Category Archives: Worthy of Fear / Reverence

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.

Humility, Intgegrity / Honesty, Parenting, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Wisdom for Life: Building a Legacy of Integrity (Proverbs 22)

How do we build a legacy that endures beyond our lifetime?

Proverbs 22 offers timeless wisdom on living a life of integrity, shaping our character, and influencing the next generation.

Key Verse: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)

Background Context: Proverbs 22 is part of the collection of wise sayings attributed to King Solomon. This chapter covers a range of practical advice for living a life marked by wisdom, righteousness, and integrity. It emphasizes the importance of a good name, the value of humility and the fear of the Lord, and the impact of proper upbringing on a child’s future.

Proverbs 22

On Life and Conduct

1A good name is to be more desired than great wealth,
Favor is better than silver and gold.

2The rich and the poor have a common bond,
The LORD is the maker of them all.

3The prudent sees the evil and hides himself,
But the naive go on, and are punished for it.

4The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD
Are riches, honor and life.

5Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse;
He who guards himself will be far from them.

6Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

7The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower becomes the lender’s slave.

8He who sows iniquity will reap vanity,
And the rod of his fury will perish.

9He who is generous will be blessed,
For he gives some of his food to the poor.

10Drive out the scoffer, and contention will go out,
Even strife and dishonor will cease.

11He who loves purity of heart
And whose speech is gracious, the king is his friend.

12The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge,
But He overthrows the words of the treacherous man.

13The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside;
I will be killed in the streets!”

14The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit;
He who is cursed of the LORD will fall into it.

15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.

16He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself
Or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your mind to my knowledge;

18For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
That they may be ready on your lips.

19So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I have taught you today, even you.

20Have I not written to you excellent things
Of counsels and knowledge,

21To make you know the certainty of the words of truth
That you may correctly answer him who sent you?

22Do not rob the poor because he is poor,
Or crush the afflicted at the gate;

23For the LORD will plead their case
And take the life of those who rob them.

24Do not associate with a man given to anger;
Or go with a hot-tempered man,

25Or you will learn his ways
And find a snare for yourself.

26Do not be among those who give pledges,
Among those who become guarantors for debts.

27If you have nothing with which to pay,
Why should he take your bed from under you?

28Do not move the ancient boundary
Which your fathers have set.

29Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before obscure men.

Reflection on Proverbs 22:

  • A Good Name: The chapter begins with the principle that a good name is more desirable than great riches (Proverbs 22:1). Our reputation and character are valuable assets that reflect our integrity and impact our relationships and opportunities.
  • Training Children: Proverbs 22:6 underscores the responsibility of parents to guide their children in the right path. By instilling godly principles and values, parents lay a foundation for their children’s future, ensuring they remain steadfast in their faith and moral integrity.
  • Humility and Fear of the Lord: Verse 4 highlights the reward of humility and the fear of the Lord, which bring riches, honor, and life (Proverbs 22:4). True wisdom begins with reverence for God and a humble heart, acknowledging our dependence on Him.
  • Justice and Generosity: The chapter also speaks to the importance of justice and generosity. Those who are kind to the poor will be blessed (Proverbs 22:9), and those who sow injustice will reap calamity (Proverbs 22:8). These verses remind us of the social responsibilities that come with living a life of integrity.
  • Avoiding Entanglements: Solomon warns against forming close associations with those given to anger or those who engage in dishonest practices (Proverbs 22:24-25). The influence of such individuals can lead us astray and damage our integrity.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Value of Integrity: A good name and reputation are of greater worth than material wealth.
  • Parental Responsibility: Training children in godly ways sets them on a path of righteousness and stability.
  • Humility and Reverence: True wisdom and blessings come from humility and reverence for the Lord.
  • Social Responsibility: Justice, generosity, and integrity in our dealings are essential.
  • Wise Associations: Avoiding harmful influences helps maintain our integrity.

Application: Let us strive to live lives of integrity, valuing our reputation and the legacy we leave behind. For parents, the call to diligently train and guide their children is paramount. May we practice humility and reverence for God, demonstrating justice and generosity in our actions. By choosing our associations wisely, we protect our character and uphold the values that honor God.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we seek Your wisdom to live lives of integrity and righteousness. Help us to value a good name above riches and to train our children in Your ways. Grant us humility and a reverent heart that honors You in all things. Guide us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. Protect us from harmful influences and strengthen our commitment to live according to Your Word. 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.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Father / Yahweh, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

The Parable of the Boiling Pot: A Call to Repentance (Ezekiel 24)

Have you ever experienced a moment when reality hits hard, prompting a deep reflection on your actions?

God often uses vivid illustrations to capture our attention and call us to repentance, just as He did with the people of Israel through the prophet Ezekiel.

Key Verse: “In your filthiness is lewdness. Because I have cleansed you, and you were not cleansed, you will not be cleansed of your filthiness anymore till I have caused My fury to rest upon you.” – Ezekiel 24:13 (NKJV)

Background Context: In Ezekiel 24, God commands Ezekiel to deliver a parable to the rebellious house of Israel. The parable of the boiling pot serves as a powerful metaphor for the impending judgment on Jerusalem due to the people’s persistent sins and refusal to repent.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 24

Parable of the Boiling Pot

      1And the word of the LORD came to me in the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth of the month, saying, 2“Son of man, write the name of the day, this very day. The king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem this very day.

3“Speak a parable to the rebellious house and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,
“Put on the pot, put it on and also pour water in it;

      4Put in it the pieces,
Every good piece, the thigh and the shoulder;
Fill it with choice bones.

