Ezekiel 1:1-3:15 + Hebrews 3:1-19 + Psalm 104:1-23 + Proverbs 26:24-26
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Old Testament – Today we begin the book of the prophet Ezekiel! Ezekiel is a prophet whose name means “God strengthens” – which is clearly a good thing for those in the prophet business. We’ve recently wrapped up the book of Jeremiah and are well aware of the challenges facing a prophet. The interesting thing to note is that Jeremiah was prophesying in Judah, whereas Ezekiel was prophesying in Babylon to the exiles from Judah. These two were doing their work at about the same time, but in different geographies. Ezekiel gets his call to be a prophet in probably his 30th year of life – the age when most of the priestly line were called to be priests. Instead, Ezekiel was called to be a prophet – which, is probably a good thing because he is living in exile in Babylon – so wouldn’t have been able to perform the priestly duties at the Temple in Jerusalem. Ezekiel’s call comes in 593 B.C., which is 7 years prior to the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. Ezekiel’s ministry goes until 571 B.C., at the age of 52. (which is 2 years beyond what most priests would have served – from ages 30 to 50). Below is a portrait of Ezekiel by artist Guy Rowe:
~ Ezekiel ~
Author: Ezekiel
Date: Sixth century B.C.
Content: Ezekiel, who grew up as a priest, was carried off to Babylon with the Jewish exiles deported in 597 B.C., and there he became a prophet of God. His message was one of coming judgment for those remaining in Jerusalem, but his preaching was not well received by the Jews who were with him in captivity. When his dire predictions came true in 586 B.C. with the destruction of Jerusalem, the people listened then on with great earnestness. His message changed at this point from being one of unbending judgment to one of comfort and hope for the future. The worst had come; it was now time to make plans for beginning again. Ezekiel saw himself as a shepherd and watchman over Israel. As a shepherd, he was to protect the people, but as a watchman, he was to warn of danger ahead.
Theme: The message of Ezekiel is based upon the unchangeable holiness of God. This is both a promise and a warning. It is a warning because God has promised to remain faithful to his people and this will not change. The book of Ezekiel shows God’s unbreakable promise fulfilled in both respects: the city fell according to promise because of Judah’s sin, and the city would be restored according to promise because of God’s faithfulness. The lives of God’s people determined how God would treat them. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” p. 14) A wonderful commentary on the book of Ezekiel by Imanuel Christian is at this link. Below is a sculpture of Ezekiel by German sculptor Johann Josef Christian (1706 – 1777):
In today’s readings, chapter 1 is an incredible vision and call that Ezekiel receives! Obviously the flying creatures with 4 faces and wings are a highlight of this vision. What is up with these you ask? Good question. They are called “cherubim” later in the book of Ezekiel (chapter 10) and are also thought to be the creatures in Isaiah called seraphs – and they show up again in the book of Revelation. If you get a vision, and you see these creatures, you know something big is going on… 🙂 The interesting thing about these creatures is that their four faces representing a human, lion, ox and an eagle have many interpretations, which all basically relate to the nature of God. An interesting interpretation I read was that these 4 represent the 4 Gospels – Matthew being the lion, Mark being the ox, Luke being the human and John being the eagle. You’ll have to pick up a commentary to read more on why these analogies have been made…. (just trying to get everyone to dive into books beyond this blog… 🙂 Below is the artist Rafaelo’s oil painting of “The Vision of Ezekiel” from the year 1518 (Galleria Palatina (Palazzo Pitti), Florence)-
Ezekiel Chapter 2 is God’s Call and Commission of Ezekiel. Don’t we all wish that God could be this clear with us about the purpose of our lives sometimes? 🙂
Ezekiel Chapter 3 has the great narrative of Ezekiel eating the scroll of God. And it tasting like honey – even though it had words of doom upon it. In Ezekiel 3:3 we read: “Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.” Can we eat of the Word of God? Does the Word nourish us? How does the Word nourish us? Is the Word nourishing you today? Is it as sweet as honey? Is the Word literally spiritual food? Will you eat of God’s Holy Word, the Bible, today – and every day of your life?
