Category Archives: Repenting from Sin

Discipline / Guidance From God, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Doubt / Lacking Faith, Faith / Trusting God, Grace / Forgiveness, Justice / Judgment, Obeying God, Repenting from Sin

The Unfaithful Bride: Lessons from Ezekiel 16

Have you ever heard a story so captivating, yet so tragic, that it left you pondering its meaning for days?

In Ezekiel’s vision, we encounter such a tale—a narrative of love, betrayal, and redemption, painting a vivid picture of God’s relationship with His people.

Reconnect: Continuing his prophetic ministry, Ezekiel unveils a profound allegory in Chapter 16, using the imagery of a faithless wife to illustrate Israel’s unfaithfulness to God throughout history.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 16

God’s Grace to Unfaithful Jerusalem

      1Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2“Son of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations 3and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD to Jerusalem, “Your origin and your birth are from the land of the Canaanite, your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. 4“As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water for cleansing; you were not rubbed with salt or even wrapped in cloths. 5“No eye looked with pity on you to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you. Rather you were thrown out into the open field, for you were abhorred on the day you were born.

      6“When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ 7“I made you numerous like plants of the field. Then you grew up, became tall and reached the age for fine ornaments; your breasts were formed and your hair had grown. Yet you were naked and bare.

      8“Then I passed by you and saw you, and behold, you were at the time for love; so I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine,” declares the Lord GOD. 9“Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. 10“I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet; and I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. 11“I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. 12“I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. 13“Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your dress was of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey and oil; so you were exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. 14“Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you,” declares the Lord GOD.

      15“But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame, and you poured out your harlotries on every passer-by who might be willing. 16“You took some of your clothes, made for yourself high places of various colors and played the harlot on them, which should never come about nor happen. 17“You also took your beautiful jewels made of My gold and of My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself male images that you might play the harlot with them. 18“Then you took your embroidered cloth and covered them, and offered My oil and My incense before them. 19“Also My bread which I gave you, fine flour, oil and honey with which I fed you, you would offer before them for a soothing aroma; so it happened,” declares the Lord GOD. 20“Moreover, you took your sons and daughters whom you had borne to Me and sacrificed them to idols to be devoured. Were your harlotries so small a matter? 21“You slaughtered My children and offered them up to idols by causing them to pass through the fire. 22“Besides all your abominations and harlotries you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare and squirming in your blood.

      23“Then it came about after all your wickedness (‘Woe, woe to you!’ declares the Lord GOD), 24that you built yourself a shrine and made yourself a high place in every square. 25“You built yourself a high place at the top of every street and made your beauty abominable, and you spread your legs to every passer-by to multiply your harlotry. 26“You also played the harlot with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors, and multiplied your harlotry to make Me angry. 27“Behold now, I have stretched out My hand against you and diminished your rations. And I delivered you up to the desire of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who are ashamed of your lewd conduct. 28“Moreover, you played the harlot with the Assyrians because you were not satisfied; you played the harlot with them and still were not satisfied. 29“You also multiplied your harlotry with the land of merchants, Chaldea, yet even with this you were not satisfied.”’”

      30“How languishing is your heart,” declares the Lord GOD, “while you do all these things, the actions of a bold-faced harlot. 31“When you built your shrine at the beginning of every street and made your high place in every square, in disdaining money, you were not like a harlot. 32“You adulteress wife, who takes strangers instead of her husband! 33“Men give gifts to all harlots, but you give your gifts to all your lovers to bribe them to come to you from every direction for your harlotries. 34“Thus you are different from those women in your harlotries, in that no one plays the harlot as you do, because you give money and no money is given you; thus you are different.”