      5“Take the choicest of the flock,
And also pile wood under the pot.
Make it boil vigorously.
Also seethe its bones in it.”

      6‘Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD,
“Woe to the bloody city,
To the pot in which there is rust
And whose rust has not gone out of it!
Take out of it piece after piece,
Without making a choice.

      7“For her blood is in her midst;
She placed it on the bare rock;
She did not pour it on the ground
To cover it with dust.

      8“That it may cause wrath to come up to take vengeance,
I have put her blood on the bare rock,
That it may not be covered.”

9‘Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD,
“Woe to the bloody city!
I also will make the pile great.

      10“Heap on the wood, kindle the fire,
Boil the flesh well
And mix in the spices,
And let the bones be burned.

      11“Then set it empty on its coals
So that it may be hot
And its bronze may glow
And its filthiness may be melted in it,
Its rust consumed.

      12“She has wearied Me with toil,
Yet her great rust has not gone from her;
Let her rust be in the fire!

      13“In your filthiness is lewdness.
Because I would have cleansed you,
Yet you are not clean,
You will not be cleansed from your filthiness again
Until I have spent My wrath on you.

14“I, the LORD, have spoken; it is coming and I will act. I will not relent, and I will not pity and I will not be sorry; according to your ways and according to your deeds I will judge you,” declares the Lord GOD.’”

Death of Ezekiel’s Wife Is a Sign

      15And the word of the LORD came to me saying, 16“Son of man, behold, I am about to take from you the desire of your eyes with a blow; but you shall not mourn and you shall not weep, and your tears shall not come. 17“Groan silently; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban and put your shoes on your feet, and do not cover your mustache and do not eat the bread of men.” 18So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And in the morning I did as I was commanded. 19The people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things that you are doing mean for us?” 20Then I said to them, “The word of the LORD came to me saying, 21‘Speak to the house of Israel, “Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am about to profane My sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes and the delight of your soul; and your sons and your daughters whom you have left behind will fall by the sword. 22‘You will do as I have done; you will not cover your mustache and you will not eat the bread of men. 23‘Your turbans will be on your heads and your shoes on your feet. You will not mourn and you will not weep, but you will rot away in your iniquities and you will groan to one another. 24‘Thus Ezekiel will be a sign to you; according to all that he has done you will do; when it comes, then you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’”

      25‘As for you, son of man, will it not be on the day when I take from them their stronghold, the joy of their pride, the desire of their eyes and their heart’s delight, their sons and their daughters, 26that on that day he who escapes will come to you with information for your ears? 27‘On that day your mouth will be opened to him who escaped, and you will speak and be mute no longer. Thus you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the LORD.’”

Reflection on Ezekiel 24:

  • The Boiling Pot: God instructs Ezekiel to set a pot on the fire, fill it with choice pieces of meat, and boil it. This symbolizes Jerusalem, filled with its inhabitants and their corruption (Ezekiel 24:3-5). The boiling pot represents the intense judgment coming upon the city due to its sins.
  • Scum and Corruption: As the pot boils, scum (or rust) accumulates, representing the persistent impurities and wickedness of the people. God declares that the pot will not be cleansed until all its contents are burned away (Ezekiel 24:6-12). This highlights the severity of their sin and the need for thorough purification.
  • The Death of Ezekiel’s Wife: In a personal and painful illustration, God informs Ezekiel that his wife will die suddenly, and he is not to mourn openly (Ezekiel 24:15-18). This symbolizes the impending destruction of Jerusalem and the people’s inability to mourn properly due to the overwhelming calamity.
  • A Sign to the People: Ezekiel’s actions and the parable serve as a sign to the people of Israel. Despite the severe judgment, God’s desire is for them to recognize their sin, repent, and turn back to Him (Ezekiel 24:24-27).

Summary Key Points:

  • Judgment for Sin: The boiling pot symbolizes the intense judgment due to persistent sin.
  • Need for Purification: The scum represents the deep-seated corruption that must be cleansed.
  • Call to Repentance: God uses vivid illustrations to prompt sincere repentance and return to Him.

Application: Let us examine our lives for any persistent sins or areas where we need God’s cleansing. May we respond to His call for repentance with sincerity and humility. God’s desire is for us to turn away from our sins and seek His forgiveness and restoration.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging our sins and our need for Your cleansing power. Just as You called Israel to repentance, we ask that You reveal any areas in our lives that need purification. Help us to turn away from our sins and seek Your forgiveness. Restore us, O Lord, and make us vessels of honor for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This devotional challenges us to reflect on our own lives and heed God’s call to repentance, seeking His cleansing and restoration.

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.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Faithful, Obeying God, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Psalms, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Embracing God’s Call to Worship: Insights from Psalm 81

Do you ever find yourself caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting to pause and lift your voice in worship to the Almighty?

Psalm 81 invites us into a sacred space of praise and adoration, offering profound insights into the importance of heeding God’s call to worship amidst life’s challenges and triumphs.

Reconnect: Before delving into the rich tapestry of Psalm 81, let’s take a moment to reconnect with the overarching theme of the Psalms. These poetic expressions of faith capture the breadth of human experience, inviting us to pour out our hearts before God and find solace in His presence. As we journey through the Psalms, we are reminded of the power of worship to transform our perspective and draw us closer to the heart of God.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 81

For the choir director; on the Gittith. A Psalm of Asaph.

     1Sing for joy to God our strength;
Shout joyfully to the God of Jacob.

