Category Archives: All Powerful / King of All

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Pride, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Fall of the Mighty: A Lesson in Humility (Ezekiel 31)

Do you ever marvel at the strength and success of those who seem invincible?

Ezekiel 31 reminds us that even the mightiest can fall, calling us to humility and reliance on God.

Key Verse: “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have increased in height, and it set its top among the thick boughs, and its heart was lifted up in its height, therefore I will deliver it into the hand of the mighty one of the nations, and he shall surely deal with it; I have driven it out for its wickedness.'” – Ezekiel 31:10-11 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 31 contains a prophecy against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, using the metaphor of Assyria as a towering cedar tree. This chapter illustrates how Assyria, once great and powerful, was brought low due to its pride. It serves as a warning to Egypt and to all who place their trust in their own strength and grandeur.

(Summarized and  continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 31

Pharaoh Warned of Assyria’s Fate

      1In the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying,

2“Son of man, say to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to his hordes,
‘Whom are you like in your greatness?

      3‘Behold, Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon
With beautiful branches and forest shade,
And very high,
And its top was among the clouds.

      4‘The waters made it grow, the deep made it high.
With its rivers it continually extended all around its planting place,
And sent out its channels to all the trees of the field.

      5‘Therefore its height was loftier than all the trees of the field
And its boughs became many and its branches long
Because of many waters as it spread them out.

      6‘All the birds of the heavens nested in its boughs,
And under its branches all the beasts of the field gave birth,
And all great nations lived under its shade.

      7‘So it was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches;
For its roots extended to many waters.

      8‘The cedars in God’s garden could not match it;
The cypresses could not compare with its boughs,
And the plane trees could not match its branches.
No tree in God’s garden could compare with it in its beauty.

      9‘I made it beautiful with the multitude of its branches,
And all the trees of Eden, which were in the garden of God, were jealous of it.

      10‘Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Because it is high in stature and has set its top among the clouds, and its heart is haughty in its loftiness, 11therefore I will give it into the hand of a despot of the nations; he will thoroughly deal with it. According to its wickedness I have driven it away. 12“Alien tyrants of the nations have cut it down and left it; on the mountains and in all the valleys its branches have fallen and its boughs have been broken in all the ravines of the land. And all the peoples of the earth have gone down from its shade and left it. 13“On its ruin all the birds of the heavens will dwell, and all the beasts of the field will be on its fallen branches 14so that all the trees by the waters may not be exalted in their stature, nor set their top among the clouds, nor their well-watered mighty ones stand erect in their height. For they have all been given over to death, to the earth beneath, among the sons of men, with those who go down to the pit.”

      15‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “On the day when it went down to Sheol I caused lamentations; I closed the deep over it and held back its rivers. And its many waters were stopped up, and I made Lebanon mourn for it, and all the trees of the field wilted away on account of it. 16“I made the nations quake at the sound of its fall when I made it go down to Sheol with those who go down to the pit; and all the well-watered trees of Eden, the choicest and best of Lebanon, were comforted in the earth beneath. 17“They also went down with it to Sheol to those who were slain by the sword; and those who were its strength lived under its shade among the nations.

      18“To which among the trees of Eden are you thus equal in glory and greatness? Yet you will be brought down with the trees of Eden to the earth beneath; you will lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who were slain by the sword. So is Pharaoh and all his hordes!”’ declares the Lord GOD.”

Reflection on Ezekiel 31:

  • The Mighty Cedar: The chapter begins with a description of Assyria as a magnificent cedar tree, towering above all others in the garden of God (Ezekiel 31:3-9). This imagery conveys the great power, beauty, and influence of Assyria at its height.
  • Pride and Downfall: The metaphor shifts to the heart of the message: Assyria’s pride led to its downfall. Because its heart was lifted up in pride, God delivered it into the hands of the mighty one of the nations (Ezekiel 31:10-11). This reflects the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
  • Judgment and Humility: The fall of Assyria serves as a stark reminder that no matter how great and powerful, all are subject to God’s judgment (Ezekiel 31:12-14). The purpose of this judgment is to humble the proud and exalt the sovereignty of God.
  • A Warning to Egypt: The prophecy against Assyria is directed toward Pharaoh and Egypt, warning them that their pride and reliance on their own strength will lead to similar destruction (Ezekiel 31:15-18). This serves as a universal lesson on the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Danger of Pride: Assyria’s fall illustrates that pride leads to downfall, regardless of one’s power and success.
  • God’s Sovereignty: All nations and individuals are subject to God’s judgment, emphasizing His ultimate authority.
  • Humility Before God: The prophecy calls us to humility, recognizing that true strength and security come from God alone.
  • Universal Warning: The message to Egypt serves as a warning to all who trust in their own power and grandeur.

Application: Let us examine our hearts for any traces of pride and self-reliance. May we recognize that all power and success come from God and can be taken away in an instant. Let us cultivate humility, acknowledging God’s sovereignty over our lives and placing our trust in Him alone. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and avoid the pitfalls of pride.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your sovereignty and power over all creation. Help us to recognize the dangers of pride and to cultivate humility in our hearts. Teach us to rely on You alone for our strength and security. May we live in a way that honors You, acknowledging that all we have comes from Your hand. Keep us humble and faithful, trusting in Your wisdom and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Day of the Lord: A Call to Humility and Repentance (Ezekiel 30)

Do you live with an awareness of the Lord’s power and judgment?

Ezekiel 30 speaks of the “Day of the Lord,” a time of divine judgment that calls us to humility and repentance.

Key Verse: “For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near; it will be a day of clouds, the time of the Gentiles.” – Ezekiel 30:3 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 30 is a prophecy against Egypt and its allies, warning of the impending judgment and destruction that will come upon them. This chapter emphasizes the certainty of God’s judgment and serves as a powerful reminder of His sovereignty over all nations. The “Day of the Lord” is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing a time when God executes justice and righteousness.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 30

Lament over Egypt

      1The word of the LORD came again to me saying,

2“Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“Wail, ‘Alas for the day!’