      35Therefore, O harlot, hear the word of the LORD. 36Thus says the Lord GOD, “Because your lewdness was poured out and your nakedness uncovered through your harlotries with your lovers and with all your detestable idols, and because of the blood of your sons which you gave to idols, 37therefore, behold, I will gather all your lovers with whom you took pleasure, even all those whom you loved and all those whom you hated. So I will gather them against you from every direction and expose your nakedness to them that they may see all your nakedness. 38“Thus I will judge you like women who commit adultery or shed blood are judged; and I will bring on you the blood of wrath and jealousy. 39“I will also give you into the hands of your lovers, and they will tear down your shrines, demolish your high places, strip you of your clothing, take away your jewels, and will leave you naked and bare. 40“They will incite a crowd against you and they will stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords. 41“They will burn your houses with fire and execute judgments on you in the sight of many women. Then I will stop you from playing the harlot, and you will also no longer pay your lovers. 42“So I will calm My fury against you and My jealousy will depart from you, and I will be pacified and angry no more. 43“Because you have not remembered the days of your youth but have enraged Me by all these things, behold, I in turn will bring your conduct down on your own head,” declares the Lord GOD, “so that you will not commit this lewdness on top of all your other abominations.

      44“Behold, everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb concerning you, saying, ‘Like mother, like daughter.’ 45“You are the daughter of your mother, who loathed her husband and children. You are also the sister of your sisters, who loathed their husbands and children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite. 46“Now your older sister is Samaria, who lives north of you with her daughters; and your younger sister, who lives south of you, is Sodom with her daughters. 47“Yet you have not merely walked in their ways or done according to their abominations; but, as if that were too little, you acted more corruptly in all your conduct than they. 48“As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “Sodom, your sister and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. 49“Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. 50“Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it. 51“Furthermore, Samaria did not commit half of your sins, for you have multiplied your abominations more than they. Thus you have made your sisters appear righteous by all your abominations which you have committed. 52“Also bear your disgrace in that you have made judgment favorable for your sisters. Because of your sins in which you acted more abominably than they, they are more in the right than you. Yes, be also ashamed and bear your disgrace, in that you made your sisters appear righteous.

      53“Nevertheless, I will restore their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and her daughters, the captivity of Samaria and her daughters, and along with them your own captivity, 54in order that you may bear your humiliation and feel ashamed for all that you have done when you become a consolation to them. 55“Your sisters, Sodom with her daughters and Samaria with her daughters, will return to their former state, and you with your daughters will also return to your former state. 56“As the name of your sister Sodom was not heard from your lips in your day of pride, 57before your wickedness was uncovered, so now you have become the reproach of the daughters of Edom and of all who are around her, of the daughters of the Philistines—those surrounding you who despise you. 58“You have borne the penalty of your lewdness and abominations,” the LORD declares. 59For thus says the Lord GOD, “I will also do with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath by breaking the covenant.

The Covenant Remembered

      60“Nevertheless, I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. 61“Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both your older and your younger; and I will give them to you as daughters, but not because of your covenant. 62“Thus I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the LORD, 63so that you may remember and be ashamed and never open your mouth anymore because of your humiliation, when I have forgiven you for all that you have done,” the Lord GOD declares.

Summary Key Points:

  • God compares Jerusalem to an abandoned infant, destined for destruction, yet He rescues and nurtures her into a beautiful woman.
  • Despite God’s lavish love and blessings, Jerusalem forsakes Him, prostituting herself with idols and foreign nations.
  • The consequences of Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness are severe, resulting in judgment and exile.
  • Despite Israel’s faithlessness, God promises to remember His covenant and restore her, demonstrating His unending love and faithfulness.

Call to Action:

  • Examine Your Allegiance: Reflect on your own relationship with God. Are there areas where you’ve been unfaithful or allowed idols to take His place in your life?
  • Repent and Return: If you’ve strayed from God’s path, humbly repent and turn back to Him. His arms are always open to receive the repentant

Closing: In the turbulent narrative of Ezekiel 16, we witness the depth of God’s love and the pain of His people’s betrayal. Yet, woven within this tale of unfaithfulness lies a thread of hope—a promise of restoration and redemption for those who return to Him in repentance.

May we heed the warnings and embrace the mercy offered by our faithful God, knowing that His love surpasses our waywardness and His grace extends beyond our failings.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the sobering message of Ezekiel 16, we are humbled by Your unfailing love amidst our unfaithfulness. Forgive us for the times we’ve strayed from Your path and sought fulfillment in fleeting idols. Grant us the grace to repent and return to You wholeheartedly, knowing that You are ever ready to restore and redeem. May Your faithfulness inspire us to walk in obedience and devotion 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.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Faithful, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God

A Cry for Restoration (Psalm 80)

Have you ever found yourself longing for restoration, yearning for God to revive and renew what has been lost or broken?