      2Raise a song, strike the timbrel,
The sweet sounding lyre with the harp.

      3Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
At the full moon, on our feast day.

      4For it is a statute for Israel,
An ordinance of the God of Jacob.

      5He established it for a testimony in Joseph
When he went throughout the land of Egypt.
I heard a language that I did not know:

      6“I relieved his shoulder of the burden,
His hands were freed from the basket.

      7“You called in trouble and I rescued you;
I answered you in the hiding place of thunder;
I proved you at the waters of Meribah.

Selah.

      8“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you;
O Israel, if you would listen to Me!

      9“Let there be no strange god among you;
Nor shall you worship any foreign god.

      10“I, the LORD, am your God,
Who brought you up from the land of Egypt;
Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.

      11“But My people did not listen to My voice,
And Israel did not obey Me.

      12“So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart,
To walk in their own devices.

      13“Oh that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!

      14“I would quickly subdue their enemies
And turn My hand against their adversaries.

      15“Those who hate the LORD would pretend obedience to Him,
And their time of punishment would be forever.

      16“But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
And with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. God’s Call to Worship: Psalm 81 begins with a poignant call to worship, urging God’s people to raise their voices in praise and celebrate His faithfulness. Just as a loving parent calls out to their children, God beckons us to come into His presence and experience the fullness of His love and grace.
  2. Remembering God’s Faithfulness: Amidst the chaos of life, it’s easy to forget the countless ways in which God has shown His faithfulness to us. Psalm 81 encourages us to reflect on God’s past deliverance and provision, acknowledging His unwavering love and mercy throughout the ages.
  3. Warning Against Disobedience: The psalmist warns against the dangers of disobedience and idolatry, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God’s commandments. Just as ancient Israel faced repercussions for their faithlessness, we are called to heed God’s instructions and walk in obedience to His will.
  4. Blessings of Obedience: On the flip side, Psalm 81 also underscores the blessings that accompany obedience to God’s Word. When we align our hearts with His truth and follow His ways, we open ourselves up to receive His abundant blessings and experience the fullness of life that He promises to His children.

Call to Action: Let us heed God’s call to worship with reverence and awe, lifting our voices in adoration and thanksgiving for His goodness and grace. May we cultivate a lifestyle of worship, both individually and corporately, as we seek to honor God with our lives and glorify His name in all that we do.

Closing: As we meditate on the timeless truths of Psalm 81, may we be inspired to cultivate a heart of worship and surrender before the Lord. Let us tune our ears to His voice, align our hearts with His will, and walk in obedience to His Word, knowing that in His presence, there is fullness of joy and eternal blessings beyond measure.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of worship, a sacred invitation to draw near to Your throne of grace and encounter Your presence in a profound way. As we reflect on the insights of Psalm 81, may our hearts be stirred to worship You wholeheartedly, recognizing Your faithfulness and sovereignty over our lives. Empower us, O Lord, to walk in obedience to Your Word and live lives that bring honor and glory to Your name. In Yeshua’s precious name, we pray. Amen.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Fear / Reverence for God, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Through Prophets, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Living in the Shadow of Judgment (Ezekiel 12)

Have you ever felt like your actions were going unnoticed, like you could escape the consequences of your choices? In the book of Ezekiel, we encounter a powerful reminder that God sees all and holds us accountable for our deeds, urging us to heed His warnings and turn from disobedience.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of Ezekiel, we witnessed the prophet’s visionary experiences and God’s messages of judgment and restoration for the people of Israel. In Ezekiel 12, we delve deeper into the theme of impending judgment, as God instructs Ezekiel to enact a series of symbolic acts to illustrate the coming exile of Judah.

Ezekiel 12: In Ezekiel 12, God calls Ezekiel to perform symbolic acts that vividly portray the impending judgment and exile facing the people of Judah. Through these acts, God conveys a powerful message of warning and urgency, urging the people to repent and turn from their sinful ways before it is too late.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 12

Ezekiel Prepares for Exile

      1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, you live in the midst of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, ears to hear but do not hear; for they are a rebellious house. 3“Therefore, son of man, prepare for yourself baggage for exile and go into exile by day in their sight; even go into exile from your place to another place in their sight. Perhaps they will understand though they are a rebellious house. 4“Bring your baggage out by day in their sight, as baggage for exile. Then you will go out at evening in their sight, as those going into exile. 5“Dig a hole through the wall in their sight and go out through it. 6“Load the baggage on your shoulder in their sight and carry it out in the dark. You shall cover your face so that you cannot see the land, for I have set you as a sign to the house of Israel.”

      7I did so, as I had been commanded. By day I brought out my baggage like the baggage of an exile. Then in the evening I dug through the wall with my hands; I went out in the dark and carried the baggage on my shoulder in their sight.

      8In the morning the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 9“Son of man, has not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said to you, ‘What are you doing?’ 10“Say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “This burden concerns the prince in Jerusalem as well as all the house of Israel who are in it.”’ 11“Say, ‘I am a sign to you. As I have done, so it will be done to them; they will go into exile, into captivity.’ 12“The prince who is among them will load his baggage on his shoulder in the dark and go out. They will dig a hole through the wall to bring it out. He will cover his face so that he can not see the land with his eyes. 13“I will also spread My net over him, and he will be caught in My snare. And I will bring him to Babylon in the land of the Chaldeans; yet he will not see it, though he will die there. 14“I will scatter to every wind all who are around him, his helpers and all his troops; and I will draw out a sword after them. 15“So they will know that I am the LORD when I scatter them among the nations and spread them among the countries. 16“But I will spare a few of them from the sword, the famine and the pestilence that they may tell all their abominations among the nations where they go, and may know that I am the LORD.”