      3“For the day is near,
Even the day of the LORD is near;
It will be a day of clouds,
A time of doom for the nations.

      4“A sword will come upon Egypt,
And anguish will be in Ethiopia;
When the slain fall in Egypt,
They take away her wealth,
And her foundations are torn down.

5“Ethiopia, Put, Lud, all Arabia, Libya and the people of the land that is in league will fall with them by the sword.”

      6‘Thus says the LORD,
“Indeed, those who support Egypt will fall
And the pride of her power will come down;
From Migdol to Syene
They will fall within her by the sword,”
Declares the Lord GOD.

      7“They will be desolate
In the midst of the desolated lands;
And her cities will be
In the midst of the devastated cities.

      8“And they will know that I am the LORD,
When I set a fire in Egypt
And all her helpers are broken.

9“On that day messengers will go forth from Me in ships to frighten secure Ethiopia; and anguish will be on them as on the day of Egypt; for behold, it comes!”

      10‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“I will also make the hordes of Egypt cease
By the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.

      11“He and his people with him,
The most ruthless of the nations,
Will be brought in to destroy the land;
And they will draw their swords against Egypt
And fill the land with the slain.

      12“Moreover, I will make the Nile canals dry
And sell the land into the hands of evil men.
And I will make the land desolate
And all that is in it,
By the hand of strangers; I the LORD have spoken.”

      13‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“I will also destroy the idols
And make the images cease from Memphis.
And there will no longer be a prince in the land of Egypt;
And I will put fear in the land of Egypt.

      14“I will make Pathros desolate,
Set a fire in Zoan
And execute judgments on Thebes.

      15“I will pour out My wrath on Sin,
The stronghold of Egypt;
I will also cut off the hordes of Thebes.

      16“I will set a fire in Egypt;
Sin will writhe in anguish,
Thebes will be breached
And Memphis will have distresses daily.

      17“The young men of On and of Pi-beseth
Will fall by the sword,
And the women will go into captivity.

      18“In Tehaphnehes the day will be dark
When I break there the yoke bars of Egypt.
Then the pride of her power will cease in her;
A cloud will cover her,
And her daughters will go into captivity.

      19“Thus I will execute judgments on Egypt,
And they will know that I am the LORD.”’”

Victory for Babylon

20In the eleventh year, in the first month, on the seventh of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying, 21“Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, behold, it has not been bound up for healing or wrapped with a bandage, that it may be strong to hold the sword. 22“Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am against Pharaoh king of Egypt and will break his arms, both the strong and the broken; and I will make the sword fall from his hand. 23‘I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them among the lands. 24‘For I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon and put My sword in his hand; and I will break the arms of Pharaoh, so that he will groan before him with the groanings of a wounded man. 25‘Thus I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, but the arms of Pharaoh will fall. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I put My sword into the hand of the king of Babylon and he stretches it out against the land of Egypt. 26‘When I scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them among the lands, then they will know that I am the LORD.’”

Reflection on Ezekiel 30:

  • The Imminence of Judgment: The chapter opens with a declaration that the day of the Lord is near, bringing a time of darkness and turmoil (Ezekiel 30:1-3). This emphasizes the urgency and inevitability of God’s judgment.
  • Destruction of Egypt: The prophecy details the fall of Egypt and its allies, describing how they will be defeated and laid waste (Ezekiel 30:4-9). This serves as a sobering reminder that no nation, regardless of its power and wealth, is beyond God’s reach.
  • God’s Sovereignty: God declares that He will execute judgment on Egypt and break its pride (Ezekiel 30:10-12). This highlights His sovereignty and control over all events and nations.
  • The Purpose of Judgment: The chapter explains that the purpose of God’s judgment is so that the people will know that He is the Lord (Ezekiel 30:19). This underscores the redemptive aspect of divine judgment, intended to lead people to recognize God’s authority and turn to Him.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Day of the Lord: A time of divine judgment that brings justice and righteousness, reminding us of God’s sovereignty.
  • Certainty of Judgment: No nation or individual is beyond God’s reach; His judgment is inevitable and just.
  • Purpose of Judgment: God’s judgment serves to lead people to acknowledge His authority and turn to Him in repentance.
  • Call to Humility and Repentance: The prophecy against Egypt calls us to examine our own lives, repent of our sins, and humble ourselves before God.

Application: Let us live with a constant awareness of the Lord’s power and judgment. May we examine our hearts and lives, repenting of any sins and humbling ourselves before God. Let us recognize His sovereignty and authority over all things and strive to live in a way that honors Him. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and prepare for the day of the Lord.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your sovereignty and power over all nations and events. Help us to live with an awareness of Your judgment and to examine our hearts and lives. Grant us the humility to repent of our sins and turn to You with sincere hearts. May we recognize Your authority and live in a way that honors and glorifies You. Prepare us for the day of the Lord and keep us steadfast in our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Discipline / Guidance From God, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Protector / Deliverer, Provider, Strong in Our Weakness, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Trusting in the Lord: A Warning Against False Security (Ezekiel 29)

Where do you place your trust in times of trouble?

Ezekiel 29 warns us about the dangers of relying on earthly powers and the importance of placing our trust in the Lord.

Key Verse: “Because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel, when they took hold of you with the hand, you broke and tore all their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke and made all their backs quiver.” – Ezekiel 29:6-7 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 29 contains a prophecy against Egypt, symbolized by the great dragon lying in the midst of its rivers. Egypt, once a source of hope and security for Israel, is condemned for its arrogance and false promises. This chapter emphasizes the futility of relying on earthly powers instead of trusting in the Lord.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 29

Judgment of Egypt

      1In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt and prophesy against him and against all Egypt.