In Psalm 80, we encounter a heartfelt plea for God’s intervention and restoration, echoing the cries of many who seek His healing touch in their lives.

Reconnect: As we journey through the Psalms, each passage offers a unique perspective on the human experience and our relationship with God. Psalm 80 stands as a poignant expression of the collective plea of God’s people for His divine intervention and restoration amidst trials and tribulations.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Psalm 80

God Implored to Rescue His People from Their Calamities.

For the choir director; set to El Shoshannim; Eduth. A Psalm of Asaph.

1Oh, give ear, Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock;
You who are enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth!

      2Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up Your power
And come to save us!

      3O God, restore us
And cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.

      4O LORD God of hosts,
How long will You be angry with the prayer of Your people?

      5You have fed them with the bread of tears,
And You have made them to drink tears in large measure.

      6You make us an object of contention to our neighbors,
And our enemies laugh among themselves.

      7O God of hosts, restore us
And cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.

      8You removed a vine from Egypt;
You drove out the nations and planted it.

      9You cleared the ground before it,
And it took deep root and filled the land.

      10The mountains were covered with its shadow,
And the cedars of God with its boughs.

      11It was sending out its branches to the sea
And its shoots to the River.

      12Why have You broken down its hedges,
So that all who pass that way pick its fruit?

      13A boar from the forest eats it away
And whatever moves in the field feeds on it.

      14O God of hosts, turn again now, we beseech You;
Look down from heaven and see, and take care of this vine,

      15Even the shoot which Your right hand has planted,
And on the son whom You have strengthened for Yourself.

      16It is burned with fire, it is cut down;
They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.

      17Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand,
Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.

      18Then we shall not turn back from You;
Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.

      19O LORD God of hosts, restore us;
Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.

Summary Key Points:

  • A Desperate Cry for Help: The psalmist begins by beseeching God, the Shepherd of Israel, to hear and restore His people. They acknowledge God’s past faithfulness in leading them like a flock but now cry out in distress, longing for His intervention.
  • Brokenness and Devastation: The imagery of a vine serves as a powerful metaphor for Israel’s current state—a vineyard ravaged by enemies, its protective walls broken down, and its fruit plundered. The psalmist laments the devastation and pleads for God’s mercy.
  • Divine Restoration: Despite the dire circumstances, the psalmist appeals to God’s character of compassion and power, urging Him to revive His people once more. They implore God to turn His face towards them, that they may be saved and restored to their former glory.
  • A Call to Action: The psalmist’s plea serves as a poignant reminder for us to turn to God in times of distress and to trust in His ability to bring restoration and renewal. We are called to seek God earnestly, acknowledging His sovereignty and surrendering our brokenness into His hands.

Call to Action:

  • Seek God’s Restoration: Just as the psalmist cried out for restoration, let us also bring our brokenness before God, trusting in His power to heal and revive us. Spend time in prayer, pouring out your heart to Him and seeking His restoration in every area of your life.
  • Trust in God’s Faithfulness: In times of trial and tribulation, anchor your faith in God’s unchanging character. Remember His past faithfulness and trust that He will once again intervene on your behalf.
  • Live in Hope: Despite the challenges we face, hold onto the hope that God is still at work, orchestrating His plans for our restoration and redemption. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and wait expectantly for His deliverance.

In the midst of life’s storms and struggles, may we echo the psalmist’s cry for restoration, trusting in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. As we surrender our brokenness into His hands, may He bring forth beauty from ashes and turn our mourning into dancing.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts laid bare, longing for Your divine intervention and restoration in our lives. Hear our cries, O Lord, and revive us once again. Restore us, O God of hosts, and cause Your face to shine upon us. May Your Spirit breathe new life into every dry and barren area of our lives, bringing forth beauty from ashes and joy from mourning. 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.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Idols / False Gods, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God

The Danger of Idolatry (Ezekiel 14)

Have you ever found yourself drawn to things that take precedence over your devotion to God? In Ezekiel 14, we delve into the perilous consequences of idolatry and the urgent call to turn back to the one true God.

