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We had 7 for Wordlisteners tonight, and the topic of discussion was Ezekiel 37-39. We also had more homemade ice cream. All was good. Chapter 37 is very rapture like in description, 38 and 39 describe the opening acts of the tribulation period. Come quickly Lord Jesus, all the things described in the book can happen at anytime. God is in control.
Our next meeting is scheduled for July 11th, 2010
Ezekiel 37
The Lord took him in spirit to a valley of dry bones. It is interesting that in the message edition Assyria and Babylon are said to have eaten Israel, and spit out bones. In Jeremiah 7:32-8:2 and in Jeremiah 50:17 the references to the destruction of Israel and then Judah are clear.
At the valley he is told to prophesy over the bones, and when he does the bones come together and flesh becomes attached. These bodies are not breathing until he is told to prophecy breath into them. Then they are fully alive. This is an example of the dead in Christ coming to life.
The next section explains what we just read. The bones are the "whole" house of Israel. Does this include the Christians? Christians do become part of the house of Israel. There is also the statement that God will make graves open (rapture like), and He will bring them into the land of Israel. The opening of the graves, and resurrection of the dead will show those resurrected and others that He is Lord.
At this point I'm reminded of the NT story of the resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus heard he was sick, and could have gone to heal him, but instead waited until he had died to act. In the story there was greater awe over a resurrection than there would have been over a healing. The raising of the dead will be an awe inspiring event that gets people's attention.
I think the breath in the bones that reformed bodies is the spirit of God. God will put His spirit in them and place them in their land (Israel- literal? Rapture?). The Lord does this and people know He is God. Since this is somewhat unbelievable in the natural we are reminded that what the Lord speaks He will do, it will happen.
I think this is more than Cyrus releasing the exiles from Babylon, and sending them home. God certainly brought that about as well, but there are things (if meant literally) that hasn't happened yet.
Verse 15 two sticks. Judah and Ephraim joined together one nation. One people after Babylonian exile, but not a nation until 1948. Was 1948 an act of God? an act of man trying to force God's hand? God made it happen, or He allowed it. God is sovereign. God will restore Israel and David will be their king, that description hasn't happened yet. The people will also follow His statutes and ordinances. Looking those up they run from Leviticus 18 to the end.
These are listed after sin and atonement offerings. Hebrews 9:23 states Jesus was the perfect sin offering allowing us back into right relationship with God. The following of His statutes by His restored people is mentioned plenty. These statutes involve sacrifices. Ezekiel describes a temple that hasn't been built yet (clearly, and may be the one of the 1000 year reign), but it has tables where animal sacrifices are prepared. Literal or figurative? Consider the following:
1. Our giving of money or tithing could be considered a sacrifice. It is an active sign of our acknowledgement of who God is. In that time (Ezekiel's) animals were capital (money). Since we still give tithes and offerings, after Jesus, it is plausible that some sacrifices will happen in the millennial reign. As described by Ezekiel in Chapter 40 and beyond.
2. In Leviticus the sin offering and atonement is first, then the following of the statutes and ordinances. Some of the sacrifices were clearly to support our fellow men, the priests, the poor, etc. In the 1000 year reign we will very gladly serve each other putting the needs of others first.
Back to Ezekiel, a few promises -Israel will live in the land given to Jacob with Jesus as Prince forever. God will place them there (after period in heaven?, or instantly in the process of restoring His people?) He will multiply them, and set His sanctuary in their midst (described later). God will dwell with them (in Israel) and nations will know God is Lord when His sanctuary is in their midst forever. Jerusalem a light to the world.
Now IF and I underline IF this happens just prior to the tribulation period, then imagine Jesus (or David) on the throne, His spirit poured out, the dead resurrected and brought forth to live there also.
Would city defenses be necessary?
Would the nation seem to be at peace and seemingly defenseless?
Ezekiel 38
Gog a nation from the North, Nations described include present day Russia, Iran, Ethiopia, and Turkey- all non arabic. Arabic nations will have an anti-christ peace treaty so Israel will feel secure. God will use them to demonstrate He is God.