3“Speak and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt,
The great monster that lies in the midst of his rivers,
That has said, ‘My Nile is mine, and I myself have made it.’

      4“I will put hooks in your jaws
And make the fish of your rivers cling to your scales.
And I will bring you up out of the midst of your rivers,
And all the fish of your rivers will cling to your scales.

      5“I will abandon you to the wilderness, you and all the fish of your rivers;
You will fall on the open field; you will not be brought together or gathered.
I have given you for food to the beasts of the earth and to the birds of the sky.

      6“Then all the inhabitants of Egypt will know that I am the LORD,
Because they have been only a staff made of reed to the house of Israel.

      7“When they took hold of you with the hand,
You broke and tore all their hands;
And when they leaned on you,
You broke and made all their loins quake.”

      8‘Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I will bring upon you a sword and I will cut off from you man and beast. 9“The land of Egypt will become a desolation and waste. Then they will know that I am the LORD.
Because you said, ‘The Nile is mine, and I have made it,’ 10therefore, behold, I am against you and against your rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation, from Migdol to Syene and even to the border of Ethiopia. 11“A man’s foot will not pass through it, and the foot of a beast will not pass through it, and it will not be inhabited for forty years. 12“So I will make the land of Egypt a desolation in the midst of desolated lands. And her cities, in the midst of cities that are laid waste, will be desolate forty years; and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them among the lands.”

      13‘For thus says the Lord GOD, “At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the peoples among whom they were scattered. 14“I will turn the fortunes of Egypt and make them return to the land of Pathros, to the land of their origin, and there they will be a lowly kingdom. 15“It will be the lowest of the kingdoms, and it will never again lift itself up above the nations. And I will make them so small that they will not rule over the nations. 16“And it will never again be the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing to mind the iniquity of their having turned to Egypt. Then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”’”

      17Now in the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, on the first of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying, 18“Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon made his army labor hard against Tyre; every head was made bald and every shoulder was rubbed bare. But he and his army had no wages from Tyre for the labor that he had performed against it.” 19Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. And he will carry off her wealth and capture her spoil and seize her plunder; and it will be wages for his army. 20“I have given him the land of Egypt for his labor which he performed, because they acted for Me,” declares the Lord GOD.

      21“On that day I will make a horn sprout for the house of Israel, and I will open your mouth in their midst. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

Reflection on Ezekiel 29:

  • Judgment Against Egypt: God declares judgment on Pharaoh, king of Egypt, comparing him to a great dragon in the Nile who boasts of creating the river (Ezekiel 29:3). This imagery highlights Egypt’s arrogance and self-sufficiency.
  • False Security: Egypt is described as a “staff of reed” to the house of Israel—a false support that breaks when leaned upon, causing injury (Ezekiel 29:6-7). This metaphor illustrates the unreliability of placing trust in earthly powers instead of God.
  • Desolation and Restoration: God pronounces that Egypt will be desolate for forty years, scattering its people among the nations (Ezekiel 29:10-12). However, He also promises eventual restoration, emphasizing His sovereignty over nations and His ability to judge and restore according to His will (Ezekiel 29:13-16).
  • Purpose of Judgment: The prophecy concludes with a declaration that Egypt’s downfall will serve as a reminder to Israel of the folly of relying on foreign powers instead of God (Ezekiel 29:16). This reinforces the importance of placing trust in the Lord alone.

Summary Key Points:

  • Futility of Earthly Security: Egypt’s failure as a reliable ally illustrates the danger of relying on worldly powers.
  • God’s Sovereignty: God’s judgment and eventual restoration of Egypt underscore His control over nations and history.
  • Lesson for Israel: The downfall of Egypt serves as a lesson for Israel (and us) to trust in God rather than earthly sources of security.

Application: Let us examine where we place our trust and security. Are we relying on worldly powers, wealth, or relationships instead of God? May we learn from the example of Egypt and Israel, choosing to place our trust in the Lord who is sovereign over all. Let us remember that true security and hope are found only in Him.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we acknowledge that You alone are our true source of security and hope. Help us to recognize the futility of relying on earthly powers and to place our trust in You. Teach us to lean on Your strength and wisdom in times of trouble. May we always remember Your sovereignty and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Humility, Pride, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Fall of the Proud: A Lesson in Humility (Ezekiel 28)

Have you ever felt the allure of pride, thinking you are invincible or above others?

Ezekiel 28 provides a sobering reminder of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility before God.

Key Verse: “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you.” – Ezekiel 28:17 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 28 contains a prophetic message against the prince and king of Tyre, who symbolize the ultimate fall of pride and arrogance. The passage also includes a lament over the fall of Tyre, drawing parallels between the pride of Tyre’s leaders and the fall of Lucifer. This chapter serves as a powerful illustration of the consequences of pride and self-exaltation.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 28

Tyre’s King Overthrown

      1The word of the LORD came again to me, saying,

2“Son of man, say to the leader of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“Because your heart is lifted up
And you have said, ‘I am a god,
I sit in the seat of gods
In the heart of the seas’;
Yet you are a man and not God,
Although you make your heart like the heart of God—

      3Behold, you are wiser than Daniel;
There is no secret that is a match for you.

      4“By your wisdom and understanding
You have acquired riches for yourself
And have acquired gold and silver for your treasuries.

      5“By your great wisdom, by your trade
You have increased your riches
And your heart is lifted up because of your riches—

6Therefore thus says the Lord GOD,
‘Because you have made your heart
Like the heart of God,

      7Therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon you,
The most ruthless of the nations.
And they will draw their swords
Against the beauty of your wisdom
And defile your splendor.

      8‘They will bring you down to the pit,
And you will die the death of those who are slain
In the heart of the seas.

      9‘Will you still say, “I am a god,”
In the presence of your slayer,
Though you are a man and not God,
In the hands of those who wound you?

