Ezekiel 21:1-22:31 + Hebrews 10:1-17 + Psalm 108:1-13 + Proverbs 27:12
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Old Testament – In Ezekiel chapter 21 today we read about the Lord’s sword of judgment! Which, in this case is Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar. I did not realize until today that there is actually a “sword song” in the Bible – a song that warriors may have sung and even danced to before going out to battle. Unfortunately, this sword song in verses 9 through 11 was being sung for Jerusalem because of her many sins… “A sword, a sword is being sharpened and polished. It is sharpened for terrible slaughter and polished to flash like lightning! Now will you laugh? Those far stronger than you have fallen beneath its power! Yes, the sword is now being sharpened and polished; it is being prepared for the executioner.”
Okay, so Ezekiel Chapters 21 & 22 are the types of chapters where you might you think about stereotypes of the Old Testament – a “grouchy/mean” God perhaps one might say about these two chapters… However! – context of course is key to keep in mind. We must also know the book of Jeremiah or Ezekiel prior to these chapters. God has been slow to anger, compassionate, asking – no, begging – people to repent. And they have not. And things just keep getting worse and worse and worse. Check out chapter 22 verses 1 through 16 for how bad the sins of Jerusalem have gotten… All of this reminds me that the consequences for sin are very real. Let us never forget the truth of Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
And, once again, in verse 30 of chapter 22 we see God’s compassion and God seeking an opportunity to stop the coming judgment: “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.” No one was found… This verse makes me think about this – sometimes I think we tell ourselves, “What difference does it make? What difference does it make if I’m good or bad? What difference does it make if I serve and love others in need?” Check out verse 30 above again. Think one person could have made a difference then? What about now? Will you make a difference today? Will you stand in the gap?
New Testament – Hebrews chapter 10 is powerful today! I did come across a great learning, which I hadn’t really picked up before. In verse 9 we read this about Jesus: “He cancels the first covenant in order to establish the second.” At first glance you might think, wow, the old / first covenant is over. Things like the Ten Commandments don’t matter anymore. Well, not so fast! Tyndale’s One Year Bible companion tells us that this verse refers to the doing away (canceling) of the system of sacrifices contained in the ceremonial law. However, this does not mean canceling / eliminating God’s moral law (the Ten Commandments). Only through faith in Christ we can fulfill the moral law, as Jesus lives in us. Good to know, eh? I’d never really picked up this distinction before of Jesus canceling the ceremonial law but not the moral law. Do you see this distinction? As I’ve done some more reading on this, I realize this is a bit of a contentious point for many Christians. Check out this great overview of the Mosaic Law in light of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection – including a disagreement on my point above about the moral law – at bible.org at this link.
Psalms – I love Psalm 108 verse 1 today: “My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my soul!” Is your heart confident in God? Do you sing God’s praises? Is your soul awake? Or does your soul need a wake up call? Where do you suppose you can find that wake up call for your soul? The Bible? Jesus? The Holy Spirit? God? Will you answer the call today? Will your soul wake up?
Proverbs – Proverbs 27:12 reminds us that it’s good to be a defensive driver on the roads! 🙂 “A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” Honestly, I do think that we do well when we are “defensive” drivers or defensive walkers or defensive workers or this list could go on. I am afraid that all too often we can drive or walk or work like we are #1 and there is no one else in this world… well, guess what? The person you crash into with your car, or get in a fight with when you walk, or get in an argument with when you work is thinking the exact same thing – except they are thinking that they are #1! This is where Jesus wisely encouraged us to consider others before ourselves. Imagine if our world operated this way – in Jesus’ way of humility and service to others – instead of everyone thinking they are #1? How would our world be different if this was the case? Are you helping our world be different? Are you humbling yourself to be a #2 or #3 or #4 instead of being #1 all the time? Think this is prudent? A good way to foresee the dangers ahead? And a good way to take precautions? Or are you going on blinding as a #1 and suffering the consequences? (I have to admit – this kiddo below does appear to be #1 in his household at this very moment… and suffering any consequences is probably not going to happen in this case! 🙂
Worship Video: Today’s readings in Hebrews reminds me of the Big Daddy Weave song, “What Life Would Be Like:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdbPynNI9Xo
Do you know what life would be like with Jesus? Click here to find out!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.” Psalm 108:1 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that your heart is steadfast for God. Pray that you sing and make music with all of your soul for Jesus!
Comments from you – What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
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.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
Ezekiel 21-22:31
Am I a person of my word? Do I fail to watch over my word to perform it and then expect others to do what they have promised? How often do I expect from others what I fail to do, judging others by a different standard? We don’t keep our promises to God, to friends or family. We will even at times struggle to keep our word to strangers before we honor our own with what we have sworn to do for our family, husbands, wives and children.
The 23rd verse of chapter 21 speaks of Jerusalem thinking that an attack by Babylon must be a mistake because she had a treaty with her; however, she didn’t keep her side of the contract. When two parties enter into a contract, if one side or both don’t uphold the terms of that contract, the agreement, the treaty becomes null and void. Thus Jerusalem should not have been surprised when the other party to her contract, Babylon, showed up to collect.