Then, in Ezekiel 3 verse 15 ends with a very appropriate line I believe- “I sat there among them for seven days, overwhelmed.” Think you’d be overwhelmed if you experienced chapters 1 & 2?? Whew. I am looking forward to us starting the book of Ezekiel! Thanks for joining me on this journey! Below is one final image of Ezekiel from the artist Michelangelo. This one’s in the Sistine Chapel in Rome:
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Ezekiel!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-CIPu1nko8
New Testament – Hebrews chapter 3 today is a great look at the lives of Moses and Jesus. The text today doesn’t really dive into this point, but something I heard recently that is worth remembering – Moses introduced to Israel the Old Covenant (testament) via the Ten Commandments and laws. Whereas, Jesus ushers in the New Covenant to Israel and all of the world. So, this chapter goes into why Jesus is greater than Moses. Probably this Old Cov v. New Cov point alone would prove this to be true – but, obviously Jesus is also God in the flesh. Moses was simply a man. (albeit a great man in many ways!)
Today in Hebrews 3:13 we read: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” When was the last time you encouraged someone in their walk of faith? Will you encourage someone today? How does encouragement help us avoid sin’s deceitfulness? Do you realize that sin is indeed deceitful? (sin sells you nothing but lies) Do you realize that sin can harden your heart? Do you realize that one of the best ways to be free of the bondage of sin and a hardened heart is through encouragement of others in your church community? Sin is too strong for us to battle on our own. We need Jesus. We need each other. We need to be actively involved in a church community each week. Don’t attempt to make a go of this life alone. . . it’s far too risky.
Verse 15 is repeated twice in today’s readings, so it probably is something important for us to remember – “But never forget the warning: “Today you must listen to his voice. Don’t harden your hearts against him as Israel did when they rebelled.”” Are you listening to God’s voice? How is the soil of your heart toward God? Will you let him plant new life within you? Will you let him pull the weeds that need to be pulled?
Psalms – Psalm 104 is a beautiful hymn to the Creator! I like all of the verses – verse 19 stands out to me because I can find some great images related to this verse on the web! 🙂 “You made the moon to mark the seasons and the sun that knows when to set.”
Proverbs – Proverbs 26:24-26 is another good reminder to look beyond simply the “kind words” that we may hear… get to know the underlying motives… “People with hate in their hearts may sound pleasant enough, but don’t believe them. Though they pretend to be kind, their hearts are full of all kinds of evil. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, it will finally come to light for all to see.” Someone could end up being two-faced if we’re not careful. Let us also make sure that we ourselves are never two-faced toward others!
Worship Video: Hebrews 3:13 today reminds me of the Jonny Diaz song “A More Beautiful You.” Here’s his thought provoking video for the song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNqQUojBg84
Do you know our Beautiful God? Click here to get to know Him!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are an encourager to others in your life. Pray for encouragement in your life too, from a community of Believers, the church. Pray that your heart will never be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
I have not posted for a while because I’ve been on vacation and since I’ve been back and truthfully something else has been occupying my thoughts, the state of our youth and our (believers and non-believers) contribution to that state by the use of the “words” we use to either build them up or tear down. (Proverbs 18:21) That is another story for another time.
In Hebrews, especially this current chapter, as well as the first verse of chapter two, we read about hearing/listening and my mind is brought to the Hebrew word that has been translated into the English word “obey” 43 times in the King James Version. That word transliterated is “shaw-mah.” According to Strong’s it means:
H8085
שׁמע
shâma‛
shaw-mah’
A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively to tell, etc.): – X attentively, call (gather) together, X carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear (-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim (-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell, understand, whosoever [heareth], witness.
Our call to “obey,” to “listen” is not something we do impassively but we do it interactively, weighing the value, the cost. I believe it is the invitation given to the prophet Isaiah,
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18 KJVR).
To do anything less than interacting with what we have read and continue to read would cause us to be like those who died in the wilderness, not mixing what we have heard and read with faith.
Do not harden your hearts, as [happened] in the rebellion [of Israel] and their provocation and embitterment [of Me] in the day of testing in the wilderness, Where your fathers tried [My patience] and tested [My forbearance] and found I stood their test, and they saw My works for forty years. And so I was provoked (displeased and sorely grieved) with that generation, and said, They always err and are led astray in their hearts, and they have not perceived or recognized My ways and become progressively better and more experimentally and intimately acquainted with them. Accordingly, I swore in My wrath and indignation, They shall not enter into My rest. [Ps. 95:7-11.]
(Hebrews 3:8-11 AMP)
Just some things to think about.
Ramona
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Sh’ma
Interesting to me today was more the idea’s Ramona put forth than the reading…funny how God does that to each of us…where we are…how we are…what we are doing.
I remember the first time I did my first word study…
A word study is literally doing as Ramona did for us…looking up a word and seeing what it meant, what it means and how it applies.