      10‘You will die the death of the uncircumcised
By the hand of strangers,
For I have spoken!’ declares the Lord GOD!”’”

      11Again the word of the LORD came to me saying,

12“Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“You had the seal of perfection,
Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.

      13“You were in Eden, the garden of God;
Every precious stone was your covering:
The ruby, the topaz and the diamond;
The beryl, the onyx and the jasper;
The lapis lazuli, the turquoise and the emerald;
And the gold, the workmanship of your settings and sockets,
Was in you.
On the day that you were created
They were prepared.

      14“You were the anointed cherub who covers,
And I placed you there.
You were on the holy mountain of God;
You walked in the midst of the stones of fire.

      15“You were blameless in your ways
From the day you were created
Until unrighteousness was found in you.

      16“By the abundance of your trade
You were internally filled with violence,
And you sinned;
Therefore I have cast you as profane
From the mountain of God.
And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub,
From the midst of the stones of fire.

      17“Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty;
You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor.
I cast you to the ground;
I put you before kings,
That they may see you.

      18“By the multitude of your iniquities,
In the unrighteousness of your trade
You profaned your sanctuaries.
Therefore I have brought fire from the midst of you;
It has consumed you,
And I have turned you to ashes on the earth
In the eyes of all who see you.

      19“All who know you among the peoples
Are appalled at you;
You have become terrified
And you will cease to be forever.”’”

Judgment of Sidon

      20And the word of the LORD came to me saying, 21“Son of man, set your face toward Sidon, prophesy against her

22and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“Behold, I am against you, O Sidon,
And I will be glorified in your midst.
Then they will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments in her,
And I will manifest My holiness in her.

      23“For I will send pestilence to her
And blood to her streets,
And the wounded will fall in her midst
By the sword upon her on every side;
Then they will know that I am the LORD.

24“And there will be no more for the house of Israel a prickling brier or a painful thorn from any round about them who scorned them; then they will know that I am the Lord GOD.”

Israel Regathered

      25‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “When I gather the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and will manifest My holiness in them in the sight of the nations, then they will live in their land which I gave to My servant Jacob. 26“They will live in it securely; and they will build houses, plant vineyards and live securely when I execute judgments upon all who scorn them round about them. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.”’”

Reflection on Ezekiel 28:

  • Judgment on the Prince of Tyre: The chapter begins with a prophecy against the prince of Tyre, whose heart was lifted up in pride, claiming to be a god (Ezekiel 28:1-2). God declares that he will be brought down by foreign nations, emphasizing that no one can stand against God’s judgment (Ezekiel 28:6-10).
  • Lament over the King of Tyre: Ezekiel then delivers a lament over the king of Tyre, drawing a striking parallel to the fall of Lucifer. The king is described as having been in Eden, adorned with precious stones, and anointed as a guardian cherub until iniquity was found in him (Ezekiel 28:12-15). This highlights the beauty and splendor that led to his pride and downfall.
  • The Fall of Pride: Because of his pride and corrupted wisdom, God cast him down from his exalted position (Ezekiel 28:16-17). This serves as a stark warning that pride leads to downfall, no matter how exalted one may seem.
  • The Consequence of Arrogance: The chapter concludes with a prophecy against Sidon and a promise of restoration for Israel. This emphasizes God’s ultimate sovereignty and the certainty of His judgment against pride and arrogance (Ezekiel 28:20-26).

Summary Key Points:

  • Danger of Pride: The pride of the prince and king of Tyre serves as a powerful warning that pride leads to downfall.
  • Sovereignty of God: No matter how exalted one may be, God’s judgment is certain and His sovereignty prevails.
  • Call to Humility: We are called to humility, recognizing that all we have and are comes from God, and to guard against the allure of self-exaltation.

Application: Let us examine our hearts for any traces of pride and self-exaltation. May we embrace humility, acknowledging that our beauty, wisdom, and achievements come from God. Let us live in reverence of God’s sovereignty, knowing that He alone exalts and brings down. By cultivating humility, we align ourselves with God’s will and avoid the pitfalls of pride.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging Your sovereignty and our need for humility. Search our hearts and remove any trace of pride and self-exaltation. Help us to recognize that all we have comes from You and to live in a way that honors Your sovereignty. Teach us to walk in humility, trusting in Your wisdom and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Arrogance, Discipline / Guidance From God, Humility, Justice / Judgment, Money / Finances / Wealth, Pride, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Fall of Tyre: A Lesson in Humility (Ezekiel 26)

Do we sometimes take pride in our own strength and accomplishments, forgetting the ultimate sovereignty of God? Ezekiel 26 warns us about the dangers of pride and self-reliance, reminding us that God alone is sovereign.

Key Verse: “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up.'” – Ezekiel 26:3 (NKJV)

Background Context: Ezekiel 26 contains a prophecy against the city of Tyre, a powerful and wealthy city on the Mediterranean coast. Tyre’s pride and its rejoicing over Jerusalem’s fall led to God’s pronouncement of judgment. This chapter details the complete destruction that would come upon Tyre as a result of its arrogance and opposition to God’s people.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 26

Judgment on Tyre

      1Now in the eleventh year, on the first of the month, the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“Son of man, because Tyre has said concerning Jerusalem, ‘Aha, the gateway of the peoples is broken; it has opened to me. I shall be filled, now that she is laid waste,’ 3therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. 4‘They will destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers; and I will scrape her debris from her and make her a bare rock. 5‘She will be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea, for I have spoken,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘and she will become spoil for the nations. 6‘Also her daughters who are on the mainland will be slain by the sword, and they will know that I am the LORD.’”

