In Today's Scripture Reading:
Jerusalem's destruction; justice of God's dealing; reproof of the false shepherds; destruction of Edom; restoration of Israel foretold
God addressed Ezekiel as a watchman unto the house of Israel; and said to Him: Therefore thou shalt hear the Word at My mouth, and warn them from Me (Ezekiel 33:7). The Israelites who remained in Jerusalem, as well as the captives in Babylon, disregarded Ezekiel's warnings that God would destroy Jerusalem if they refused to repent of their sinful ways. But, the Jews in Babylon complained that the death of their kindred in Jerusalem and the destruction of their homeland were inconsistent with the promise of God's Covenant. Then the Lord said: Thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal (right): but. . . . When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity (sin), he shall . . . die. . . . But if the wicked turn from his wickedness . . . he shall live (33:17-19).
When the inevitable judgment had taken place as foretold by Ezekiel, the Lord told him to say: Ye . . . lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood: and shall ye possess the land? . . . ye work abomination (do detestable sins). . . . As I live, surely they . . . shall fall by the sword, and . . . die of the pestilence. For I will lay the land most desolate. . . . Then shall they know that I am the Lord (33:25-29). This was all fulfilled as prophesied by Ezekiel on the day of his wife's death (24:18,25-26). And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity . . . one that had escaped out of Jerusalem came unto me, saying, The city is smitten (33:21).
Ezekiel proclaimed that holy living was the Israelites' responsibility in their Covenant relationship with God. This was rejected by those unwilling to forsake their sins. Times have not changed; living a godly life is equally unpopular today with many “professing Christians” who love what the world can offer for the gratification of the earthly nature (I John 2:15-17). Like the Israelites, many people today talk about the love of God while ignoring His command to act righteously. As ye have yielded your members (body parts) servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity (sins leading to more sins); even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness (sanctification). . . . for the end of those things (sin) is death (Romans 6:19,21).
Christ Revealed:
As the Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23). Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep (John 10:14).
Word Studies:
34:14 fat =b> rich, the best; 34:27 served themselves of them =b> enslaved them; 36:3 an infamy of =b> slandered by.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Janet Clark • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Rep. Stephanie Jones (OH), Rep. James Oberstar (MN), Sen. John Sununu (NH), and Rep. Albert Wynn (MD) • Country: Guyana (705,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: English and Amerindian dialects • The government is becoming increasingly Marxist, radical, and atheistic • 36% Hindu; 28% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 9% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and praise God for His faithfulness and mercy in keeping all His promises (II Chronicles 6:14-15).
Optional Reading: Revelation 15
Memory Verse for the Week: Hosea 4:6