Verse 8 is interesting- Israel is a land restored from the sword. Can be interpreted a couple ways. restored from the sword = war torn (1948), or restored from the sword = a land where wars don't happen anymore, the people truly follow God, worshiping and relying on Him.
The invaders coming- are they more likely to attack an armed Israel or one that is following the Lord at peace? Kind of hard to imagine, but the power of God is greater than we can imagine. Large numbers are indicated, interestingly it is our new military tactic- overwhelm the enemy. This can mean an attack expecting resistance. The statement that people are living securely- probably has never described current Israel.
The enemy will come like a cloud against a peaceable people living without bars or gates- trying to overwhelm God? Back in 36 the waste cities of Israel will be inhabited and fortified, yet will be without bars and gates? Their intent isn't stated to be annihilation but rather to plunder and spoil- from the affects of famine? Back in Chapter 36 the Lord states in vs 29 and 30 that when Israel is restored He will not allow the disgrace of famine. When the Lord turned His back to Jerusalem in Jeremiah famine soon followed. If restoring Israel and making the statement He is God then famine to the north could occur, while Israel has plenty, making them a clear plunder and spoil target.
It will be a day of plunder when Israel is living securely, and Gog knows it (vs 14)- peace treaty? This invasion has been prophesied for many years by the prophets of Israel (vs 17). Gog will be used to sanctify or set apart God. He will set Himself apart and call attention to Himself through their act of invasion and His response.
His response is said to be earthquakes in Israel (worldwide?- all the people of the earth will feel it). Mountains flattened. The invaders will turn on each other in panic, and fire and brimstone will rain down. This will magnify God, set Him apart, and make Him known in the sight of many nations. This will be the first part of the tribulation period, the first horse of the four in Revelation.
Ezekiel 39
Invasion of the blessed mountains of Israel. Invaders coming to plunder looking for food and cattle. They will fall on the mountains of Israel. The earthquake happens and they turn on each other. Fire falls on the parts their countries where people who didn't come as part of the invasion are. This is a demonstration that the Lord is God, not men with their supposed reasoning and military might. Israel will know He is the Lord- the point they turn to Christ?
The fallen invaders will become plunder for Israel. Interesting - God blesses His people Israel after restoring them, others become jealous and seek to plunder them but in fact end up giving up what they have (that God gave) to Israel. Its all God's - He'll redistribute it as He sees fit. James 4:2 is appropriate here. Instead of deciding to take from Israel they could have repented and asked God to bless them.
It will take 7 months to bury the dead and the plunder will last 7 years. So many dead the birds will eat. Interestingly it is called the Lord's sacrifice for the birds. Remember, He created these men, He desired something better for them, but their choices caused them to have to be sacrificed. So it is a cost of sorts to the Lord that they are slain (His creation destroyed). The sacrifice will be His table that He set for His birds, men don't have to do anything to bring it about.
All nations will see His action and His judgment. The house of Israel will know He is God from that day on.
The nations will realize that even though the history of the Jewish people involved hardship and exile, they are still His people.
God blesses the obedient, although truly obedient people aren't after worldly blessings.
God protects His chosen (not blesses), if they aren't obedient to Him then there is no blessing- He may look away. He allowed Israel to be punished. He punished those invaders on the mountains of Israel and will punish all who don't follow His ways. The only argument you can make about following or not following God is not that His ways are bad, none of them are. Its about wanting things our way even if others have to suffer for our choices.
Israel is restored then saved. They will forget their disgrace and live in the land. No one will cause them fear- knowing and truly receiving God and His love will cast out all fear (1 John 4:18).
When He gathers His people He will be sanctified or set apart in the sight of many nations (Jerusalem a light unto the world). Israel will know He is God (be saved), why they went into exile (disobedience). They are all gathered (including those that have died). He is present with them, and His spirit is poured out.
Show yourself Holy Lord.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Ezekiel 33:21-36 June 20, 2010
There was 7 for Wordlisteners on June 20, 2010. We discussed Ezekiel 33:21 through Ezekiel 36. We also prepared some homemade ice cream. One of the continuing themes that had been discussed also in previous weeks was the similarity between a Judah about to be over-run by Babylon and our world today. A focus on selfishness, a wanting our way - like them. God only has to turn His back on us for calamity.