      7For thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I will bring upon Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of kings, with horses, chariots, cavalry and a great army. 8“He will slay your daughters on the mainland with the sword; and he will make siege walls against you, cast up a ramp against you and raise up a large shield against you. 9“The blow of his battering rams he will direct against your walls, and with his axes he will break down your towers. 10“Because of the multitude of his horses, the dust raised by them will cover you; your walls will shake at the noise of cavalry and wagons and chariots when he enters your gates as men enter a city that is breached. 11“With the hoofs of his horses he will trample all your streets. He will slay your people with the sword; and your strong pillars will come down to the ground. 12“Also they will make a spoil of your riches and a prey of your merchandise, break down your walls and destroy your pleasant houses, and throw your stones and your timbers and your debris into the water. 13“So I will silence the sound of your songs, and the sound of your harps will be heard no more. 14“I will make you a bare rock; you will be a place for the spreading of nets. You will be built no more, for I the LORD have spoken,” declares the Lord GOD.

      15Thus says the Lord GOD to Tyre, “Shall not the coastlands shake at the sound of your fall when the wounded groan, when the slaughter occurs in your midst? 16“Then all the princes of the sea will go down from their thrones, remove their robes and strip off their embroidered garments. They will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the ground, tremble every moment and be appalled at you.

17“They will take up a lamentation over you and say to you,
‘How you have perished, O inhabited one,
From the seas, O renowned city,
Which was mighty on the sea,
She and her inhabitants,
Who imposed her terror
On all her inhabitants!

      18‘Now the coastlands will tremble
On the day of your fall;
Yes, the coastlands which are by the sea
Will be terrified at your passing.’”

      19For thus says the Lord GOD, “When I make you a desolate city, like the cities which are not inhabited, when I bring up the deep over you and the great waters cover you, 20then I will bring you down with those who go down to the pit, to the people of old, and I will make you dwell in the lower parts of the earth, like the ancient waste places, with those who go down to the pit, so that you will not be inhabited; but I will set glory in the land of the living. 21“I will bring terrors on you and you will be no more; though you will be sought, you will never be found again,” declares the Lord GOD.

Reflection on Ezekiel 26:

  • God’s Judgment on Tyre: God declares that He is against Tyre and will bring many nations against it like the waves of the sea (Ezekiel 26:3). This imagery of relentless waves underscores the certainty and totality of Tyre’s impending destruction.
  • Destruction of the City: The prophecy describes how Tyre’s walls and towers will be broken down, and its dust scraped away, making it a bare rock (Ezekiel 26:4). This complete devastation illustrates the futility of relying on one’s own strength and defenses against God’s judgment.
  • The Ruin of Wealth and Commerce: Tyre, known for its wealth and bustling commerce, will see its riches plundered and its merchants lamenting its fall (Ezekiel 26:12-15). This highlights how material wealth and human achievements are transient and cannot save us from God’s sovereign will.
  • A Warning to Others: The fall of Tyre serves as a warning to other nations and cities. They will be appalled at Tyre’s downfall and recognize the sovereignty of God (Ezekiel 26:16-21). This calls for humility and acknowledgment of God’s ultimate authority over all.

Summary Key Points:

  • Pride and Downfall: Tyre’s pride and self-reliance led to its complete destruction by God’s decree.
  • Transience of Wealth: Material wealth and human achievements are fleeting and cannot protect us from God’s judgment.
  • God’s Sovereignty: The fall of Tyre serves as a reminder of God’s ultimate authority and power over all nations and people.

Application: Let us examine our own lives for areas where pride and self-reliance may have taken root. May we humbly acknowledge God’s sovereignty and submit to His will, recognizing that true security and strength come from Him alone. Let us not place our trust in material wealth or human achievements but in God’s enduring power and grace.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging Your sovereignty and power over all. Help us to recognize areas of pride and self-reliance in our lives and to submit humbly to Your will. Teach us to place our trust not in material wealth or human achievements but in Your enduring strength and grace. May we live lives that reflect Your humility and acknowledge Your ultimate authority. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Compassion, Justice / Judgment, Mercy, Revenge

Divine Justice: Understanding God’s Sovereignty (Ezekiel 25)

Have you ever witnessed or experienced injustice and wondered how it fits into God’s plan?

Ezekiel 25 reveals God’s sovereignty and His righteous judgment on the nations that defy Him.

Key Verse: “Thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you clapped your hands, stamped your feet, and rejoiced in heart with all your disdain for the land of Israel, indeed, therefore, I will stretch out My hand against you.'” – Ezekiel 25:6-7 (NKJV)

Background Context: In Ezekiel 25, God pronounces judgment on Israel’s neighboring nations—Ammon, Moab, Edom, and Philistia. These nations rejoiced over Israel’s downfall and acted against God’s people. Through Ezekiel, God declares that He will execute judgment on them, demonstrating His sovereignty and justice.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 25

Judgment on Gentile Nations—Ammon

      1And the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“Son of man, set your face toward the sons of Ammon and prophesy against them, 3and say to the sons of Ammon, ‘Hear the word of the Lord GOD! Thus says the Lord GOD, “Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel when it was made desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into exile, 4therefore, behold, I am going to give you to the sons of the east for a possession, and they will set their encampments among you and make their dwellings among you; they will eat your fruit and drink your milk. 5“I will make Rabbah a pasture for camels and the sons of Ammon a resting place for flocks. Thus you will know that I am the LORD.” 6‘For thus says the Lord GOD, “Because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet and rejoiced with all the scorn of your soul against the land of Israel, 7therefore, behold, I have stretched out My hand against you and I will give you for spoil to the nations. And I will cut you off from the peoples and make you perish from the lands; I will destroy you. Thus you will know that I am the LORD.”

Moab

      8‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Because Moab and Seir say, ‘Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations,’ 9therefore, behold, I am going to deprive the flank of Moab of its cities, of its cities which are on its frontiers, the glory of the land, Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon and Kiriathaim, 10and I will give it for a possession along with the sons of Ammon to the sons of the east, so that the sons of Ammon will not be remembered among the nations. 11“Thus I will execute judgments on Moab, and they will know that I am the LORD.”

