Ezekiel has seen so much and he is confident he is just a vassal of the Lord. Amazing.

It strikes me how God uses individuals is such mighty ways. Paul speaks to us individually many times in his writing. This morning I was drawn to his words on unity in the church, he challenge for us to live out the life we were called to live.

But to each one of us
grace has been given
as Christ apportioned it.
This is why it says:
“When he ascended on high,
he took many captives
and gave gifts to his people.”
Ephesians 4:7-8

Will you live out that which you are called to today? Lord, help us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. (Ephesians 4:1). Help us to understand the gives you have given us and how it is they play a part in your magnificent musical.

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Ezekiel’s Prophecies About Neighboring Nations

Read: Ezekiel 25-28

Jerusalem is destroyed, it’s splendor is lost, but it’s not alone. The reading today outlines many who are affected by the sweeping conquests of the Babylonians. Here’s a brief summary of those who mocked God’s chosen:

  • A Prophecy against Ammon Ezekiel 25:1–7: Because you said “Aha!” over my sanctuary when it was desecrated…
  • A Prophecy against Moab Ezekiel 25:8–11:  Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, Judah has become like all the other nations…”
  • A Prophecy against Edom Ezekiel 25:12–14: Because Edom took revenge on Judah and became very guilty by doing so…
  • A Prophecy against Philistia Ezekiel 25:15–17: Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah…
  • A Prophecy against Tyre Ezekiel 26:1–28:19: because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, ‘Aha! The gate to the nations is broken, and its doors have swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will prosper,’
  • A Prophecy against Sidon Ezekiel 28:20–24: set your face against Sidon; prophesy against her…

A great deal of text is devoted to Tyre, it’s great status and mighty fall. King Hiram was a great customer of King Solomon in his day. The result of this relationship was Jerusalem’s temple and Solomon’s palace and, by the way, Tyre’s great wealth! It was a mighty force to be reckoned with in it’s time.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says to Tyre: Will not the coastlands tremble at the sound of your fall, when the wounded groan and the slaughter takes place in you? Ezekiel 26:15

How the great will fall, even those who seem to be beyond the negative influence of surrounding nations.

“‘How you are destroyed, city of renown,
peopled by men of the sea!
You were a power on the seas,
you and your citizens;
you put your terror
on all who lived there.
Now the coastlands tremble
on the day of your fall;
the islands in the sea
are terrified at your collapse.’
Ezekiel 26:17-18

No, Tyre, you will not escape: “I will bring you to a horrible end and you will be no more. You will be sought, but you will never again be found, declares the Sovereign Lord.” (Ezekiel 26:21).

Chapter 27 provides a lament for Tyre, it outlines the many nations that traded with Tyre to make it a wealthy nation and a force that seemed impenetrable, and yet…

Your wealth, merchandise and wares,
your mariners, sailors and shipwrights,
your merchants and all your soldiers,
and everyone else on board
will sink into the heart of the sea
on the day of your shipwreck.
Ezekiel 27:27

So the city of Tyre will be left in ruins. As for the king of Tyre, for his ego, fame and fortune:

“Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre,
‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘In the pride of your heart
you say, “I am a god;
I sit on the throne of a god
in the heart of the seas.”
But you are a mere mortal and not a god,
though you think you are as wise as a god.
Ezekiel 28:2

Here’s the warning that is relevant even today:

Your heart became proud
on account of your beauty,
and you corrupted your wisdom
because of your splendor.
So I threw you to the earth;
I made a spectacle of you before kings.
Ezekiel 28:17

God’s Promise — In the End

“When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will be proved holy through them in the sight of the nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob.
They will live there in safety and will build houses and plant vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God.” Ezekiel 28:25-26

“They” in this case is only a small portion of “they” who inherited The Promised Land. Because of their great sins, most, nearly all, would not see the wonder of what God had in mind for them.

Lessons to be learned from history. For those who are convinced they are unsinkable, whose egos have outgrown their present reality, disaster is around the corner. The Creator we serve will not be mocked, yet many will stand and tell us we are fools to believe in One God, One Way, One Jesus.

Lord, help us to stand when others turn their backs, to follow when many depart, to be faithful when there is no outward sign to see.