Come quickly Lord.
My notes are as follows:
Ezekiel was speechless until the day Jerusalem fell, then the Lord told him what the refugees were saying. They could not believe that the Lord let Jerusalem fell, after all He gave Abraham, one man, the land and what about all the people of Jerusalem? They felt deserving. The Lord reminded them through Ezekiel of their transgressions. They weren't obedient, so the Lord will give them to death, which they will not believe until it happens.
The Lord also tells Ezekiel how the people take him. They come and listen but do not heed his words. They are too worried about their own desires. They want their way and not God's. Ezekiel's words from God will come true, and they will know a prophet has been in their presence. All preachers and prophets must realize this, its not about any glory for them personally, but rather getting God's word out. Focusing on messenger rather than the message is not God's way.
Ezekiel 34
A prophecy against the shepherds of Israel-(the leaders of Israel and/or the organized church?). They are in it for themselves, they take care of themselves. The sick are not strengthened, diseased not healed, broken not bound, and scattered not gathered. Rather the shepherds have dominated. Since the shepherds weren't doing what God had appointed them to do the flock was scattered, and became food. The shepherds were concerned with their own gain and not that of others. God will deliver His flock.
God will search out His flock from all the places scattered and bring them to their own land- He will do it. God will gather them and bring them to the mountains of Israel. God will feed them, and it will be good pasture on the mountain heights. He will feed His flock and lead them to rest. God will seek the lost, bring back the scattered bind up the broken- He will take care of them.
The fat and strong He will destroy, they push and want better. There seems to be even amongst God's flock those sheep that place their desires and wants above the needs of others or the common good. Whatever God provides good pasture, they look for greener grass and clearer water. Becoming self focused, and not putting others first. One shepherd will be set over them (King David- it seems), He will make a covenant of peace, and they will live securely. The earth will yield its increase, and they will know the Lord, no one will make them afraid, no famine, no insults from others. God will make them secure, and they will be submitted to His ways and they will feel the security that we all desire by knowing God.
In this chapter we saw what God will do for and to His flock- those that recognize Him and His position and plans. He will search them out and gather them, because their leaders don't take care of them. Within the flock He will deal with selfishness. He will lead them.
Ezekiel 35
In contrast to the last chapter we see what God will do to those who may recognize Him but try to usurp His position, and are opposed to His plans.
The Lord is against Mount Seir (Edom- those who oppose Israel). It will become a desolation, they delivered Israel to the sword at the time of calamity. Since they liked bloodshed, bloodshed will follow them. God gives us the desire of our heart, both good and bad. If we want Him we get closer to Him, if we reject Him He will let us live in a world without Him. Its our choice. Mount Seir will become an everlasting desolation.
The people opposed to God's plans selfishly push their own. They see Him and know about Him but don't act to align themselves with His will. Rather they promote their own agenda. The fallen angels know about God and His plan, but through their pride and arrogance deny God and His plan in favor of their own.
Edom thought the land of Israel was there for them, that they would possess it regardless of what God had said. They thought the land and the people were there for the plunder for them. Focused on things of the world rather than people – not God's way. So they hated when God blessed them with good things and cheered at their misfortunes (when God removed blessing). They even spoke arrogantly against God and His plans. They rejoiced when God made Judah a desolate place, so God will make them a desolation.
He will show that He is God.
Ezekiel 36
A prophecy to the mountains of Israel- God's spoken word concerning them. God had made them a desolation in punishing Israel and Judah for disobedience to Him. Other nations had witnessed this and decided to appropriate the land for themselves. God has previously spoken to make those nations a desolation that decide they can have their own way on earth. So when other nations wanted the mountains of Israel and God said “no” and wouldn't let them have it, then they insulted the land. The insults they used are exactly what they will have to endure. Be careful what you say if it doesn't align with God's way.
He then speaks what will happen to the mountains- it will put forth branches and bear fruit, for His people will soon come. It will be cultivated and sown. Men will be multiplied on it (God says), all the cities inhabited and waste places rebuilt. Once inhabited the Lord will bless the inhabitants, its an inheritance to the people of Israel.
