One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Tuesday, November 12, 2013: Ezekiel 24:1-26:21
1 In the eleventh year, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me: ... 3 ... therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will bring up many nations against you, as the sea brings up its waves. 4 They shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers, and I will scrape her soil from her and make her a bare rock. 5 She shall be in the midst of the sea a place for the spreading of nets, for I have spoken, declares the Lord God. Ezekiel 26:1, 3-5 (ESV)
Fulfillment of prophecy is one of the most convincing proofs of the divine inspiration of the Bible. Ezekiel 26 is one of the best examples of this. I first read about this many years ago when I picked up Josh McDowell's Evidence That Demands a Verdict. He lays it out over several pages.
Over the years, Ezekiel 26 has been hotly debated by skeptics and believers. The truth remains. God spoke a six-part word over the mighty city of Tyre, and history shows exact fulfillment.
1. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, would attack Tyre and destroy the mainland city (26:7-8)
2. Tyre would be attacked by many nations (26:3).
3. Her buildings would be flattened and the city would become like the top of a rock (26:4)
4. The debris of the city would be dragged into the sea (26:12)
5. Fishermen would dry their nets where once the city had stood (26:5, 14)
6. The city would never be rebuilt (26:14)
History records that each of these prophecies have been literally fulfilled! Thirteen years after Ezekiel prophesied, Nebuchadnezzar laid siege and destroyed the mainland half of Tyre. Over the years, Alexander the Great, his successor Antigonus, not only attacked Tyre but drug all the broken rocks into the sea to make a causeway to the island half of Tyre. Later, the Muslim Seleucids would also attack. Today, there is in fact a city of Tyre, Lebanon. But it is south of the original cite of the city. The original city was never rebuilt. Today, a fishing village borders the place where once a bustling, world-class city had stood. Daily fishermen lay their nets out to dry on the flat rock area once called Tyre.
This is but one of many examples of the truthfulness of Scripture. We often speak of the miraculous power of God. One of the greatest miracles God has ever performed is right in your hands. It is the Bible.
We can trust the Word of God. He never lies. His Word is truth.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Spiritual Idolatry and Sexual Chaos
One Year Bible
Old Testament reading for Monday, November 11, 2013: Ezekiel 23:1-49
1 The word of the Lord came again to me, saying: 2 “Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother. 3 They committed harlotry in Egypt, they committed harlotry in their youth; their breasts were there embraced, their virgin bosom was there pressed. 4 Their names: Oholah the elder and Oholibah her sister; they were Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem is Oholibah. Ezekiel 23:1-4 (NKJV)
Like all great literature, the Bible employs vivid illustrations to drive home its point. Ezekiel makes a powerful comparison between adultery and idolatry -- between sexual promiscuity and spiritual purity. In the first 21 verses of Ezekiel 23, there are 24 references to "harlotry", "lewdness", "lust", and "immorality."
The prophet describes Samaria and Jerusalem as sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who fall into a terribly destructive life of harlotry. This is a picture employed often by the prophets of the Old Testament. Jeremiah decried Israel's whoredom (Jer. 3:6-10). Isaiah says "the holy city has become a harlot" (Is.1:21). Malachi said Judah had "married foreign gods" (Mal. 2:11). Perhaps most vividly, Hosea is commanded by God to "take a wife of harlotry" (Hos.1:2)! This illustrates of how God has remained faithful to unfaithful Israel.
The idea of marriage undergirds the entire Bible. Israel is married to God in the Old Testament. The Church is the Bride of Christ in the New Testament. Faithful, loving, healthy marriage relationships are a consistent image Scripture uses to describe God's plan for us (see Eph. 5:22-33).
There are so many important lessons we can draw from this picture of marriage to God. Just as faithful, monogamous marriage is an illustration of a healthy relationship with God, so also a life of promiscuity and sexual indulgence is indicative of destruction. Adultery is paralleled with idolatry. Promiscuity is an invitation to destruction. If Ephesians 5 is a description of how it goes right, Ezekiel 23 is a graphic depiction of how it can go wrong.
The first half of Ezekiel 23 is about Jerusalem's sin. The second half is about God's judgment. I do not think it is a stretch to make a connection here. There is a mirror relationship between the spiritual and the practical.