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Cooking Pot; Ezekiel’s Wife Dies

Read: Ezekiel 24

The last chapter in part one of Ezekiel compares Jerusalem to a cooking pot, the chosen are cooked along with the pot itself, one more parable for our ancestors to consider. The last section gives us something ponder: Ezekiel’s wife dies suddenly. The Lord tells Ezekiel and gives him direction to use this as a teaching moment. Really. The challenges of being a pastor, one called to lead at all times, good and bad. Lessons to learn hear. I pray God will speak to you in some special way this day.

Jerusalem as a Cooking Pot — Ezekiel 24:1-14

Ezekiel is given another vision on Jan. 15, 588 BC, the date precisely calculated in the NIV Study Bible notes based on multiple references. Interesting. I don’t want to get sidetracked, but the collective histories surrounding the exile is quite interesting, something to read about separately. The Lord told Ezekiel to pay particular attention to this date:

“Son of man, record this date, this very date, because the king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day. Ezekiel 24:2

It is a pivotal date for Jerusalem, for our ancestors. Ezekiel is give this parable to describe the fate of Jerusalem.

“‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“‘Woe to the city of bloodshed,
to the pot now encrusted,
whose deposit will not go away!
Take the meat out piece by piece
in whatever order it comes.
Ezekiel 24:6

Then set the empty pot on the coals
till it becomes hot and its copper glows,
so that its impurities may be melted
and its deposit burned away.
It has frustrated all efforts;
its heavy deposit has not been removed,
not even by fire.
Ezekiel 24:11-12

From cooking the meat and bones with spices to burning the impurities in the pot itself, the chosen have now been burned away.

“‘Now your impurity is lewdness. Because I tried to cleanse you but you would not be cleansed from your impurity, you will not be clean again until my wrath against you has subsided. Ezekiel 24:13

The term lewdness is particularly poignant here (see Ezekiel 23), for the people have openly rejected the Lord, his prophets and his commands. Without shame, they entered into depravity, wading deep into the waters of sin.

Ezekiel’s Wife Dies — Ezekiel 24:15-27

One of the most challenging vocations on earth is that of a pastor, one who is charged with leading a flock. It’s often glorified as one who is above reproach and more often the subject of great controversy when one falls prey to temptations of this world. Mostly, the daily activities of an effective pastor go unnoticed. I have the utmost respect for those who have answered the call to lead the sheep, to teach and exhort, to comfort and convict; especially those who know how to do both with love and compassion at the right time. It’s a difficult calling with eternal consequences–not to be taken lightly.

Here we are presented with a most challenging command with few words of preparation for Ezekiel:

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears. Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache and beard or eat the customary food of mourners.” Ezekiel 24:15-17

I can’t imagine what it would be like to receive this message from the Lord, it takes my breath away. Not only is Ezekiel about to lose the love of his life, but he is to use this tragedy to teach the people. Such is the cost of discipleship (re: Bonhoeffer). This is the road of those who stand in the gap, who are recognized as leaders in our faith community. Perhaps each of us are tested and tried in ways that will either strengthen or break us, I don’t know for sure, but it seems to be the case for many characters in the Bible.

Here Ezekiel is given a task to use this most mournful moment as yet another symbol for God’s chosen people.

Then the people asked me, “Won’t you tell us what these things have to do with us? Why are you acting like this?” Ezekiel 24:19

This isn’t normal! Ezekiel, you should be wailing and groaning, what’s up?

The sons and daughters you left behind will fall by the sword. And you will do as I have done. You will not cover your mustache and beard or eat the customary food of mourners. Ezekiel 24:21-22

The consolation prize for Ezekiel is that he will get his voice back, he will be able to speak again normally:

At that time your mouth will be opened; you will speak with him and will no longer be silent. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 24:27

I truly believe we fight spiritual battles all the time. On the outside things may look lovely and clean, perhaps covered up with makeup or nice clothes, but inside battles rage. My prayer is that the church will become the church it is supposed to be so we will have fellow believers to lean on when trials and temptations come our way–they will and they do–people to hold onto when it all goes to crap.

Lord, help us to learn by these extreme examples, to take it personally and to do something about it.