      17Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me saying, 18“Son of man, eat your bread with trembling and drink your water with quivering and anxiety. 19“Then say to the people of the land, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the land of Israel, “They will eat their bread with anxiety and drink their water with horror, because their land will be stripped of its fullness on account of the violence of all who live in it. 20“The inhabited cities will be laid waste and the land will be a desolation. So you will know that I am the LORD.”’”

      21Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 22“Son of man, what is this proverb you people have concerning the land of Israel, saying, ‘The days are long and every vision fails’? 23“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “I will make this proverb cease so that they will no longer use it as a proverb in Israel.” But tell them, “The days draw near as well as the fulfillment of every vision. 24“For there will no longer be any false vision or flattering divination within the house of Israel. 25“For I the LORD will speak, and whatever word I speak will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, for in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it,” declares the Lord GOD.’”

      26Furthermore, the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 27“Son of man, behold, the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies of times far off.’ 28“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “None of My words will be delayed any longer. Whatever word I speak will be performed,”’” declares the Lord GOD.

Key Points:

  • Symbolic Acts of Judgment: In Ezekiel 12, God instructs Ezekiel to enact several symbolic acts, including packing his bags for exile, digging through a wall, and eating bread in trembling and fear. These acts serve as visual representations of the impending exile and captivity that await the people of Judah due to their rebellion against God.
  • God’s Faithfulness to His Word: Despite the people’s skepticism and disbelief, God remains faithful to His word, fulfilling His prophecies of judgment and exile. Through Ezekiel’s symbolic acts, God demonstrates His sovereignty and the certainty of His judgments against the rebellious nation.
  • Call to Repentance: Through Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry, God calls the people of Judah to repentance and obedience, urging them to heed His warnings and turn from their sinful ways. God desires not the death of the wicked but that they turn from their evil deeds and live.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The chapter concludes with a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience, as God declares that the vision of judgment will soon be fulfilled, and the people will know that He is the Lord.

Call to Action: Inspired by the message of warning and urgency in Ezekiel 12, let us respond with humility and obedience to God’s call to repentance.

  • Examine Your Heart: Take time to examine your heart and life before God, acknowledging any areas of disobedience or rebellion. Humbly confess your sins and shortcomings, seeking God’s forgiveness and mercy.
  • Heed God’s Warnings: Pay attention to the warnings and messages God sends through His Word, His Spirit, and His servants. Take seriously the consequences of disobedience and turn from any sinful habits or attitudes that hinder your relationship with God.
  • Live in Obedience: Commit to living a life of obedience and faithfulness to God, even in the face of opposition or adversity. Trust in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and His power to deliver you from judgment.

As we reflect on the message of warning and urgency in Ezekiel 12, may we heed God’s call to repentance and obedience, knowing that He is faithful to His word and His promises. May we humble ourselves before Him, seeking His forgiveness and mercy, and live lives that honor and glorify Him in all we do.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word and Your faithfulness to warn us of the consequences of disobedience. Grant us the humility to heed Your warnings and turn from our sinful ways. May we live lives that honor and glorify You, walking in obedience and faithfulness all the days of our lives. 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.

Faith / Trusting God, Fear / Reverence for God, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Obeying God, Protector / Deliverer, Share the Good News, Strong in Our Weakness, Submitted / Servant, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Renewal and Restoration (Ezekiel 11)

Have you ever felt like your circumstances were beyond repair, like hope was lost and there was no way forward?

In the midst of despair, the book of Ezekiel offers a message of hope and restoration, reminding us that God is always at work, even in the darkest of times.

Reconnect: In the preceding chapters of Ezekiel, we witnessed the prophet’s visionary journey through the desolation and judgment facing the people of Israel. In Ezekiel 11, we continue to explore the themes of judgment and restoration, as God reveals His plan to renew His people and establish His kingdom.

As we delve into Ezekiel 11, we encounter a powerful vision in which God transports the prophet to the city of Jerusalem, where he witnesses the wickedness and rebellion of its inhabitants. Despite the prevailing darkness, God reveals His promise of restoration, declaring His intention to gather His scattered people and give them a new heart and spirit.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 11

Evil Rulers to Be Judged

      1Moreover, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the east gate of the LORD’S house which faced eastward. And behold, there were twenty-five men at the entrance of the gate, and among them I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people. 2He said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who devise iniquity and give evil advice in this city, 3who say, ‘The time is not near to build houses. This city is the pot and we are the flesh.’ 4“Therefore, prophesy against them, son of man, prophesy!”

      5Then the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and He said to me, “Say, ‘Thus says the LORD, “So you think, house of Israel, for I know your thoughts. 6“You have multiplied your slain in this city, filling its streets with them.” 7‘Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, “Your slain whom you have laid in the midst of the city are the flesh and this city is the pot; but I will bring you out of it. 8“You have feared a sword; so I will bring a sword upon you,” the Lord GOD declares. 9“And I will bring you out of the midst of the city and deliver you into the hands of strangers and execute judgments against you. 10“You will fall by the sword. I will judge you to the border of Israel; so you shall know that I am the LORD. 11“This city will not be a pot for you, nor will you be flesh in the midst of it, but I will judge you to the border of Israel. 12“Thus you will know that I am the LORD; for you have not walked in My statutes nor have you executed My ordinances, but have acted according to the ordinances of the nations around you.”’”