For the king of Babylon stands at the fork of the road at the head of the two routes. He looks for omens; he shakes arrows, he consults idols, he inspects animal livers. Into his right hand comes the lot for Jerusalem. He sets up battering rams, to give the signal for slaughter, to shout out the battle cry, to set up battering rams against the gates, to erect a siege ramp, to build a siege wall. But they will view it as a false omen; they have sworn solemn oaths. However, he will accuse them of guilt and capture them.
(Ezekiel 21:21-23 NET.)
God has given us His Covenant, when we violate that Covenant we suffer the consequences, a simple cause and effect. If one violates the laws of gravity, one will die if they believe they can walk or fly off a twenty-story building. You can cry out all you want as you descend, “I didn’t know that I couldn’t walk off the building,” you will be a stain on the pavement, grass or dirt when you hit the ground. However, unlike a contract, a Covenant remains in effect even when violated. Maybe that is why God hates divorce so much. Marriage is not or should not be a contract between two people it is a Covenant. We need to be a people of our word, like our Father God.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
====== Jan:
Ramona, you are so right on with the Covenant. I don’t think any of us existing today…even know what or how to keep a covenant. BUT…when we are with Him, we then will see all in Truth…especially the Covenant.
Jan
====== Rachel:
They repair cracked walls with whitewash!
This line makes me think about the church somehow. Do you think that we try and cover up the serious cracks or problems we have with the whitewash of socials/meetings and activity levels? I think congregations sometimes make the mistake of thinking that the bigger the list of after church activities the better condition the church is in. I think instead that this can be (not always) a covering up of the spiritual problems. Spurgeon said the power house of a congregation is the prayer meeting. That is probably a better reflection of spiritual health than anything.
Just another ramble from the readhead.
Regards
Rachel
====== Jan:
Rachel, I agree with you totally on your deduction & I sent/forwarded you a great article to your personal email address, hope you enjoy it & confirms your revelation(s).
jano
BTW: great response to the whitewash…remember what Jesus said to the Pharisees…whitewashed tombs…outside & you know what on the inside!!! 🙂
Jan
====== Jeff:
Today, Mike says:
However, this does not mean canceling / eliminating God’s moral law (the Ten Commandments). Only through faith in Christ we can fulfill the moral law, as Jesus lives in us. Good to know, eh? I’d never really picked up this distinction before of Jesus canceling the ceremonial law but not the moral law. Do you see this distinction?
Yes, Mike. And I agree with it 100%. I confess that I was troubled by your comments just 3 days ago (Nov 7th) when you said:
The Abrahamic covenant still stands today – the Sinaitic covenant is now out of date and ready to be put aside because it was completed by the new covenant of Jesus Christ. Our High Priest.
The moral law (10 Commandments) is an eternal requirement by God. By the grace of God, we can willingly, joyfully fulfill them by (as Jesus said), loving God with all our heart and mind and strength, and loving our neighbors as we do ourselves.
Note: You’re becoming more Presbyterian every day. (In my mind, that’s a good thing)
Jeff
====== Art:
Ezekial 22:30, one of my very favorite verses in the Bible! In all areas of life, I continue to ask myself if I am willing to stand in the gap in the wall of rightiousness.
Can one person make a difference, even in the face of overwhelming odds? God thinks so!
Art
====== Elsa:
Im very touched about the readings of being a humble not think that i am in # 1 always im very thankful of the Lord’s word for today and thanks also for sharing it God Bless you richly!
Elsa
====== David:
We read today about how God punished the Jews because they sucked at being God’s people, but in a little while we are going to read Hebrews 10:26-31.
Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries.
Heb 10:28 A man that hath set at nought Moses law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses:
Heb 10:29 of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Heb 10:30 For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
Heb 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
This is a more scary punishment for those who call themselves Christian and yet fail to be children of God!
David
====== Terri:
Your blog has made my daily Bible reading something I look forward to each day and not just something I have to “get through” for my devotions. Thank You!
Terri
====== Erica:
I really like Hebrews 10:15-18 about the Holy Spirit coming inside to be in us. I just started reading a book that my husband recommended called “Loving God Up Close”. So the fact that I stumbled across this reading today confirms that God wants me to know more about the spirit.
Erica
======= Bob:
Erica has given us a reminder that we should be in tune with what comes across our desk, computer, reading, conversation, actions, feelings, all may be signs for us to listen. What is God saying? Mine right now has to do with battle. Our church is studying Joshua, strength and courage. A senior pastor fainted during the sermon, fighting a strange ailment yesterday. The battle song in Ezekiel today reflects Rememberance Day in Canada. All signs to be aware!
Bob
======= Pat:
Mike I am so glad to read your comments each day on Ezekiel. Without those I would be lost. I have a confession to make. Even though I pray over the scripture before reading it I get very little out of Ezekiel. To me it just seems to go on and on and on repeating itself.
