Highlights:

Each person is clearly accountable for his own choice to be saved (Ezek. 14:12-23). A breathtaking, tragic account of the love and faithfulness of God to Judah and her inconsiderate attitude (chap. 16). We must guard against spiritual adultery.

Israel failed to honor the One True God. Their knowledge of Him should have encouraged them to be a holy people and teach the world to honor His Word and worship Him. No Israelite or Egyptian could doubt that God had delivered the Israelites from slavery and given them the promised land and led them to become a great nation. Their fame and the power of God was known by the Canaanites long before the Israelites arrived as Rahab confessed: I know that the Lord hath given you the land. . . . For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you . . . and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites. . . . And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath (Josh. 2:9-11). But Israel miserably failed to express gratitude and reverence to Him.

Through Ezekiel, the Lord's response was: Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest? (Ezek. 15:2). The grapevine was created for one purpose — to bear fruit. If it does not bear fruit, then it fails in the one purpose for which it was created (John 15:1-16). Its branches are twisted and unfit for useful lumber. It burns so rapidly that it is of no value for fuel. It is useless even for pegs and pins. That is why the prophet said: Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon? (Ezek. 15:3). NEVER!

The Israelites failed to fulfill their purpose as the chosen people of God. Consequently, they suffered the fires of affliction and became slaves. Sin is deceptive. It destroys spiritual discernment in our lives. Unless we confess and forsake our sins (I John 1:9), we will face bitter consequences just as the Israelites did.

Some "Christians" purchase "things" (idols) with their tithe that rightly belongs to God. Then they ignore worshiping God on the Lord's Day and devote their time to their idol.

The works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication . . . Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred . . . Envyings, murders, drunkenness . . . and such like . . . they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21). No exceptions!

Thought for Today:

Jesus said: Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men (Matt. 5:13).

Christ Revealed:

In the everlasting Covenant (Ezek. 16:60). He is the Mediator of a better Covenant (Agreement) (Heb. 8:6).

Word Studies:

16:8 I spread My skirt over thee symbolic of a covenant of marriage (Ruth 3:9; Deut. 22:30); 16:25 opened thy feet offered yourself as a harlot; 16:30 imperious whorish woman shameless prostitute; 16:31 eminent place prominent public location; thou scornest hire you refuse a fee; 16:43 fretted me provoked me to anger.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Radio Broadcasts in memory of Iva Ann McElroy (Dr. Hash's mother) • Government Officials: Rep. Bob Filner (CA) and Gov. Brian Schweitzer (MT) • Country: Turkmenistan (4.8 million) southwestern central Asia • Major languages: Turkmen and Russian • Religious freedom • 89% Muslim (largely Sunni); 9% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Unknown/Other (Catholic, Protestant, Baha'i, Jehovah's Witness, Hare Krishna) • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His mercy to cleanse us from all sins (Ps. 51:2).

Optional Reading:

Revelation 9

Memory Verse for the Week:

John 1:10