The mountains have a bad reputation of bereaving those that live there of children. God rebukes this saying- it won't happen again. Furthermore the mountains will have no disgrace.
An explanation- the sons of Israel living in the land defiled it. God poured out His wrath on them and rather than accept their own part in it they blamed the land (mountains). God scattered them for their deeds and yet as humans we like to look for reasons that don't involve our wickedness. So in exile these people had come from God's land, and the other nations knew it. So the land got the bad reputation and not the deeds of the people in the land.
The title in this section is that the mountains of Israel will be blessed. The first thing it says is that God doesn't act for our sake, but for the sake of His Holy (sacred) name which Israel has profaned (desecrated)- they felt they weren't to blame. No matter how badly we treat each other, and its getting pretty bad, its about God and His name. The more we profane God and His name the more likely we will treat each other badly. For it is God and His Spirit in place that makes life have any goodness it does. The Lord will vindicate His Holy name, by showing Himself Holy in the sight of all.
How? He will start by taking Israel (Jews and Christians?) from the nations, gathering them from all lands and bringing them into their own land (promised to them). A glimpse of this is happening, but its not complete.
He will then cleanse them (us) with water, and put a new spirit and heart in them, which will cause us to walk in His statutes and ordinances. This is sort of what happens when we accept Christ. It goes further to say we'll live in the land and be His people.
He will then bless the crops- no famine, other nations may however experience it.
We will remember our past deeds and loathe ourselves. We will be ashamed of our ways. Having a knowledge of them and being grateful for His better ways. He will not do this for us, but rather to show Himself. On a "day" that He cleanses us from our iniquity - on that day he will cause the cities to be inhabited and waste places rebuilt (sounds like a sudden influx of people).
Formerly desolate land will be cultivated, and all will see it. The land will become like a garden of Eden, and waste, desolate and ruined cities will be inhabited and fortified. Now when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem the towns were made desolate, so that has happened, but it could happen again.
This will be a sign for the nations around that He is the Lord. A witness for the world- sounds like what some call a "prosperity gospel" in that the Lord will bless His people with crops and abundance while others (that don't follow Him- by their own choice) may experience famine. He spoke it, it will happen.
Israel will then increase like a flock, the waste cities will be filled with flocks of men.
God doesn't act for our sake but only for His name- we humans certainly aren't worthy or deserving of any kindness. God freely gives it out of Himself to show that He is the ONLY reason to do anything.
When He says He will bless the crops and there be no famine, but other nations may experience it- this sounds pre-millennial reign.
We will live in the land and be His people as a witness to nations.
Come quickly Lord.
My notes are as follows:
Ezekiel was speechless until the day Jerusalem fell, then the Lord told him what the refugees were saying. They could not believe that the Lord let Jerusalem fell, after all He gave Abraham, one man, the land and what about all the people of Jerusalem? They felt deserving. The Lord reminded them through Ezekiel of their transgressions. They weren't obedient, so the Lord will give them to death, which they will not believe until it happens.
The Lord also tells Ezekiel how the people take him. They come and listen but do not heed his words. They are too worried about their own desires. They want their way and not God's. Ezekiel's words from God will come true, and they will know a prophet has been in their presence. All preachers and prophets must realize this, its not about any glory for them personally, but rather getting God's word out. Focusing on messenger rather than the message is not God's way.
Ezekiel 34
A prophecy against the shepherds of Israel-(the leaders of Israel and/or the organized church?). They are in it for themselves, they take care of themselves. The sick are not strengthened, diseased not healed, broken not bound, and scattered not gathered. Rather the shepherds have dominated. Since the shepherds weren't doing what God had appointed them to do the flock was scattered, and became food. The shepherds were concerned with their own gain and not that of others. God will deliver His flock.
God will search out His flock from all the places scattered and bring them to their own land- He will do it. God will gather them and bring them to the mountains of Israel. God will feed them, and it will be good pasture on the mountain heights. He will feed His flock and lead them to rest. God will seek the lost, bring back the scattered bind up the broken- He will take care of them.