Pat
====== Robert:
Hey Pat;
Ditto (Smile). Thanks for being honest. If it wasn’t for other people’s comments, interpretation, and insights, I would be left out in the dark too. I like how you pray for help. I will pray for you too. Let’s hang in there together.
Robert
======= Karen:
“I have come to do your will, my God.” What simple and yet succinct way to summary the purpose of our lives, Jesus demonstrated perfectly on the cross. May we not give in to all the distractions of the world that feed us endless selfish desires, but ask the spirit to constantly reveal Andy help us focus on knowing and doing His will.
Karen
====== Shirley:
Ezekiel 21+22
It’s just sad, just like Jeremiah, Ezekiel is delivering God’s messages of judgement. His people again, were doing despicable acts right before his eyes. And, the prophets were still lying and leading the people to sin.
21:1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuary. Prophesy against the land of Israel 3 and say to her: ‘This is what the Lord says: I am against you. I will draw my sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.
I am beyond, thankful and grateful to Jesus the only ultimate sacrifice.
Heb 10
15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says:
16 “This is the covenant I will make with them
after that time, says the Lord.
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds.”
17 Then he adds:
“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”
Ps.108
3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Shalom 🙏🏼
Shirley
======= Dee:
I want to stand in the gap and be sincere for the Lord. However I can relate to Jerusalem and when the sin is apparent. Why is it like Paul says, when you want to do good, you don’t, and you crucify the flesh daily. Thank the Lord that he forgives again again and again.
I love how Jesus and His laws amd his judgement came to extinguish the law of Moses. However, Jesus said I did not come to do away with the law but that the law be established through him and By Him all things made new.
Yes wake up my soul! Yes..love this! I pray tomorrow will be a good day!
Proverbs: being prudent and disciplined..trying to be safe..on roads, at work and in life
Dee
======== Vance:
I have been setting aside time early in the morning to seek the Lord. I have been listening to some excellent teaching tapes on the GOODNESS OF GOD, which has spurred my own prayer, surrender, and study.
Here are some brief highlights:
a.
Every situation in your life is about who you are becoming in Jesus.
You need to replace that “victim mindset”.
You can say: “I am having a horrible time, but I am not a victim!” “I am not!” “I am not!”
It is not about what is being done to you. It is about how you choose to show up. It is about who you are becoming.
If you can translate every circumstance into an opportunity for you to get bigger and better, take it! – because that is the mindset of the Kingdom of heaven.
God allows in His wisdom what He could easily prevent by His power. He allows in His wisdom what He could easily prevent by His power.
There is no end to His Goodness! There is no end to it. There is no end to His Kindness! He is relentless.
Commitment is who you are regardless of circumstances. Commitment is Who God is for you regardless of your circumstances! When you get that, it is like the doorway is thrown wide (open) into intimacy.
What is the one thing that stops us being intimate with God? Me! My perception of myself. How I see myself in Jesus. He is not concerned about that. “I put you in Christ. You are acceptable. You are accepted in the Beloved.”
How do you love when love is not returned? You love in exactly the same way as if it was. Commitment is who you are regardless of how you are being treated. It is how you choose to show up.
b.
He initiates and we respond. God loves to make the first move. Scripture
says, “We love Him because He first loved us.” Only God can love God. It takes God to love God. Only God can love God. What does He do?
He sends out His Love to us. His Love comes to us, it changes something
inside of us, and we end up giving back to God the very thing He gave us—Love! We love Him because He first loved us!
What God wants from you, He intends to give you first! So when He asks you to give Him the preeminence in your heart, what place do you have in His heart? Preeminence!
God loves you as if you were the only person in the world. It is that personal.
He loves you like you are the only person in the world.
That is how great He is.
c.
2 Thessalonians 1:11 and 12 – DIFFERENT VERSIONS
CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION
11
God chose you, and we keep praying that God will make you worthy of being his people. We pray for God’s power to help you do all the good things that you hope to do and that your faith makes you want to do.
12
Then, because God and our Lord Jesus Christ are so kind, you will bring honor to the name of our Lord Jesus, and he will bring honor to you.
NEW KING JAMES VERSION
11
Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
12
that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
AMPLIFIED BIBLE
11
With this in view we constantly pray for you, that our God may deem and count you worthy of [your] calling and [His] every gracious purpose of goodness, and with power may complete in [your] every particular work of faith
(faith which is that leaning of the whole human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness).
12
Thus may the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified and become more glorious through and in you, and may you [also be glorified] in Him according to the grace (favor and blessing) of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
***
I hope you like these meditations and the Bible verse. I am studying — not just to study to know about God. I am asking for an impartation from the Lord Jesus– that His Presence would impart to me Himself!
I really like these comments from different saints:
a.
Spurgeon said the power house of a congregation is the prayer meeting. That is probably a better reflection of spiritual health than anything.
b.
There is a distinction before of Jesus canceling the ceremonial law but not the moral law. Do you see this distinction?
These really blessed me.
THANK YOU
Vance
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