Edom

      12‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Because Edom has acted against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has incurred grievous guilt, and avenged themselves upon them,” 13therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “I will also stretch out My hand against Edom and cut off man and beast from it. And I will lay it waste; from Teman even to Dedan they will fall by the sword. 14“I will lay My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel. Therefore, they will act in Edom according to My anger and according to My wrath; thus they will know My vengeance,” declares the Lord GOD.

Philistia

      15‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Because the Philistines have acted in revenge and have taken vengeance with scorn of soul to destroy with everlasting enmity,” 16therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, even cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant of the seacoast. 17“I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes; and they will know that I am the LORD when I lay My vengeance on them.”’”

Reflection on Ezekiel 25:

  • Judgment on Ammon: God rebukes the Ammonites for their malicious joy over the destruction of the temple and Israel’s exile. He warns that their land will be given to the people of the East (Ezekiel 25:1-7). This judgment underscores that gloating over the misfortunes of others incurs God’s wrath.
  • Judgment on Moab: Moab is condemned for saying that Judah is like all other nations. God declares that Moab’s strongholds will be destroyed, and they will know His power (Ezekiel 25:8-11). This emphasizes that disregarding God’s unique relationship with His people invites His judgment.
  • Judgment on Edom: Edom is judged for taking revenge on Judah. God announces that He will lay waste to Edom, showing that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Ezekiel 25:12-14). This highlights that taking matters into our own hands and seeking revenge leads to divine retribution.
  • Judgment on Philistia: The Philistines are punished for their longstanding hostility and vengeful actions against Judah. God promises to destroy the Philistines and wipe out their remnant (Ezekiel 25:15-17). This illustrates that harboring and acting on deep-seated animosity results in God’s decisive intervention.

Summary Key Points:

  • Divine Justice: God’s judgment on the nations reveals His commitment to justice and His intolerance of malicious joy and vengeance.
  • Sovereignty of God: The punishments reflect God’s sovereignty over all nations and His protection of His people.
  • Consequences of Actions: Rejoicing in others’ misfortunes and seeking revenge bring about God’s righteous judgment.

Application: Let us reflect on God’s sovereignty and His commitment to justice. We should avoid rejoicing over the misfortunes of others or taking revenge into our own hands. Instead, let us trust in God’s righteous judgment and seek to live in harmony with others, showing compassion and mercy.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your sovereignty and righteousness. Help us to trust in Your divine justice and refrain from rejoicing over the misfortunes of others. Grant us hearts that seek peace and reconciliation, leaving vengeance to You. May we always act with compassion and mercy, reflecting Your love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Faith / Trusting God, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Miracles, Submitted / Servant

Feeding the Five Thousand: Lessons in Faith and Surrender (Luke 9:12-27)

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of a problem, wondering how you could possibly make a difference?

Luke 9:12-27 offers a powerful narrative of Jesus feeding the five thousand, reminding us that even in our inadequacy, God can work miracles through our faith and surrender.

Reconnect: Continuing our journey through the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry as He performs the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Luke 9:12-27 not only demonstrates Christ’s compassion and power but also challenges His disciples—and us—to deepen our faith and surrender to God’s will.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 9:12-27

Five Thousand Fed

      12Now the day was ending, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; for here we are in a desolate place.” 13But He said to them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless perhaps we go and buy food for all these people.” 14(For there were about five thousand men.) And He said to His disciples, “Have them sit down to eat in groups of about fifty each.” 15They did so, and had them all sit down. 16Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people. 17And they all ate and were satisfied; and the broken pieces which they had left over were picked up, twelve baskets full.

      18And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, “Who do the people say that I am?” 19They answered and said, “John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; but others, that one of the prophets of old has risen again.” 20And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 21But He warned them and instructed them not to tell this to anyone, 22saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised up on the third day.”

      23And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. 25“For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself? 26“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27“But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

Summary Key Points:

  • Feeding the Multitude: As evening approaches, the disciples urge Jesus to send the crowds away to find food and lodging. Instead, Jesus instructs them to feed the multitude. With only five loaves of bread and two fish, He miraculously multiplies the food, satisfying the hunger of thousands.
  • Faith in Action: Jesus’ disciples witness firsthand the power of faith in action as they distribute the multiplied food among the hungry crowds. Through their obedience and trust in Jesus, they become vessels of His provision and compassion.
  • The Confession of Peter: Following this miraculous event, Jesus questions His disciples about His identity. Peter boldly declares, “You are the Messiah of God.” Jesus foretells His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, challenging His followers to take up their crosses daily and follow Him.
  • The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus emphasizes the high cost of discipleship, calling His followers to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Him. He warns against gaining the whole world at the expense of one’s soul and urges His disciples to prioritize eternal matters over temporal pursuits.

Call to Action:

  • Step Out in Faith: Like the disciples, let us step out in faith, trusting in God’s provision and power to accomplish the seemingly impossible. When faced with overwhelming challenges, may we surrender our inadequacies to Jesus, allowing Him to work miracles through us.
  • Embrace Sacrificial Living: The call to discipleship requires sacrifice and surrender. Let us willingly take up our crosses daily, denying ourselves and following Jesus wholeheartedly. May we prioritize eternal values over earthly desires, seeking first the kingdom of God.
  • Confess Jesus as Lord: Just as Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah, let us boldly declare His lordship over our lives. May our confession of faith be accompanied by a life of obedience and devotion to Christ, bearing witness to His transformative power in our lives.