The fat and strong He will destroy, they push and want better. There seems to be even amongst God's flock those sheep that place their desires and wants above the needs of others or the common good. Whatever God provides good pasture, they look for greener grass and clearer water. Becoming self focused, and not putting others first. One shepherd will be set over them (King David- it seems), He will make a covenant of peace, and they will live securely. The earth will yield its increase, and they will know the Lord, no one will make them afraid, no famine, no insults from others. God will make them secure, and they will be submitted to His ways and they will feel the security that we all desire by knowing God.
In this chapter we saw what God will do for and to His flock- those that recognize Him and His position and plans. He will search them out and gather them, because their leaders don't take care of them. Within the flock He will deal with selfishness. He will lead them.
Ezekiel 35
In contrast to the last chapter we see what God will do to those who may recognize Him but try to usurp His position, and are opposed to His plans.
The Lord is against Mount Seir (Edom- those who oppose Israel). It will become a desolation, they delivered Israel to the sword at the time of calamity. Since they liked bloodshed, bloodshed will follow them. God gives us the desire of our heart, both good and bad. If we want Him we get closer to Him, if we reject Him He will let us live in a world without Him. Its our choice. Mount Seir will become an everlasting desolation.
The people opposed to God's plans selfishly push their own. They see Him and know about Him but don't act to align themselves with His will. Rather they promote their own agenda. The fallen angels know about God and His plan, but through their pride and arrogance deny God and His plan in favor of their own.
Edom thought the land of Israel was there for them, that they would possess it regardless of what God had said. They thought the land and the people were there for the plunder for them. Focused on things of the world rather than people – not God's way. So they hated when God blessed them with good things and cheered at their misfortunes (when God removed blessing). They even spoke arrogantly against God and His plans. They rejoiced when God made Judah a desolate place, so God will make them a desolation.
He will show that He is God.
Ezekiel 36
A prophecy to the mountains of Israel- God's spoken word concerning them. God had made them a desolation in punishing Israel and Judah for disobedience to Him. Other nations had witnessed this and decided to appropriate the land for themselves. God has previously spoken to make those nations a desolation that decide they can have their own way on earth. So when other nations wanted the mountains of Israel and God said “no” and wouldn't let them have it, then they insulted the land. The insults they used are exactly what they will have to endure. Be careful what you say if it doesn't align with God's way.
He then speaks what will happen to the mountains- it will put forth branches and bear fruit, for His people will soon come. It will be cultivated and sown. Men will be multiplied on it (God says), all the cities inhabited and waste places rebuilt. Once inhabited the Lord will bless the inhabitants, its an inheritance to the people of Israel.
The mountains have a bad reputation of bereaving those that live there of children. God rebukes this saying- it won't happen again. Furthermore the mountains will have no disgrace.
An explanation- the sons of Israel living in the land defiled it. God poured out His wrath on them and rather than accept their own part in it they blamed the land (mountains). God scattered them for their deeds and yet as humans we like to look for reasons that don't involve our wickedness. So in exile these people had come from God's land, and the other nations knew it. So the land got the bad reputation and not the deeds of the people in the land.
The title in this section is that the mountains of Israel will be blessed. The first thing it says is that God doesn't act for our sake, but for the sake of His Holy (sacred) name which Israel has profaned (desecrated)- they felt they weren't to blame. No matter how badly we treat each other, and its getting pretty bad, its about God and His name. The more we profane God and His name the more likely we will treat each other badly. For it is God and His Spirit in place that makes life have any goodness it does. The Lord will vindicate His Holy name, by showing Himself Holy in the sight of all.
How? He will start by taking Israel (Jews and Christians?) from the nations, gathering them from all lands and bringing them into their own land (promised to them). A glimpse of this is happening, but its not complete.
He will then cleanse them (us) with water, and put a new spirit and heart in them, which will cause us to walk in His statutes and ordinances. This is sort of what happens when we accept Christ. It goes further to say we'll live in the land and be His people.
He will then bless the crops- no famine, other nations may however experience it.
We will remember our past deeds and loathe ourselves. We will be ashamed of our ways. Having a knowledge of them and being grateful for His better ways. He will not do this for us, but rather to show Himself. On a "day" that He cleanses us from our iniquity - on that day he will cause the cities to be inhabited and waste places rebuilt (sounds like a sudden influx of people).