As she mentioned youth, I recall it was the only time I ever went to a retreat. It just so happened the College and Career group was going to “camp” with the High School group.
I got lost in the library and missed out alot on the “activities” as I discovered a “book” (tool really) that set me off into a world God allowed me to eventually add experience to so I would not be a “knowledgable” person but a wise one.
Strongs Concordance….Phew…unabridged and I read cover to cover often lingering in Greek and Hebrew.
My first study was Aeonio for eon for ages to ages life wich started with the word Eternal.
My point was radical in thought but I presupposed if time were eliminated one day we would be terminated by God and it would “seem” to us as eternal. (Needless to say I discovered a more accurate understanding and found God could even answer my questions!!)
But what I propose to somebody out there who is reading this….
Can God be big emough that ALL these applications and interpretations of the Word APPLY?
שׁמע
shâma‛
shaw-mah’
A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively to tell, etc.): – X attentively, call (gather) together, X carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear (-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim (-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell, understand, whosoever [heareth], witness.
The Hebrew Shma is recited often as Hear oh Israel The Lord our God The Lord is One.
But if you applied the FULL or ALL of the above…,
Welll….it certainly would be harder to take out of context and might make for a rather exhaustive context.
Hmmm…might prevent pride as it would then also require action as Ramona said.
When I exhaustively studied Hebrew and Theology etc thinking I would become wiser and apply the knowledge more actively to my relationship with God…I found that in full circle of knowledge that if I accepted the simple and let God apply it….
ALL those Meanings became relevant by His Spirit rather than by my understanding of Inflection, tense, application, gemmatric, hermaneutic, homletic, or any other applied Christian or Jewish or Greek discipline.
In fact it was simpler to Include all the above than to try to preclude any of it….
Course that’s just like my daddy…He still wears the pants in my family no matter how big in the britches I think I become…, he becomes even bigger.
And you know…
I can love a God like that!
Michael Stone
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TO WALK IN THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY, I need…
Humbleness, lowliness,humbleness of mind – Part 3
STRONG’S NUMBER: 5012
Original word:
tapeinofrosu/nh
Transliterated word:
Tapeinophrosune
PHONETIC SPELLING:
tap-i-nof-ros-oo’-nay
A) the having a humble opinion of one’s self
B) a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness
C) modesty, humility, lowliness of mind
~~~
We have seen, through our study of the words related to humbleness, that a
process is involved in bringing each of us to the end state of humbleness,
Christian maturity.
This humbling process requires time, because the resulting maturity is formed only through much experience.
This process and its end result is not something we can force or produce; it can only be the result of God’s transforming
work being done in us.
It is important for Christians to realize that the Lord uses His humbling
process to break down our flesh so that we become vessels fit for His use.
Only in submitting to Him and to His humbling process, can His grace flow in and through us.
Right Here, Right Now
When things aren’t going the way you hoped, have you ever wondered why you are where you are, why do you have the job you have, why you’re in the relationship you’re in or why you are in whatever situation you might currently find yourself in?
And in the midst of that you ask, “Why God? Why have you brought me here? What good can come from this situation?”
Tonight… it hit me. Right here! Right now! God is in control and this is exactly where He wants me to be. If you are trusting God with your life… the same is true of you. No matter what situation you are in – God has allowed it. It might not make sense to you today – it might not make sense tomorrow – but God has put you right where you are “for such a time as this.”
If you are in a situation you don’t like, my advice is this:
Trust God.
Believe Him.
He has you exactly where He wants you.
Open your heart to His plan. Pray for Him to use you and whatever the situation you’re in “to the praise of His glory.”
“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.”
Ephesians 1:11-12 NKJV
You can be assured that in every situation… no matter how big or small… God will use it for good.
Vance
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I think the 7 abominations in a man’s heart might be these from Proverbs 6:16-19:
16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,
19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Also, since 7 is a number of completion, if a man’s heart has 7 abominations it is completely wicked.
Micah Girl
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Ezekiel 1:1-3:15
Of everything in today’s readings, Ezekiel’s visions and his commission by God there were two verses that spoke to me:
Next He said to me: “Son of man, listen carefully to all My words that I speak to you and take them to heart. Go to your people, the exiles, and speak to them. Tell them: This is what the Lord GOD says, whether they listen or refuse to listen.” (Ezekiel 3:10-11 HCSB)
God tells Ezekiel to not just Parrot back to the people what He is has given him but to take them to heart after carefully listening to His Words. I was reminded of the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:5-15). When Jesus explains what the Parable means (9-15) in the explanation the four different soil types which represent the state of man’s hearts interacts with the seed based on the condition of the soil of men’s heart and also with how the person heard the Word.