As we reflect on the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and Jesus’ call to discipleship in Luke 9:12-27, may we be inspired to deepen our faith and surrender to God’s will. Let us embrace sacrificial living, confessing Jesus as Lord and following Him wholeheartedly on the journey of discipleship.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are humbled by the miraculous works of Your Son, Jesus Christ, as recorded in Luke 9:12-27. Teach us to trust in Your provision and power, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Help us to embrace sacrificial living, denying ourselves and following Jesus wholeheartedly. May our lives be a testimony to His transformative power and lordship. In His name, we pray, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Discerning / Judging, Faith / Trusting God, Humility, Intgegrity / Honesty, Pride, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Wise

Navigating Life’s Path with Wisdom: Insights from Proverbs 16

Ever found yourself at a crossroads, unsure which path to take or decision to make? Proverbs 16 offers timeless wisdom to guide us through life’s complexities, illuminating the way forward with clarity and discernment.

Reconnect: Proverbs, often described as a treasure trove of practical wisdom, provides invaluable insights into navigating life’s myriad challenges. In Proverbs 16, we encounter a wealth of proverbial nuggets that offer profound truths for our journey.

Proverbs 16: The sixteenth chapter of Proverbs opens with a poignant reminder of the sovereignty of God over human affairs, highlighting the importance of committing our plans to Him. As we journey through the chapter, we encounter a tapestry of wisdom woven into various facets of life, from relationships and humility to righteousness and discernment.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Proverbs 16

Contrast the Upright and the Wicked

1The plans of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

      2All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
But the LORD weighs the motives.

      3Commit your works to the LORD
And your plans will be established.

      4The LORD has made everything for its own purpose,
Even the wicked for the day of evil.

      5Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.

      6By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for,
And by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil.

      7When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

      8Better is a little with righteousness
Than great income with injustice.

      9The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.

      10A divine decision is in the lips of the king;
His mouth should not err in judgment.

      11A just balance and scales belong to the LORD;
All the weights of the bag are His concern.

      12It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts,
For a throne is established on righteousness.

      13Righteous lips are the delight of kings,
And he who speaks right is loved.

      14The fury of a king is like messengers of death,
But a wise man will appease it.

      15In the light of a king’s face is life,
And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.

      16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

      17The highway of the upright is to depart from evil;
He who watches his way preserves his life.

      18Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before stumbling.

      19It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly
Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

      20He who gives attention to the word will find good,
And blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.

      21The wise in heart will be called understanding,
And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.

      22Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it,
But the discipline of fools is folly.

      23The heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

      24Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

      25There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death.

      26A worker’s appetite works for him,
For his hunger urges him on.

      27A worthless man digs up evil,
While his words are like scorching fire.

      28A perverse man spreads strife,
And a slanderer separates intimate friends.

      29A man of violence entices his neighbor
And leads him in a way that is not good.

      30He who winks his eyes does so to devise perverse things;
He who compresses his lips brings evil to pass.

      31A gray head is a crown of glory;
It is found in the way of righteousness.

      32He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.

      33The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the LORD.

Key Points:

  • Sovereignty and Trust: The chapter begins with the acknowledgment that while we may devise our plans, it is the Lord who ultimately directs our steps. Trusting in His providence and guidance is paramount as we navigate life’s uncertainties.
  • Humility and Wisdom: Verses 5 and 18 underscore the destructive nature of pride and the importance of humility in fostering healthy relationships and wise decision-making.
  • Integrity and Righteousness: Throughout the chapter, the value of integrity and righteousness is emphasized, contrasting the fleeting allure of ill-gotten gain with the enduring blessings of righteousness.
  • Discernment and Understanding: Proverbs 16 exhorts us to seek wisdom and understanding, recognizing that discernment is a precious commodity that leads to life and favor.

Call to Action: Drawing from the wisdom of Proverbs 16, let us embark on a journey of growth and transformation guided by the principles of God’s Word.

  • Commit Your Plans to God: Take time to prayerfully surrender your plans and aspirations to the Lord, trusting in His sovereignty and wisdom to guide your steps.
  • Cultivate Humility: Reflect on areas of your life where pride may be hindering your relationships or decision-making. Embrace humility as a virtue that fosters harmony and wisdom.
  • Pursue Righteousness: Strive to live a life marked by integrity and righteousness, honoring God in all your actions and interactions.
  • Seek Wisdom Daily: Make it a priority to seek wisdom and understanding from God’s Word and through prayer. Cultivate a discerning spirit that leads to life and favor.

As we journey through the ever-changing landscape of life, may the wisdom of Proverbs 16 serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path before us and empowering us to walk in righteousness and understanding.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the timeless wisdom found in Your Word, particularly in the book of Proverbs. Grant us the grace to heed its teachings and apply its truths to our daily lives. May we walk in humility and righteousness, seeking Your guidance and wisdom in all that we do. Lead us, O Lord, along paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Share the Good News, Through Prophets

There Are Consequences for Disobedience (Ezekiel 7)

Ever wonder about the consequences of not following God’s instructions? Ever question if God truly cares?

In Ezekiel 7, we witness a dramatic example of the repercussions of disobedience—a sobering reminder of God’s justice and love.

Reconnect: Ezekiel’s prophecy in chapter 7 serves as a continuation of the divine messages he received earlier, emphasizing the consequences of Israel’s persistent disobedience. This chapter stands as a pivotal moment in Ezekiel’s ministry, highlighting the imminent judgment upon the land and its inhabitants.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 7

Punishment for Wickedness Foretold

      1Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“And you, son of man, thus says the Lord GOD to the land of Israel, ‘An end! The end is coming on the four corners of the land. 3‘Now the end is upon you, and I will send My anger against you; I will judge you according to your ways and bring all your abominations upon you. 4‘For My eye will have no pity on you, nor will I spare you, but I will bring your ways upon you, and your abominations will be among you; then you will know that I am the LORD!’

      5“Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘A disaster, unique disaster, behold it is coming! 6‘An end is coming; the end has come! It has awakened against you; behold, it has come! 7‘Your doom has come to you, O inhabitant of the land. The time has come, the day is near—tumult rather than joyful shouting on the mountains. 8‘Now I will shortly pour out My wrath on you and spend My anger against you; judge you according to your ways and bring on you all your abominations. 9‘My eye will show no pity nor will I spare. I will repay you according to your ways, while your abominations are in your midst; then you will know that I, the LORD, do the smiting.