      13Now it came about as I prophesied, that Pelatiah son of Benaiah died. Then I fell on my face and cried out with a loud voice and said, “Alas, Lord GOD! Will You bring the remnant of Israel to a complete end?”

Promise of Restoration

14Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 15“Son of man, your brothers, your relatives, your fellow exiles and the whole house of Israel, all of them, are those to whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘Go far from the LORD; this land has been given us as a possession.’ 16“Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Though I had removed them far away among the nations and though I had scattered them among the countries, yet I was a sanctuary for them a little while in the countries where they had gone.”’ 17“Therefore say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “I will gather you from the peoples and assemble you out of the countries among which you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.”’ 18“When they come there, they will remove all its detestable things and all its abominations from it. 19“And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, 20that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God. 21“But as for those whose hearts go after their detestable things and abominations, I will bring their conduct down on their heads,” declares the Lord GOD.

      22Then the cherubim lifted up their wings with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered over them. 23The glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city and stood over the mountain which is east of the city. 24And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God to the exiles in Chaldea. So the vision that I had seen left me. 25Then I told the exiles all the things that the LORD had shown me.

Key Points:

  • Judgment and Exile: The opening verses of Ezekiel 11 depict the wickedness of the leaders in Jerusalem, who have led the people astray and brought about their own downfall. As a result of their sin, judgment and exile loom on the horizon.
  • Promise of Restoration: Despite the impending judgment, God offers a message of hope and restoration to His people. In verses 16-20, God promises to gather His scattered people from the nations, cleanse them from their impurities, and give them a new heart and spirit, enabling them to walk in His ways.
  • God’s Sovereign Plan: Throughout Ezekiel 11, we see God’s sovereignty at work, orchestrating events according to His divine purpose. Despite the rebellion of His people, God remains committed to His covenant promises and His plan to establish His kingdom.
  • Response of Faith: The chapter concludes with Ezekiel’s faithful response to God’s revelation, as he conveys the message of restoration to the exiles in Babylon. In the face of uncertainty and adversity, Ezekiel remains steadfast in his faith, trusting in God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

Call to Action: Inspired by the message of hope and restoration in Ezekiel 11, let us respond with faith and obedience to God’s sovereign plan for our lives.

  • Seek God’s Renewal: In moments of despair or hopelessness, turn to God and seek His renewal and restoration. Trust in His promise to give you a new heart and spirit, transforming your life from the inside out.
  • Embrace God’s Sovereignty: Reflect on the sovereignty of God and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Surrender your plans and desires to His divine purpose, trusting that He is always at work for your good.
  • Proclaim God’s Goodness: Like Ezekiel, boldly proclaim the message of hope and restoration to those around you. Share God’s faithfulness and the transformation He has brought into your life, pointing others to the source of true renewal.

As we journey through the complexities of life, may we hold fast to the promise of renewal and restoration found in Ezekiel 11. May we trust in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, knowing that He is always at work to bring about His kingdom purposes.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the message of hope and restoration found in Your Word, particularly in the book of Ezekiel. Grant us the faith to trust in Your sovereign plan for our lives, even in the midst of uncertainty and adversity. Renew our hearts and spirits, O Lord, and empower us to proclaim Your goodness to the world around us. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 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.

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Idols / False Gods, Justice / Judgment, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Witnessing the Departure of God’s Glory (Ezekiel 10)

Ever been captivated by Biblical records of visions from God and wondered if they hold any meaning for you today?

Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 10 takes us on a journey where he witnesses the glory of God leaving the temple—a moment both awe-inspiring and foreboding.

Reconnect: In Ezekiel 1, the prophet receives a vision of God’s glory arriving, with vivid descriptions of heavenly beings and divine radiance. This sets the stage for Ezekiel’s ongoing prophecy, where he warns the Israelites of impending judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry.

In Ezekiel 10, the prophet continues his vision, witnessing the departure of God’s glory from the temple in Jerusalem. The same living creatures and heavenly throne described earlier are seen once again, but this time, their movement signifies a significant shift—the withdrawal of God’s presence from His people.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 10

Vision of God’s Glory Departing from the Temple

      1Then I looked, and behold, in the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim something like a sapphire stone, in appearance resembling a throne, appeared above them. 2And He spoke to the man clothed in linen and said, “Enter between the whirling wheels under the cherubim and fill your hands with coals of fire from between the cherubim and scatter them over the city.” And he entered in my sight.

      3Now the cherubim were standing on the right side of the temple when the man entered, and the cloud filled the inner court. 4Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the temple, and the temple was filled with the cloud and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD. 5Moreover, the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when He speaks.

      6It came about when He commanded the man clothed in linen, saying, “Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim,” he entered and stood beside a wheel. 7Then the cherub stretched out his hand from between the cherubim to the fire which was between the cherubim, took some and put it into the hands of the one clothed in linen, who took it and went out. 8The cherubim appeared to have the form of a man’s hand under their wings.

      9Then I looked, and behold, four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside each cherub; and the appearance of the wheels was like the gleam of a Tarshish stone. 10As for their appearance, all four of them had the same likeness, as if one wheel were within another wheel. 11When they moved, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went; but they followed in the direction which they faced, without turning as they went. 12Their whole body, their backs, their hands, their wings and the wheels were full of eyes all around, the wheels belonging to all four of them. 13The wheels were called in my hearing, the whirling wheels. 14And each one had four faces. The first face was the face of a cherub, the second face was the face of a man, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

      15Then the cherubim rose up. They are the living beings that I saw by the river Chebar. 16Now when the cherubim moved, the wheels would go beside them; also when the cherubim lifted up their wings to rise from the ground, the wheels would not turn from beside them. 17When the cherubim stood still, the wheels would stand still; and when they rose up, the wheels would rise with them, for the spirit of the living beings was in them.