“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. The seeds along the path are those who have heard. Then the Devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the seeds on the rock are those who, when they hear, welcome the word with joy. Having no root, these believe for a while and depart in a time of testing. As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the ones who, when they have heard, go on their way and are choked with worries, riches, and pleasures of life, and produce no mature fruit. But the seed in the good ground–these are the ones who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, hold on to it and by enduring, bear fruit. (Luke 8:11-15 HCSB)
The soil that produces fruit is the soil/heart of the one who “heard the word with an honest and good heart.” Ezekiel must get God’s word down inside of him and let it speak to him before he can give it out to the people God has commanded him to speak to even though they will not listen.
This speaks to me about germination, growth, harvest then back to seed. The seed/Word Ezekiel was to give to the people was not the seed that God gave him. He had to sow the Word/seed into his own life then wait for it to come into fruition in him; then take the seed of his own personal harvest and sow into the people He was called to serve.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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And as we are called to encourage one another may I encourage you Mike in this wonderful daily ministry. There must be many hours work for each daily reading. May God bless you and may you continue to look to Him.
Kevin
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I am so glad to find this internet service. I look forward to joining the discussions very soon.
CLH
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Oh yes, i was thinking of Indescribable when reading the Psalms! One of my fave worship songs of all time!
Jenny
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Just wanted you to know that I have enjoyed doing this since Jan 1 with all my other brothers and sisters who are studying to show themselves approved unto God. I really enjoyed the verse today about encouraging one another. It is so funny, because that was what I was teaching about yesterday in Children’s Church. I say funny, because I guess God is really trying to get my attention in this area. We talked about to build up and not to tear down. Ahhh and children are the BEST encouragers ever. Please take an example from two of the children I teach. Child 1: You are so nice and you always smile when I see you. Keep doing that. Child 2: He took what I was going to say about him. So…(to child 1)…You need to keep smiling so I can say it about you when she lets us do this again.
Tabitha
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I’m new to this blog so hi.
I was encouraged by the song “A more beautiful you” thankyou.
Lorraine
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Mike,
Thank you for your Blog ministry!! This morning I was trying to remember when I started to come to the site. I started to (try to) read through the Bible in the year 1999 I think, but I’m not sure when I found this webpage. But it has probably been over 15 years. I failed to get through the Bible in my first few tries . . . but succeeded when I started each morning @Blog!!!
I wrote you New Year’s day to thank you. So this is the second time I’ve posted a comment.
Forgive me but . . . . I am a lawyer who reads documents all day and I noticed that you reference Bob Deffenbaugh in the link about Ezekiel today. However, Emanuel Christian is the author of the Bible.org link in today’s entry.
Thank you again for this ministry!!! I have recommended it to many people,
May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. [2 Peter 3:18]
Taylor
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The tiny section from Proverbs teaches that people can have deceit in their hearts but pretend that they are righteous and good. We can’t just look at a person and judge them; you have to dig deeper and find out if they are really what they seem to be. Their wickedness and malice may be hidden beneath a curtain of deception. And since God is all-knowing and the one who created all of us, we can turn to him for help also.
Angela
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Hebrews 3
I would like to use Ramona’s platform and launch a few ideas I heard in a sermon. In the past we see the Moses’ walk in the desert as a whole generation missing an adventure of a lifetime. Imagine how sweet it would have been had they marched straight into the Promised Land? Here Hebrews tells us when we know how God wants us to live, don’t delay or debate. Do it now! PROCRASTINATION, saps power, time and energy. Completion gives relief. So here is the challenge for me today. As Christians we have become partners (more than friends), in a project. Think globally here. This begs the question for me; what is it that Christ and I are doing in the World together?
A few examples that I have noticed. A woman trying to get 100 refugees in Ghana back to Liberia before their camp is demolished. A man handing out bottled water to each and everyone waiting for buses in Young Circle Park, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My friend just retired and wants to travel the world giving out Bibles. A new refugee in Canada collecting funds for food to send to persecuted Christians in Pakistan. An elderly lady that has devoted her life to saving vulnerable kids from the streets of Cambodia. I am “called’ to serve with some of my family on a Mercy Ship.
Robert
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I pray to not get hard hearted to this world and always see the beautiful Jesus and see him through others. I don’t want to be jaded. I don’t want what the world has to offer but yet I want to help make the world a better place. Amen..I hope all others reading OYB do the same
Dee
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