Reconnect: In Ezekiel’s ongoing vision, we’ve witnessed the Lord’s profound disappointment with His people’s persistent disobedience and idolatry. As we now explore Ezekiel 14, this theme continues to echo, emphasizing the critical need for repentance and realignment with God’s will.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 14

Idolatrous Elders Condemned

      1Then some elders of Israel came to me and sat down before me. 2And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 3“Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts and have put right before their faces the stumbling block of their iniquity. Should I be consulted by them at all? 4“Therefore speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Any man of the house of Israel who sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet, I the LORD will be brought to give him an answer in the matter in view of the multitude of his idols, 5in order to lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel who are estranged from Me through all their idols.”’

      6“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Repent and turn away from your idols and turn your faces away from all your abominations. 7“For anyone of the house of Israel or of the immigrants who stay in Israel who separates himself from Me, sets up his idols in his heart, puts right before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and then comes to the prophet to inquire of Me for himself, I the LORD will be brought to answer him in My own person. 8“I will set My face against that man and make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from among My people. So you will know that I am the LORD.

      9“But if the prophet is prevailed upon to speak a word, it is I, the LORD, who have prevailed upon that prophet, and I will stretch out My hand against him and destroy him from among My people Israel. 10“They will bear the punishment of their iniquity; as the iniquity of the inquirer is, so the iniquity of the prophet will be, 11in order that the house of Israel may no longer stray from Me and no longer defile themselves with all their transgressions. Thus they will be My people, and I shall be their God,”’ declares the Lord GOD.”

The City Will Not Be Spared

12Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 13“Son of man, if a country sins against Me by committing unfaithfulness, and I stretch out My hand against it, destroy its supply of bread, send famine against it and cut off from it both man and beast, 14even though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, by their own righteousness they could only deliver themselves,” declares the Lord GOD. 15“If I were to cause wild beasts to pass through the land and they depopulated it, and it became desolate so that no one would pass through it because of the beasts, 16though these three men were in its midst, as I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “they could not deliver either their sons or their daughters. They alone would be delivered, but the country would be desolate. 17“Or if I should bring a sword on that country and say, ‘Let the sword pass through the country and cut off man and beast from it,’ 18even though these three men were in its midst, as I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “they could not deliver either their sons or their daughters, but they alone would be delivered. 19“Or if I should send a plague against that country and pour out My wrath in blood on it to cut off man and beast from it, 20even though Noah, Daniel and Job were in its midst, as I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “they could not deliver either their son or their daughter. They would deliver only themselves by their righteousness.”

      21For thus says the Lord GOD, “How much more when I send My four severe judgments against Jerusalem: sword, famine, wild beasts and plague to cut off man and beast from it! 22“Yet, behold, survivors will be left in it who will be brought out, both sons and daughters. Behold, they are going to come forth to you and you will see their conduct and actions; then you will be comforted for the calamity which I have brought against Jerusalem for everything which I have brought upon it. 23“Then they will comfort you when you see their conduct and actions, for you will know that I have not done in vain whatever I did to it,” declares the Lord GOD.

Summary Key Points:

  • Idolatry Defined: Idolatry isn’t just about bowing to false gods carved from wood or stone. It encompasses anything that we prioritize over our relationship with God, whether it’s material possessions, relationships, ambitions, or even our own desires.
  • Divine Displeasure: God’s patience wears thin as He addresses the elders of Israel who’ve set up idols in their hearts, turning away from Him. Despite their outward show of seeking guidance, their hearts remain far from Him.
  • Consequences of Idolatry: The consequences of idolatry are severe. God refuses to answer those who come to Him while still harboring idols in their hearts. He allows them to reap the fruit of their unfaithfulness, leading to their spiritual ruin.
  • Call to Repentance: Despite the gravity of their sin, God’s mercy still extends an invitation to repentance. He longs for His people to turn away from their idols, return to Him, and seek His face earnestly.
  • God’s Faithfulness: Even in judgment, God’s faithfulness endures. He desires genuine relationship with His people, and His discipline is always aimed at restoration and reconciliation.

Call to Action:

  • Examine Your Heart: Take a sincere look at your life and identify any areas where idols may have taken root. Are there things you prioritize over your relationship with God?
  • Repentance and Surrender: If you find idolatry in your life, repent and surrender those areas to God. Allow Him to take His rightful place as the center of your affection and devotion.
  • Seek God Wholeheartedly: Make it your priority to seek God wholeheartedly, forsaking any idols that hinder your relationship with Him. Cultivate intimacy with Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word.