      18Then the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim. 19When the cherubim departed, they lifted their wings and rose up from the earth in my sight with the wheels beside them; and they stood still at the entrance of the east gate of the LORD’S house, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered over them.

      20These are the living beings that I saw beneath the God of Israel by the river Chebar; so I knew that they were cherubim. 21Each one had four faces and each one four wings, and beneath their wings was the form of human hands. 22As for the likeness of their faces, they were the same faces whose appearance I had seen by the river Chebar. Each one went straight ahead.

Key Points:

  • Divine Departure: Ezekiel sees the glory of God rise from the cherubim and move to the threshold of the temple. As the glory prepares to depart, the temple fills with the cloud, and the court is illuminated by the radiance of the departing presence.
  • Symbol of Judgment: The departure of God’s glory symbolizes the impending judgment upon Jerusalem and the people of Israel. Their persistent disobedience and idolatry have led to this moment, where God withdraws His presence from their midst.
  • Echoes of Exile: This vision echoes the earlier themes of exile and judgment pronounced by Ezekiel. It serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and forsaking His commandments.
  • Hope Amidst Judgment: Despite the looming judgment, Ezekiel’s prophecy also offers a glimmer of hope. The departure of God’s glory is not permanent, and restoration is promised for those who repent and turn back to Him.

Call to Action:

  • Seek God’s Presence: Let’s reflect on the importance of God’s presence in our lives and actively seek Him through prayer, meditation, and study of His Word.
  • Repentance and Restoration: If we’ve strayed from God’s path, let’s take this opportunity to repent and turn back to Him, knowing that His mercy is available to all who sincerely seek forgiveness.
  • Proclaim His Glory: Like Ezekiel, let’s boldly proclaim God’s glory and truth to those around us, sharing the hope of restoration and redemption found in Him.

In the midst of Ezekiel’s vision of departure, there remains a message of hope—a promise of restoration for those who return to God with repentant hearts. Let’s hold fast to this hope as we navigate our own journeys, trusting in the faithfulness of our merciful God.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, As we reflect on Ezekiel’s vision of the departure of Your glory, we are reminded of the importance of Your presence in our lives. Help us, Lord, to seek You earnestly, knowing that in Your presence there is fullness of joy and peace that surpasses understanding. Grant us the humility to repent and turn back to You if we have strayed from Your path, and fill us with boldness to proclaim Your glory and truth to those around us. May Your will be done in our lives, and may we be faithful witnesses of Your love and grace. 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.

Hope, Interceding for Others, Justice / Judgment, Loving / Kind, Prophecy, Rebuke Wrong Behavior, Repenting from Sin, Teachable, Through Prophets, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Judgment and Redemption (Ezekiel 6)

Have you ever considered the consequences of forsaking God’s ways?

In Ezekiel 6, we witness the prophet Ezekiel delivering a powerful message of judgment against the idolatry and rebellion of Israel. Through vivid imagery and prophetic warnings, Ezekiel portrays both the severity of divine judgment and the hope of redemption for those who turn back to God.

Reconnect:
Continuing the prophetic narrative of Ezekiel, chapter 6 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of Israel’s persistent disobedience and the promise of restoration for the faithful remnant.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 6

Idolatrous Worship Denounced

      1And the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“Son of man, set your face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them 3and say, ‘Mountains of Israel, listen to the word of the Lord GOD! Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains, the hills, the ravines and the valleys: “Behold, I Myself am going to bring a sword on you, and I will destroy your high places. 4“So your altars will become desolate and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will make your slain fall in front of your idols. 5“I will also lay the dead bodies of the sons of Israel in front of their idols; and I will scatter your bones around your altars. 6“In all your dwellings, cities will become waste and the high places will be desolate, that your altars may become waste and desolate, your idols may be broken and brought to an end, your incense altars may be cut down, and your works may be blotted out. 7“The slain will fall among you, and you will know that I am the LORD.

      8“However, I will leave a remnant, for you will have those who escaped the sword among the nations when you are scattered among the countries. 9“Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations to which they will be carried captive, how I have been hurt by their adulterous hearts which turned away from Me, and by their eyes which played the harlot after their idols; and they will loathe themselves in their own sight for the evils which they have committed, for all their abominations. 10“Then they will know that I am the LORD; I have not said in vain that I would inflict this disaster on them.”’

      11“Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Clap your hand, stamp your foot and say, “Alas, because of all the evil abominations of the house of Israel, which will fall by sword, famine and plague! 12“He who is far off will die by the plague, and he who is near will fall by the sword, and he who remains and is besieged will die by the famine. Thus will I spend My wrath on them. 13“Then you will know that I am the LORD, when their slain are among their idols around their altars, on every high hill, on all the tops of the mountains, under every green tree and under every leafy oak—the places where they offered soothing aroma to all their idols. 14“So throughout all their habitations I will stretch out My hand against them and make the land more desolate and waste than the wilderness toward Diblah; thus they will know that I am the LORD.”’”