 

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Jerusalem Convicted; The Gap; Two Prostitutes: Samaria and Jerusalem

Read: Ezekiel 22-23

We’re nearing the end of the words against Jerusalem through Ezekiel, hard words to read for sure. Don’t miss Ezekiel 22:30 if you read nothing else.

Judgment on Jerusalem’s Sins

Chapter 22 provides a summary and list of offenses found in the holy city of Jerusalem, the choice place for the chosen people.

You city that brings on herself doom by shedding blood in her midst and defiles herself by making idols, you have become guilty because of the blood you have shed and have become defiled by the idols you have made. You have brought your days to a close, and the end of your years has come. Therefore I will make you an object of scorn to the nations and a laughingstock to all the countries. Ezekiel 22:3-4

Just in case they wanted to point the blame on the invading armies, Ezekiel makes it personal with eight examples, “in you,” statements: “‘See how each of the princes of Israel who are in you uses his power to shed blood. (Ezekiel 22:6)

  1. In you they have treated father and mother with contempt;
  2. In you they have oppressed the foreigner and mistreated the fatherless and the widow.
  3. In you are slanderers who are bent on shedding blood;
  4. In you are those who eat at the mountain shrines and commit lewd acts.
  5. In you are those who dishonor their father’s bed;
  6. In you are those who violate women during their period, when they are ceremonially unclean.
  7. In you one man commits a detestable offense with his neighbor’s wife, another shamefully defiles his daughter-in-law, and another violates his sister, his own father’s daughter.
  8. In you are people who accept bribes to shed blood; you take interest and make a profit from the poor. You extort unjust gain from your neighbors. And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign Lord.

These attributes are part of the people of God. They are graphic and deplorable. I wonder how close they are to contemporary times?

In The Gap

One of the most profound verses in the Bible, wrapped in Ezekiel’s prophecy against Jerusalem,

“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30

Who will stand in the gap? What gap is before you today? In his book, In the Gap: What Happens When God’s People Stand Strong, Wilfredo De Jesús provides a snapshot of nine people in the Bible that stood in the gap. It’s a quick read if you’re interested, probably a sermon series he published, and a good reminder that God calls us to stand in the gaps. Here’s the important piece: we have to see the gaps and be strong and courageous enough to stand with no guarantee of outcome in human terms. We have to deny ourselves for God’s purpose.

Chapter 23 — Two Prostitutes

This is really a harsh chapter to read. I pray that as you read this with young children, God will help you!!

  • Samaria: “Therefore I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, the Assyrians, for whom she lusted. They stripped her naked, took away her sons and daughters and killed her with the sword. She became a byword among women, and punishment was inflicted on her. Ezekiel 23:9-10
  • Jerusalem: “Her sister Oholibah saw this, yet in her lust and prostitution she was more depraved than her sister. Ezekiel 23:11

It gets worse, at least R-rated, I’ll let you read the rest, but here’s a preview:

When she carried on her prostitution openly and exposed her naked body, I turned away from her in disgust, just as I had turned away from her sister. Yet she became more and more promiscuous as she recalled the days of her youth, when she was a prostitute in Egypt. Ezekiel 23:18-19

Ezekiel must have had few friends in ministry, I can’t imagine people standing next to him as these words were spoken among the people. Did anyone ever say, “great sermon Zeek!” Not likely!

An end to this profanity:

And they slept with her. As men sleep with a prostitute, so they slept with those lewd women, Oholah and Oholibah. But righteous judges will sentence them to the punishment of women who commit adultery and shed blood, because they are adulterous and blood is on their hands. Ezekiel 23:44-45

I know Ezekiel is using adultery as a metaphor, but for a moment, I want to consider a very real thought on adultery. The atheist would have us believe that there is no morality based on the Bible, that we have merely built rules of acceptability out of some survival instinct. But as we read the Bible we see time and time again the sin of adultery is presented in the harshest of words, in analogy and in reality. God’s desire for marriage is consistently portrayed throughout scripture: one man and one woman, the two become one, to be stronger because of their bond, to share intimacy within the marriage covenant. Adulterous affairs must terribly displease God as they are so often used to make a point. Lord, keep us far from violating the sanctity of marriage.

Don’t let the world sway us from what you have designed from the very beginning. Help us to stand in the growing gap between your desire for your people and the world’s desire to tear us apart.

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