      10‘Behold, the day! Behold, it is coming! Your doom has gone forth; the rod has budded, arrogance has blossomed. 11‘Violence has grown into a rod of wickedness. None of them shall remain, none of their people, none of their wealth, nor anything eminent among them. 12‘The time has come, the day has arrived. Let not the buyer rejoice nor the seller mourn; for wrath is against all their multitude. 13‘Indeed, the seller will not regain what he sold as long as they both live; for the vision regarding all their multitude will not be averted, nor will any of them maintain his life by his iniquity.

      14‘They have blown the trumpet and made everything ready, but no one is going to the battle, for My wrath is against all their multitude. 15‘The sword is outside and the plague and the famine are within. He who is in the field will die by the sword; famine and the plague will also consume those in the city. 16‘Even when their survivors escape, they will be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, each over his own iniquity. 17‘All hands will hang limp and all knees will become like water. 18‘They will gird themselves with sackcloth and shuddering will overwhelm them; and shame will be on all faces and baldness on all their heads. 19‘They will fling their silver into the streets and their gold will become an abhorrent thing; their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD. They cannot satisfy their appetite nor can they fill their stomachs, for their iniquity has become an occasion of stumbling.

The Temple Profaned

20‘They transformed the beauty of His ornaments into pride, and they made the images of their abominations and their detestable things with it; therefore I will make it an abhorrent thing to them. 21‘I will give it into the hands of the foreigners as plunder and to the wicked of the earth as spoil, and they will profane it. 22‘I will also turn My face from them, and they will profane My secret place; then robbers will enter and profane it.

      23‘Make the chain, for the land is full of bloody crimes and the city is full of violence. 24‘Therefore, I will bring the worst of the nations, and they will possess their houses. I will also make the pride of the strong ones cease, and their holy places will be profaned. 25‘When anguish comes, they will seek peace, but there will be none. 26‘Disaster will come upon disaster and rumor will be added to rumor; then they will seek a vision from a prophet, but the law will be lost from the priest and counsel from the elders. 27‘The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with horror, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. According to their conduct I will deal with them, and by their judgments I will judge them. And they will know that I am the LORD.’”

Summary Key Points:

  • The Proclamation of Doom: Ezekiel, the prophet, forewarns of the impending judgment upon the land of Israel due to its persistent rebellion against God.
  • The Day of Reckoning: God’s wrath is depicted vividly, sparing none from its fury, whether rich or poor, righteous or wicked. The consequences of sin are impartial and severe.
  • The Search for Hope: Amidst the chaos, a search for hope emerges. Yet, Ezekiel’s message remains resolute, emphasizing the inevitability of divine judgment.

Call to Action:

  • Seek Repentance: Reflect on your own life and identify areas where you may have strayed from God’s path. Seek forgiveness and turn back to Him in repentance.
  • Prepare Spiritually: Recognize the urgency of spiritual preparedness. Invest time in prayer, study of scripture, and strengthening your relationship with God.
  • Share the Message: Just as Ezekiel was called to proclaim God’s warning, share His message of redemption and hope with those around you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to heed the warnings of Your prophets and the strength to turn back to You in repentance. As we navigate the challenges of life, guide us to walk in Your ways and share Your message of love and redemption with others. Amen.

Closing: In the turbulent narratives of Ezekiel 7, we find not just a tale of impending doom, but a timeless reminder of the consequences of forsaking our divine calling. Let us heed its message and strive to walk in righteousness before our Creator.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

All Powerful / King of All, Encouragement, Healer, Help / Serve Others, Hope, Jesus (hearing from God), Miracles, Miracles, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Thankfulness

Miracles of Compassion: Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son (Luke 7:11-17)

Have you ever felt the weight of grief pressing down on your heart, leaving you with little hope for the future?

In Luke 7:11-17, we encounter a scene of profound sorrow and unexpected joy as Jesus performs a miraculous act of compassion that brings hope to a grieving widow and transforms a funeral procession into a celebration of life.

Reconnect: In the Gospel of Luke, preceding this passage, we witness Jesus healing the servant of a centurion in Capernaum, demonstrating His authority over sickness and distance. This theme of compassion and authority continues in Luke’s account as we delve into the miraculous raising of a widow’s son in the village of Nain.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 7:11-17

  11Soon afterwards He went to a city called Nain; and His disciples were going along with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. 12Now as He approached the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” 15The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16Fear gripped them all, and they began glorifying God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited His people!” 17This report concerning Him went out all over Judea and in all the surrounding district.

Summary Key Points:

  • Jesus encounters a funeral procession in the village of Nain, where a widow is mourning the loss of her only son, her source of support and security (Luke 7:11-12).
  • Filled with compassion, Jesus approaches the grieving mother, touches the open coffin, and commands the young man to arise, restoring him to life (Luke 7:13-15).
  • Witnessing this miraculous event, the crowd is filled with awe and recognizes Jesus as a great prophet, declaring that God has visited His people (Luke 7:16-17).

Call to Action:

  • Embrace Compassion: Let us follow Jesus’ example of compassion by reaching out to those who are grieving or in need, offering them comfort, support, and hope in their darkest moments.
  • Believe in Miracles: Just as Jesus demonstrated His power over death in this passage, let us trust in His ability to work miracles in our lives and in the lives of those around us.
  • Praise and Give Thanks: As we witness God’s miraculous interventions in our lives, let us respond with hearts full of gratitude and mouths filled with praise, glorifying His name for His wonderful deeds.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the compassion and power displayed through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us the courage to embody His love and mercy in our interactions with others, especially those who are suffering or in despair. Strengthen our faith to believe in the miraculous work You continue to perform in our lives. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving and praise for Your mighty acts. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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