I believe the spiritual decline of America is tied to the rise of sexual chaos. I do not have the space here to describe the horrendous increase of sexual weirdness rising around us. For starts, USA Today in its Oct. 25 edition a few weeks ago, describes in a front page article what is called the "pornification" of our culture. Suffice to say that practices that once were considered aberrant and wrong are now considered mainstream. We are witnessing the normalization of destructive sexual patterns. We are living out the sequence of Ezekiel 23. The result can only be the judgment of God.
One last note: you might wonder why sexual sin is isolated as "worse" than other sins. I believe that all sin is equally offensive to Holy God. There are no minor sins in the sense that some sins are acceptable and others not. But, different sins have differing impact on those who commit them. They are all equally repugnant to God, but they differ in their devastation upon men and women.
Sexual sin strikes deeply into the core of those who engage in it. I Corinthians 6:12-20 describes this. I think this is what Paul means when he writes, "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body" (I Co. 6:18).
Hopefully, I will write further in the next few days about the incredible rise in sexual libertinism. Pop stars are practically performing sexual acts on stage. As a culture, we have nearly lost our ability to blush. Without sounding like a Puritanical prude, I must say that SOMETHING NEEDS TO STOP about this ridiculous slide to depravity.
I will leave such thoughts for further development another day. Meanwhile, may we who know our God and be ready to stand up for truth in our day. Amen!
Old Testament reading for Monday, November 11, 2013: Ezekiel 23:1-49
1 The word of the Lord came again to me, saying: 2 “Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother. 3 They committed harlotry in Egypt, they committed harlotry in their youth; their breasts were there embraced, their virgin bosom was there pressed. 4 Their names: Oholah the elder and Oholibah her sister; they were Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. As for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem is Oholibah. Ezekiel 23:1-4 (NKJV)
Like all great literature, the Bible employs vivid illustrations to drive home its point. Ezekiel makes a powerful comparison between adultery and idolatry -- between sexual promiscuity and spiritual purity. In the first 21 verses of Ezekiel 23, there are 24 references to "harlotry", "lewdness", "lust", and "immorality."
The prophet describes Samaria and Jerusalem as sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, who fall into a terribly destructive life of harlotry. This is a picture employed often by the prophets of the Old Testament. Jeremiah decried Israel's whoredom (Jer. 3:6-10). Isaiah says "the holy city has become a harlot" (Is.1:21). Malachi said Judah had "married foreign gods" (Mal. 2:11). Perhaps most vividly, Hosea is commanded by God to "take a wife of harlotry" (Hos.1:2)! This illustrates of how God has remained faithful to unfaithful Israel.
The idea of marriage undergirds the entire Bible. Israel is married to God in the Old Testament. The Church is the Bride of Christ in the New Testament. Faithful, loving, healthy marriage relationships are a consistent image Scripture uses to describe God's plan for us (see Eph. 5:22-33).
There are so many important lessons we can draw from this picture of marriage to God. Just as faithful, monogamous marriage is an illustration of a healthy relationship with God, so also a life of promiscuity and sexual indulgence is indicative of destruction. Adultery is paralleled with idolatry. Promiscuity is an invitation to destruction. If Ephesians 5 is a description of how it goes right, Ezekiel 23 is a graphic depiction of how it can go wrong.
The first half of Ezekiel 23 is about Jerusalem's sin. The second half is about God's judgment. I do not think it is a stretch to make a connection here. There is a mirror relationship between the spiritual and the practical.
I believe the spiritual decline of America is tied to the rise of sexual chaos. I do not have the space here to describe the horrendous increase of sexual weirdness rising around us. For starts, USA Today in its Oct. 25 edition a few weeks ago, describes in a front page article what is called the "pornification" of our culture. Suffice to say that practices that once were considered aberrant and wrong are now considered mainstream. We are witnessing the normalization of destructive sexual patterns. We are living out the sequence of Ezekiel 23. The result can only be the judgment of God.
One last note: you might wonder why sexual sin is isolated as "worse" than other sins. I believe that all sin is equally offensive to Holy God. There are no minor sins in the sense that some sins are acceptable and others not. But, different sins have differing impact on those who commit them. They are all equally repugnant to God, but they differ in their devastation upon men and women.
Sexual sin strikes deeply into the core of those who engage in it. I Corinthians 6:12-20 describes this. I think this is what Paul means when he writes, "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body" (I Co. 6:18).