Summary Key Points:

  • Idolatrous Practices:
    Ezekiel condemns the idolatrous practices of the Israelites, who have turned away from the true God to worship idols and commit spiritual adultery. The prophet foretells the destruction of their sacred places and the desolation of their land as a consequence of their rebellion. Idolatry extends beyond the worship of false gods to include any object or desire that takes precedence over our devotion to God. Today, idolatry manifests in various forms, such as materialism, obsession with success, or prioritizing relationships with people above God.
  • Divine Judgment:
    Through symbolic acts and prophetic pronouncements, Ezekiel vividly portrays the severity of God’s judgment upon Israel for their idolatry and apostasy. The Lord declares His intention to execute fierce judgment against the people, leaving their cities in ruins and their sanctuaries desolate.
  • Promise of Restoration:
    Amidst the backdrop of divine judgment, God extends a promise of redemption and restoration to the faithful remnant of Israel. He assures them that He will preserve a remnant who will be scattered among the nations but ultimately restored to their land in accordance with His covenant promises.

Call to Action:

  • Repentance and Turning Back to God:
    Examine your heart and life for any areas of idolatry or disobedience, and earnestly seek repentance and turning back to God. Renounce any false gods or idols that have taken precedence in your life, and recommit yourself to wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
  • Intercession for Restoration:
    Intercede fervently for the restoration of God’s people and the fulfillment of His promises. Pray for spiritual awakening and revival among individuals and nations, believing in God’s power to bring about transformation and renewal.
  • Commitment to Faithfulness:
    Commit yourself to a life of faithfulness and obedience to God’s commands. Align your thoughts, words, and actions with His will, trusting in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises and bring about His plans for redemption and restoration.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we humbly acknowledge Your righteous judgment upon rebellion and idolatry, yet we cling to the hope of redemption and restoration offered through Your mercy and grace. Grant us the strength to repent and turn back to You wholeheartedly, and empower us to live lives of faithful obedience and devotion. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 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.

Interceding for Others, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Rebuke Wrong Behavior, Repenting from Sin, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Consequences of Rebellion and Hope for Restoration (Ezekiel 5)

Have you ever considered the consequences of rebellion against God’s will?

In Ezekiel 5, we witness the prophet Ezekiel conveying God’s judgment upon Jerusalem for its persistent disobedience. Through vivid imagery and stark warnings, Ezekiel illustrates the dire repercussions of forsaking God’s commands.

Reconnect:
Building upon the prophetic narrative of Ezekiel, chapter 5 delves deeper into the consequences of Jerusalem’s rebellion against God and the accompanying promise of restoration for the faithful remnant.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 5

Jerusalem’s Desolation Foretold

      1“As for you, son of man, take a sharp sword; take and use it as a barber’s razor on your head and beard. Then take scales for weighing and divide the hair. 2“One third you shall burn in the fire at the center of the city, when the days of the siege are completed. Then you shall take one third and strike it with the sword all around the city, and one third you shall scatter to the wind; and I will unsheathe a sword behind them. 3“Take also a few in number from them and bind them in the edges of your robes. 4“Take again some of them and throw them into the fire and burn them in the fire; from it a fire will spread to all the house of Israel.

      5“Thus says the Lord GOD, ‘This is Jerusalem; I have set her at the center of the nations, with lands around her. 6‘But she has rebelled against My ordinances more wickedly than the nations and against My statutes more than the lands which surround her; for they have rejected My ordinances and have not walked in My statutes.’ 7“Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Because you have more turmoil than the nations which surround you and have not walked in My statutes, nor observed My ordinances, nor observed the ordinances of the nations which surround you,’ 8therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I, even I, am against you, and I will execute judgments among you in the sight of the nations. 9‘And because of all your abominations, I will do among you what I have not done, and the like of which I will never do again. 10‘Therefore, fathers will eat their sons among you, and sons will eat their fathers; for I will execute judgments on you and scatter all your remnant to every wind. 11‘So as I live,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘surely, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable idols and with all your abominations, therefore I will also withdraw, and My eye will have no pity and I will not spare. 12‘One third of you will die by plague or be consumed by famine among you, one third will fall by the sword around you, and one third I will scatter to every wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them.

      13‘Thus My anger will be spent and I will satisfy My wrath on them, and I will be appeased; then they will know that I, the LORD, have spoken in My zeal when I have spent My wrath upon them. 14‘Moreover, I will make you a desolation and a reproach among the nations which surround you, in the sight of all who pass by. 15‘So it will be a reproach, a reviling, a warning and an object of horror to the nations who surround you when I execute judgments against you in anger, wrath and raging rebukes. I, the LORD, have spoken. 16‘When I send against them the deadly arrows of famine which were for the destruction of those whom I will send to destroy you, then I will also intensify the famine upon you and break the staff of bread. 17‘Moreover, I will send on you famine and wild beasts, and they will bereave you of children; plague and bloodshed also will pass through you, and I will bring the sword on you. I, the LORD, have spoken.’”

Summary Key Points:

  • The Symbolic Hair:
    God commands Ezekiel to shave his head and beard, using this symbolic act to represent the devastation that will befall Jerusalem and its inhabitants as a result of their rebellion and idolatry.
  • Divine Judgment:
    Through graphic imagery, Ezekiel depicts the severity of God’s judgment upon Jerusalem, including famine, disease, and dispersion among the nations, all serving as divine retribution for their disobedience and idol worship.
  • A Remnant Preserved:
    Despite the widespread destruction and desolation prophesied upon Jerusalem, God promises to preserve a faithful remnant who will be scattered among the nations but ultimately restored to their land in accordance with His covenant promises.