Formerly desolate land will be cultivated, and all will see it. The land will become like a garden of Eden, and waste, desolate and ruined cities will be inhabited and fortified. Now when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem the towns were made desolate, so that has happened, but it could happen again.
This will be a sign for the nations around that He is the Lord. A witness for the world- sounds like what some call a "prosperity gospel" in that the Lord will bless His people with crops and abundance while others (that don't follow Him- by their own choice) may experience famine. He spoke it, it will happen.
Israel will then increase like a flock, the waste cities will be filled with flocks of men.
God doesn't act for our sake but only for His name- we humans certainly aren't worthy or deserving of any kindness. God freely gives it out of Himself to show that He is the ONLY reason to do anything.
When He says He will bless the crops and there be no famine, but other nations may experience it- this sounds pre-millennial reign.
We will live in the land and be His people as a witness to nations.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Wordlisteners June 13,2010 Ezekiel 30-33:20
We had seven for wordlisteners. Generally the discussion was about how much like present times was all the prophesy of God toward Pharaoh and Assyria and ultimately Israel. If we take our sights off of God then we are in trouble. God merely ignoring us will make our lives miserable.
Our next meeting is next week -June 20
Here are my notes:
Ezekiel 30
Egypt is to be destroyed, the Lord is prophesying it ahead of time, because it is unbelievable. When it happens they'll know He is God. End times are like that looking at it in the natural, it seems so far fetched. A fetching away, Jesus coming to earth to establish His kingdom, they can be hard to believe in light of what we have experienced, but it will happen and when it does we'll know that God said it. Then He brought it to pass.
Ethiopia will be included and it will happen at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. Then drought and desolation. He is not doing it from meanness, but rather He is pouring out His wrath because of their actions (our). Men slain and women taken into captivity.
The arm of the Egyptian king will be broken, which means the Egyptians will be powerless to prevent the onslaught of the Babylonians. The Lord is using the Babylonians to execute His judgments, and the Egyptians will be scattered. The scattering will be so unbelievable that they will know the Lord is God. Their pride as being the premier kingdom, and it was at one time will be reduced to those scattered and living in captivity- completely ignored by God (Oswald Chambers). God will show who He is.
Ezekiel 31
Pharaoh is warned of Assyria's fate. A nation built by God, magnificent and unmatched by the cedars in God's garden. The trees of Eden were jealous. But the heart of Assyria became haughty (prideful) so the Lord gave it to another nation to be destroyed. Pride and haughtiness is something we all deal with. We often will say something about our doing this or that and not acknowledge God's blessing on our lives. Or we get so sure of our plans that we neglect that God is the one in control, and our plans only happen if He allows them. Elevating ourselves and forgetting God is wickedness and He will deal with it.
Is this another facet of the teaching of Job? Bad things happening to us doesn't mean we are bad, they may be tests. Forgetting God or elevating ourselves above Him means we will be ignored by God. He will remove His favor, and that is all He has to do, its terribly fearful to think of those that deny God and press against His goads, but then expect the attributes of following God to still apply.
Assyria will be humbled for their pride, and so will Egypt. Nothing of any greatness (that God has given) will last unless God says so.
In leaving a former position I left things I felt would help the new person. The person I replaced at the new job did the same. In both cases more was left than would be used, so in these examples it is clear that our legacy or pride creeps in. Its very easy to become prideful.
Ezekiel 32
Now Pharaoh and Egypt will be judged for their pride, or maybe just the blessings removed. Great death and destruction is in store. Darkness in the land. Other kings will be fearful, if great Egypt can fall- what about them? This is not unlike us looking up to another – a Christian we deeply respect. Then we find out they aren't perfect, and none are, and we get crushed. In looking at them we take our eyes off of God. In looking at Egypt the nations became fearful of their security. God brings about the true security, and the people of Judah forgot that, they looked to Egypt.
Egypt is going to Sheol to join Assyria and Elam. Dead among the uncircumcised-those not chosen of God. Meshech Tubal and Edom, and the Sidonians. Not a place of honor, but a place where the mighty end up, those that won't bow their will to God. Those who want things their way. Slain by the sword of those that God wields.