In a world full of distractions and temptations, let us fix our eyes on the one true God, forsaking all idols that vie for our devotion. May we heed His call to repentance, surrendering our hearts completely to Him, for in Him alone will we find true fulfillment and everlasting joy.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we confess that our hearts are prone to wander and chase after idols that cannot satisfy. Forgive us for the times we’ve placed other things above You. Help us to uproot every idol in our lives and surrender ourselves wholly to You. May Your Spirit empower us to seek You wholeheartedly and walk in obedience to Your will. 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.

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.

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.

Compassionate, Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Idols / False Gods, Justice / Judgment, Merciful, Repenting from Sin, Wickedness / Evil

God’s Judgment and Mercy: A Vision in Ezekiel 9

Ever see someone who is doing things you know God does not like, but they don’t recognize it? Ever stop to consider if you, too, are doing things that God does not like, but you can’t see it? The book of Ezekiel takes us on a journey where God’s judgment and mercy intersect in profound ways. Today, let’s delve into Ezekiel 9, where we witness a vision that reveals the consequences of disobedience and the depths of God’s compassion.

Reconnect: Before we dive into Ezekiel 9, let’s reconnect with the broader context of this prophetic book. Ezekiel was a priest and prophet who lived during the Babylonian exile. In this tumultuous period, God used Ezekiel to convey His messages to the exiled Israelites, calling them to repentance and foretelling future events. The vision in Ezekiel 9 is part of a series of prophetic revelations that Ezekiel received, each offering insights into God’s character and His dealings with His people.

(Summarized and continued after the scripture)

Ezekiel 9

The Vision of Slaughter

      1Then He cried out in my hearing with a loud voice saying, “Draw near, O executioners of the city, each with his destroying weapon in his hand.” 2Behold, six men came from the direction of the upper gate which faces north, each with his shattering weapon in his hand; and among them was a certain man clothed in linen with a writing case at his loins. And they went in and stood beside the bronze altar.

      3Then the glory of the God of Israel went up from the cherub on which it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen at whose loins was the writing case. 4The LORD said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst.” 5But to the others He said in my hearing, “Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye have pity and do not spare. 6“Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were before the temple. 7And He said to them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go out!” Thus they went out and struck down the people in the city. 8As they were striking the people and I alone was left, I fell on my face and cried out saying, “Alas, Lord GOD! Are You destroying the whole remnant of Israel by pouring out Your wrath on Jerusalem?”

      9Then He said to me, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is very, very great, and the land is filled with blood and the city is full of perversion; for they say, ‘The LORD has forsaken the land, and the LORD does not see!’ 10“But as for Me, My eye will have no pity nor will I spare, but I will bring their conduct upon their heads.”

      11Then behold, the man clothed in linen at whose loins was the writing case reported, saying, “I have done just as You have commanded me.”

Ever see someone who is doing things you know God does not like, but they don’t recognize it? Ever stop to consider if you, too, are doing things that God does not like, but you can’t see it? The book of Ezekiel takes us on a journey where God’s judgment and mercy intersect in profound ways. Today, let’s delve into Ezekiel 9, where we witness a vision that reveals the consequences of disobedience and the depths of God’s compassion.

Summary Key Points:

  • God’s Call for Judgment: In Ezekiel 9, we encounter a vision where God instructs a man clothed in linen to go through Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of those who sigh and groan over the abominations committed in the city. This marking signifies protection from the impending judgment that will befall the wicked inhabitants of Jerusalem.
  • Consequences of Sin: The vision vividly portrays the consequences of sin and disobedience. The city of Jerusalem is filled with violence, idolatry, and injustice, prompting God’s righteous judgment. However, amidst the impending judgment, God shows mercy to those who remain faithful to Him, sparing them from destruction.
  • God’s Compassion and Mercy: Despite the severity of the judgment, we see God’s compassion and mercy on display. He provides a way of escape for the righteous, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to those who remain faithful to Him. This reveals God’s heart for His people, desiring repentance and restoration rather than judgment and destruction.