Call to Action:

  • Repentance and Renewal:
    Reflect on areas of rebellion and disobedience in your own life, and earnestly seek repentance and renewal before God. Turn away from idolatry and sin, embracing a lifestyle of obedience and devotion to His commands.
  • Intercession for Restoration:
    Intercede fervently for the restoration of God’s people and the fulfillment of His promises. Pray for the spiritual awakening and revival of individuals and nations, believing in God’s power to bring about transformation and renewal.
  • Alignment with God’s Will:
    Align your life with God’s will, prioritizing obedience and faithfulness in all aspects of your walk with Him. Trust in His sovereignty and guidance, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His purposes and bring about His plans for restoration.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge Your righteous judgment upon rebellion and disobedience, yet we also cling to the hope of restoration and renewal promised to Your faithful remnant. Grant us the grace to repent and turn from our sinful ways, and empower us to walk in obedience and alignment with Your will. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Shalom. 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.

Creative, Interceding for Others, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin, Through Prophets, Worthy of Fear / Reverence

Symbolic Acts and Divine Judgment (Ezekiel 4)

Have you ever marveled at how God uses symbolic acts to communicate profound truths?

In Ezekiel 4, we witness the powerful imagery and symbolism employed by the prophet Ezekiel to convey God’s impending judgment upon Jerusalem.

Through these symbolic acts, God speaks with unmistakable clarity, inviting us to ponder the depths of His divine wisdom.

Reconnect:
Ezekiel 4 delves deeper into the prophetic ministry of Ezekiel, as he receives explicit instructions from God to enact symbolic acts representing the siege and devastation that will befall Jerusalem due to its disobedience and idolatry.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 4

Siege of Jerusalem Predicted

      1“Now you son of man, get yourself a brick, place it before you and inscribe a city on it, Jerusalem. 2“Then lay siege against it, build a siege wall, raise up a ramp, pitch camps and place battering rams against it all around. 3“Then get yourself an iron plate and set it up as an iron wall between you and the city, and set your face toward it so that it is under siege, and besiege it. This is a sign to the house of Israel.

      4“As for you, lie down on your left side and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel on it; you shall bear their iniquity for the number of days that you lie on it. 5“For I have assigned you a number of days corresponding to the years of their iniquity, three hundred and ninety days; thus you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. 6“When you have completed these, you shall lie down a second time, but on your right side and bear the iniquity of the house of Judah; I have assigned it to you for forty days, a day for each year. 7“Then you shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem with your arm bared and prophesy against it. 8“Now behold, I will put ropes on you so that you cannot turn from one side to the other until you have completed the days of your siege.

Defiled Bread

9“But as for you, take wheat, barley, beans, lentils, millet and spelt, put them in one vessel and make them into bread for yourself; you shall eat it according to the number of the days that you lie on your side, three hundred and ninety days. 10“Your food which you eat shall be twenty shekels a day by weight; you shall eat it from time to time. 11“The water you drink shall be the sixth part of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time. 12“You shall eat it as a barley cake, having baked it in their sight over human dung.” 13Then the LORD said, “Thus will the sons of Israel eat their bread unclean among the nations where I will banish them.” 14But I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I have never been defiled; for from my youth until now I have never eaten what died of itself or was torn by beasts, nor has any unclean meat ever entered my mouth.” 15Then He said to me, “See, I will give you cow’s dung in place of human dung over which you will prepare your bread.” 16Moreover, He said to me, “Son of man, behold, I am going to break the staff of bread in Jerusalem, and they will eat bread by weight and with anxiety, and drink water by measure and in horror, 17because bread and water will be scarce; and they will be appalled with one another and waste away in their iniquity.

Summary Key Points:

  • The Symbolic Siege:
    God commands Ezekiel to enact a vivid portrayal of Jerusalem under siege, serving as a poignant metaphor for the impending judgment upon the city due to its transgressions against God.
  • The Lengthy Siege:
    Ezekiel is instructed to bear the iniquity of Israel and Judah through symbolic actions, emphasizing the severity and duration of their disobedience and the consequences thereof.
  • The Symbolic Provisions:
    Through specific dietary restrictions and cooking methods, Ezekiel symbolizes the scarcity and deprivation that will accompany the siege of Jerusalem, vividly portraying the suffering and judgment to come.
  • Ezekiel’s Obedience:
    Despite the challenging nature of God’s commands, Ezekiel obediently carries out the symbolic acts, demonstrating unwavering faithfulness and obedience to God’s will, even in the face of adversity.

Call to Action:

  • Heed the Warning Signs:
    Reflect on areas of spiritual complacency and disobedience in your life, heeding the warning signs of God’s impending judgment. Seek repentance and renewal in alignment with His will.
  • Embrace Prophetic Creativity:
    Embrace the creative and unconventional methods through which God communicates His truths. Be open to symbolic acts and prophetic symbolism as powerful tools for stirring hearts towards repentance and transformation.
  • Intercede for Restoration:
    Intercede fervently for restoration and revival in areas of spiritual desolation and brokenness, believing in God’s power to bring about transformation and renewal in individuals and communities.
  • Challenge to Obedience:
    Challenge yourself to obey God’s call, even when it seems difficult or daunting. Like Ezekiel, commit to unwavering obedience and faithfulness to God’s will, trusting in His guidance and provision every step of the way.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the profound wisdom displayed through the prophetic ministry of Ezekiel. Grant us the discernment to heed Your warning signs and the courage to embrace Your creative methods of communication. May we fervently intercede for restoration and revival, trusting in Your faithfulness to bring about transformation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

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

John Golda

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