Ezekiel 33
A watchman is appointed to warn the people. He is responsible for warning the people, the choice they make when they hear the warning is their own. God will make sure that His intentions are known such that people will have to make a choice about His way (life) or their way (death).
As for the people appointed to inform of God's message, they also have a choice. These are the prophets, they speak the message from God. These messengers can be false prophets or true prophets. A true prophet (according to Oswald Chambers) stood for the condemnation of people, whereas a false prophet speaks of their exoneration. It comes down to the condition of the human heart if an appointed person thinks there is any good there he is false. The true prophet knows the true condition of man's heart. Jonah comes to mind, he prophesied the destruction of Ninevah, which didn't happen because of true repentance and God's mercy. Yet he wasn't a false prophet because he spoke to the true condition of men's heart – deserving destruction.
As messengers we are appointed to speak of the true condition of the hearts of men. Any good we think we see should be a praise to God that He is working in that person or nation. It does not change their heart condition, it is rather a point of surrender they have personally chosen to make to God and His light is shining through. To say there is good in a man's heart is also saying there are areas that he/she doesn't have to choose to submit to God's will rather than self. Clearly false. Our desires need to align with the desires of God, when they do our prayers are assured answers.
Ezekiel was appointed a watchman, and he was submitted to God to the point that he faithfully did what God asked. What he was asked to do was warn people of their wickedness. Only in admitting their wickedness can there be true repentance. He was given a message for the people, and he gave it to them. To have a message from God and not proclaim it is disobedience, and a sign of not being submitted to God, therefore the punishment due the wicked is deserved.
The message has to get out there, and God will find those that will put it out there. It still comes down to personal choice – a following of God's ways or self. Once the message is out there a turning to God from self is possible (repentance). When someone does repent which is a change in life direction, God is ready to offer mercy and life. He takes no pleasure in the death of any. He initiates it with us all and we have to choose to respond.
Its not a once and done proposition though, God will continue to initiate to us by showing us other areas where we haven't submitted or haven't shown the actions of submission to God. He wants us completely submitted. Submitting to Him in some areas (showing righteousness) but then not others is really saying to Him that we aren't fully submitted. Therefore we are deserving of death. On the other hand, at any point turning from wickedness to His way puts us on the path of life. The turning from wickedness is not just a mind thing or verbal it requires actions or sacrifice of self – making amends or restitution.
As selfish people this continual growth seems not fair, we want to settle it once and for all. If we have fully submitted to God it is settled once and for all. If we want to gain life and yet hold onto self, then it is a sign that we haven't settled it. God is ready even when we're not. He wants it settled once and for all the choice is ours, do we? His sacrifice was once and accounts for all, our commitment needs to be similar.
Our next meeting is next week -June 20
Here are my notes:
Ezekiel 30
Egypt is to be destroyed, the Lord is prophesying it ahead of time, because it is unbelievable. When it happens they'll know He is God. End times are like that looking at it in the natural, it seems so far fetched. A fetching away, Jesus coming to earth to establish His kingdom, they can be hard to believe in light of what we have experienced, but it will happen and when it does we'll know that God said it. Then He brought it to pass.
Ethiopia will be included and it will happen at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. Then drought and desolation. He is not doing it from meanness, but rather He is pouring out His wrath because of their actions (our). Men slain and women taken into captivity.
The arm of the Egyptian king will be broken, which means the Egyptians will be powerless to prevent the onslaught of the Babylonians. The Lord is using the Babylonians to execute His judgments, and the Egyptians will be scattered. The scattering will be so unbelievable that they will know the Lord is God. Their pride as being the premier kingdom, and it was at one time will be reduced to those scattered and living in captivity- completely ignored by God (Oswald Chambers). God will show who He is.
Ezekiel 31
Pharaoh is warned of Assyria's fate. A nation built by God, magnificent and unmatched by the cedars in God's garden. The trees of Eden were jealous. But the heart of Assyria became haughty (prideful) so the Lord gave it to another nation to be destroyed. Pride and haughtiness is something we all deal with. We often will say something about our doing this or that and not acknowledge God's blessing on our lives. Or we get so sure of our plans that we neglect that God is the one in control, and our plans only happen if He allows them. Elevating ourselves and forgetting God is wickedness and He will deal with it.