Call to Action:

  • Seek God’s Protection: Just as God marked those who remained faithful in Ezekiel’s vision, seek His protection and guidance in your life. Stay close to Him, sighing and groaning over the sin and brokenness in the world, and trust in His promise of deliverance.
  • Examine Your Heart: Take time to examine your heart and actions. Are there areas of disobedience or idolatry that need to be addressed? Ask God to reveal any sin or wrongdoing in your life, and seek His forgiveness and guidance in turning away from it.
  • Embrace God’s Mercy: Reflect on the mercy and compassion that God extends to His people, even in the face of judgment. Let His mercy inspire you to extend grace and compassion to others, showing the love of Christ in your words and actions.

Closing: Ezekiel’s vision serves as a poignant reminder of God’s justice and mercy. As we navigate our own journey, may we remain faithful to God, trusting in His protection and mercy, and may His grace lead us to lives of obedience and compassion.

Prayer: Lord, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging Your sovereignty and righteousness. Thank You for the insights we’ve gained from Ezekiel 9, reminding us of the consequences of sin and the depth of Your mercy. Help us, O God, to examine our hearts and lives, seeking Your forgiveness and guidance where we have fallen short. Protect us, Lord, from the judgment that befalls the wicked, and mark us with Your seal of righteousness. Grant us the strength to remain faithful to You, even in the midst of trials and temptations. May Your mercy and compassion abound in our lives, leading us to extend grace and love to those around us. 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.

Discipline / Guidance From God, Repenting from Sin, Seeking God, Study the Word

Unveiling the Hidden Heart: Finding Idols in Your Life (Ezekiel 8)

Ever find yourself watching someone making choices contrary to God’s ways, yet blind to their own missteps?

It’s easy to point out others’ errors, but have you ever paused to reflect on your own actions? Are there habits or priorities you hold dear that might unknowingly distance you from God?

Reconnect: Before diving into Ezekiel 8, let’s recall the broader context of Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry. In the previous chapters, Ezekiel received his commission from God, a daunting task to be a watchman for Israel. He has been warning the people of impending judgment due to their persistent rebellion and idolatry. Now, in Ezekiel 8, we witness a vivid portrayal of the spiritual condition of Jerusalem, revealing the depth of their depravity and God’s righteous judgment.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Ezekiel 8

Vision of Abominations in Jerusalem

      1It came about in the sixth year, on the fifth day of the sixth month, as I was sitting in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord GOD fell on me there. 2Then I looked, and behold, a likeness as the appearance of a man; from His loins and downward there was the appearance of fire, and from His loins and upward the appearance of brightness, like the appearance of glowing metal. 3He stretched out the form of a hand and caught me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the idol of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy, was located. 4And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the appearance which I saw in the plain.

      5Then He said to me, “Son of man, raise your eyes now toward the north.” So I raised my eyes toward the north, and behold, to the north of the altar gate was this idol of jealousy at the entrance. 6And He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations which the house of Israel are committing here, so that I would be far from My sanctuary? But yet you will see still greater abominations.”

      7Then He brought me to the entrance of the court, and when I looked, behold, a hole in the wall. 8He said to me, “Son of man, now dig through the wall.” So I dug through the wall, and behold, an entrance. 9And He said to me, “Go in and see the wicked abominations that they are committing here.” 10So I entered and looked, and behold, every form of creeping things and beasts and detestable things, with all the idols of the house of Israel, were carved on the wall all around. 11Standing in front of them were seventy elders of the house of Israel, with Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan standing among them, each man with his censer in his hand and the fragrance of the cloud of incense rising. 12Then He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are committing in the dark, each man in the room of his carved images? For they say, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’” 13And He said to me, “Yet you will see still greater abominations which they are committing.”

      14Then He brought me to the entrance of the gate of the LORD’S house which was toward the north; and behold, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz. 15He said to me, “Do you see this, son of man? Yet you will see still greater abominations than these.”

      16Then He brought me into the inner court of the LORD’S house. And behold, at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; and they were prostrating themselves eastward toward the sun. 17He said to me, “Do you see this, son of man? Is it too light a thing for the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they have committed here, that they have filled the land with violence and provoked Me repeatedly? For behold, they are putting the twig to their nose. 18“Therefore, I indeed will deal in wrath. My eye will have no pity nor will I spare; and though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, yet I will not listen to them.”