Is this another facet of the teaching of Job? Bad things happening to us doesn't mean we are bad, they may be tests. Forgetting God or elevating ourselves above Him means we will be ignored by God. He will remove His favor, and that is all He has to do, its terribly fearful to think of those that deny God and press against His goads, but then expect the attributes of following God to still apply.
Assyria will be humbled for their pride, and so will Egypt. Nothing of any greatness (that God has given) will last unless God says so.
In leaving a former position I left things I felt would help the new person. The person I replaced at the new job did the same. In both cases more was left than would be used, so in these examples it is clear that our legacy or pride creeps in. Its very easy to become prideful.
Ezekiel 32
Now Pharaoh and Egypt will be judged for their pride, or maybe just the blessings removed. Great death and destruction is in store. Darkness in the land. Other kings will be fearful, if great Egypt can fall- what about them? This is not unlike us looking up to another – a Christian we deeply respect. Then we find out they aren't perfect, and none are, and we get crushed. In looking at them we take our eyes off of God. In looking at Egypt the nations became fearful of their security. God brings about the true security, and the people of Judah forgot that, they looked to Egypt.
Egypt is going to Sheol to join Assyria and Elam. Dead among the uncircumcised-those not chosen of God. Meshech Tubal and Edom, and the Sidonians. Not a place of honor, but a place where the mighty end up, those that won't bow their will to God. Those who want things their way. Slain by the sword of those that God wields.
Ezekiel 33
A watchman is appointed to warn the people. He is responsible for warning the people, the choice they make when they hear the warning is their own. God will make sure that His intentions are known such that people will have to make a choice about His way (life) or their way (death).
As for the people appointed to inform of God's message, they also have a choice. These are the prophets, they speak the message from God. These messengers can be false prophets or true prophets. A true prophet (according to Oswald Chambers) stood for the condemnation of people, whereas a false prophet speaks of their exoneration. It comes down to the condition of the human heart if an appointed person thinks there is any good there he is false. The true prophet knows the true condition of man's heart. Jonah comes to mind, he prophesied the destruction of Ninevah, which didn't happen because of true repentance and God's mercy. Yet he wasn't a false prophet because he spoke to the true condition of men's heart – deserving destruction.
As messengers we are appointed to speak of the true condition of the hearts of men. Any good we think we see should be a praise to God that He is working in that person or nation. It does not change their heart condition, it is rather a point of surrender they have personally chosen to make to God and His light is shining through. To say there is good in a man's heart is also saying there are areas that he/she doesn't have to choose to submit to God's will rather than self. Clearly false. Our desires need to align with the desires of God, when they do our prayers are assured answers.
Ezekiel was appointed a watchman, and he was submitted to God to the point that he faithfully did what God asked. What he was asked to do was warn people of their wickedness. Only in admitting their wickedness can there be true repentance. He was given a message for the people, and he gave it to them. To have a message from God and not proclaim it is disobedience, and a sign of not being submitted to God, therefore the punishment due the wicked is deserved.
The message has to get out there, and God will find those that will put it out there. It still comes down to personal choice – a following of God's ways or self. Once the message is out there a turning to God from self is possible (repentance). When someone does repent which is a change in life direction, God is ready to offer mercy and life. He takes no pleasure in the death of any. He initiates it with us all and we have to choose to respond.
Its not a once and done proposition though, God will continue to initiate to us by showing us other areas where we haven't submitted or haven't shown the actions of submission to God. He wants us completely submitted. Submitting to Him in some areas (showing righteousness) but then not others is really saying to Him that we aren't fully submitted. Therefore we are deserving of death. On the other hand, at any point turning from wickedness to His way puts us on the path of life. The turning from wickedness is not just a mind thing or verbal it requires actions or sacrifice of self – making amends or restitution.
As selfish people this continual growth seems not fair, we want to settle it once and for all. If we have fully submitted to God it is settled once and for all. If we want to gain life and yet hold onto self, then it is a sign that we haven't settled it. God is ready even when we're not. He wants it settled once and for all the choice is ours, do we? His sacrifice was once and accounts for all, our commitment needs to be similar.
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