Summary Key Points:

  1. Revealing the Hidden Abominations:
    • In Ezekiel’s vision, he is transported to Jerusalem, where he sees the elders of Israel engaging in idol worship in the inner court of the temple. They have replaced the worship of the one true God with idols, turning their backs on His commandments.
    • Despite the facade of religious observance, the hearts of the people are far from God. The secret sins committed in the darkness are brought to light before Ezekiel’s eyes, exposing the depth of their spiritual decay.
  2. The Consequences of Idolatry:
    • God’s response to the idolatry of His people is swift and severe. He declares judgment upon Jerusalem, promising to withdraw His presence from the temple and bring destruction upon the city.
    • The consequences of their idolatry extend beyond physical destruction; they also face spiritual desolation, as God’s presence departs from their midst due to their unrepentant hearts.
    • Remember idolatry is more than false gods. It includes anything or anyone we put in an equal or higher place of importance than God through our actions or thoughts.
  3. God’s Call to Repentance:
    • In the midst of judgment, God still extends an invitation to repentance. Despite the depths of their sin, there is still an opportunity for the people to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness.
    • Ezekiel’s vision serves as a warning to all generations about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commandments. It reminds us that God sees the hidden sins of our hearts and calls us to repentance and renewal.

Call to Action:

  • Examine Your Heart: Take time to reflect on your own life and ask God to reveal any hidden sins or areas of idolatry. Be willing to confront these areas and turn back to God in repentance.
  • Seek God’s Presence: Don’t take God’s presence for granted. Cultivate a life of intimacy with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word.
  • Embrace Repentance: If God reveals areas of sin in your life, don’t hesitate to repent and turn back to Him. His grace is sufficient to forgive and restore all who come to Him with a contrite heart.

Closing: In the turbulent landscape of Ezekiel’s vision, we are confronted with the sobering reality of God’s holiness and the consequences of disobedience. Yet, even in the midst of judgment, there is hope for repentance and restoration for those who turn back to God. May we heed the warnings of Ezekiel 8 and strive to live lives that honor and glorify God in all we do.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, As we reflect on the words of Ezekiel 8, we are reminded of Your holiness and Your righteous judgment. Help us to examine our hearts and turn away from any form of idolatry or sin that separates us from You. Grant us the grace to repent and turn back to You, knowing that You are faithful to forgive and restore us. May our lives be a reflection of Your glory, as we seek to honor You in all things. 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, 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.

Compassionate, Grace / Forgiveness, Love, Merciful, Repenting from Sin, Thankfulness

Forgiven Much, Love Much: Embrace God’s Grace with Thanks (Luke 7:36-50)

Have you ever been overwhelmed by your own mistakes, feeling as if forgiveness is out of reach?

In Luke 7:36-50, we encounter a powerful story of grace that challenges our notions of worthiness and redemption.

Reconnect: This passage follows Jesus’ interactions with John the Baptist’s disciples and the crowd’s response to John’s ministry. It continues to illustrate Jesus’ authority over sin and his willingness to extend forgiveness to those society deems unworthy.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 7:36-50

    36Now one of the Pharisees was requesting Him to dine with him, and He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, 38and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. 39Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner.”

Parable of Two Debtors

     40And Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Say it, Teacher.” 41“A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42“When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” 43Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45“You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. 46“You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. 47“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48Then He said to her, “Your sins have been forgiven.” 49Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Summary Key Points:

  • The profound act of love and service demonstrated by the sinful woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume and tears demonstrates how grateful she feels for the forgiveness she has received.
  • Jesus’ parable about the two debtors highlights the depth of forgiveness and the transformative power of grace.
  • The contrast between the woman’s humble repentance and the Pharisee’s judgmental attitude towards her reveals the essence of true faith.

Call to Action:

  • Embrace the grace of Jesus by acknowledging our own need for forgiveness and extending that same grace to others.
  • Cultivate a spirit of humility and gratitude, recognizing that we are all recipients of God’s boundless mercy.
  • Seek opportunities to demonstrate love and compassion, following the example of Christ in extending forgiveness and acceptance to those society may reject.

Closing Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your boundless grace and mercy, which knows no bounds. Help us to embrace the radical forgiveness offered through Christ and extend that same love to others. May our lives be a testament to your transformative power and unending love. 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.

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.