Hopefully, I will write further in the next few days about the incredible rise in sexual libertinism. Pop stars are practically performing sexual acts on stage. As a culture, we have nearly lost our ability to blush. Without sounding like a Puritanical prude, I must say that SOMETHING NEEDS TO STOP about this ridiculous slide to depravity.
I will leave such thoughts for further development another day. Meanwhile, may we who know our God and be ready to stand up for truth in our day. Amen!
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Standing in the Gap
One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Sunday, November 10, 2013: Ezekiel 21:1-22:31
29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:29-30 (NKJV)
Israel had experienced a colossal leadership melt-down. Four levels of leadership had failed:
1. Scribes (22:25)
2. Priests (22:26)
3. Princes (22:27)
4. Prophets (22:28)
As a result the people were in terrible shape. They were oppressed, mistreated, and impoverished. In response to this dire condition, God called for a man of God to step up -- "to make a wall and stand in the gap."
This call might be interpreted a couple of ways. I have always seen it in the light of PRAYER. "Standing in the gap" meant being a prayer warrior. Part of the reason for this is the phraseology. Ezekiel 22:30 says, "stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land." This means God wants us to stand before Him interceding in behalf of those who are in distress.
A good example of this is Genesis 18 where Abraham interceded for Sodom. By prayer, Abraham forestalled God's impending judgment upon that wicked town. He stood pleading in prayer for mercy and patience.
But there is a second way this might be interpreted. If Israel suffered by a failure of leadership, "making a wall and standing in the gap" might mean filling the leadership vacuum. This includes prayer, but goes much further.
Here are a few observations about "gaps":
1. The "gap" is the space between where we are and where God wants us to be.
2. A "gap" is a hole in the wall through which the enemy can attack.
3. "Gaps" never heal themselves. Unless fixed, they only get worse.
In God there are no "gaps". But in a fallen world, "gaps" are everywhere. When God sees a "gap", He sends a man or woman of God to fill it up. When Satan sees a "gap", he exploits it. He attacks. He uses it to work his evil plans.
In the days of Ezekiel, there was no one to stand in the gap. This is more than prayer. It is filling up the need of the hour. It is shoring up the points of vulnerability. It is rising to responsibility. It is being a man or woman of God in the midst of a dying and distressed world.
The call comes to you and me today. Will you answer? Will you step up? By the power of God's Spirit, you can do this. Say "Yes" to His call today.
Old Testament passage for Sunday, November 10, 2013: Ezekiel 21:1-22:31
29 The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. 30 So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:29-30 (NKJV)
Israel had experienced a colossal leadership melt-down. Four levels of leadership had failed:
1. Scribes (22:25)
2. Priests (22:26)
3. Princes (22:27)
4. Prophets (22:28)
As a result the people were in terrible shape. They were oppressed, mistreated, and impoverished. In response to this dire condition, God called for a man of God to step up -- "to make a wall and stand in the gap."
This call might be interpreted a couple of ways. I have always seen it in the light of PRAYER. "Standing in the gap" meant being a prayer warrior. Part of the reason for this is the phraseology. Ezekiel 22:30 says, "stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land." This means God wants us to stand before Him interceding in behalf of those who are in distress.
A good example of this is Genesis 18 where Abraham interceded for Sodom. By prayer, Abraham forestalled God's impending judgment upon that wicked town. He stood pleading in prayer for mercy and patience.
But there is a second way this might be interpreted. If Israel suffered by a failure of leadership, "making a wall and standing in the gap" might mean filling the leadership vacuum. This includes prayer, but goes much further.
Here are a few observations about "gaps":
1. The "gap" is the space between where we are and where God wants us to be.
2. A "gap" is a hole in the wall through which the enemy can attack.
3. "Gaps" never heal themselves. Unless fixed, they only get worse.
In God there are no "gaps". But in a fallen world, "gaps" are everywhere. When God sees a "gap", He sends a man or woman of God to fill it up. When Satan sees a "gap", he exploits it. He attacks. He uses it to work his evil plans.
In the days of Ezekiel, there was no one to stand in the gap. This is more than prayer. It is filling up the need of the hour. It is shoring up the points of vulnerability. It is rising to responsibility. It is being a man or woman of God in the midst of a dying and distressed world.
The call comes to you and me today. Will you answer? Will you step up? By the power of God's Spirit, you can do this. Say "Yes" to His call today.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
The Mark of a True Christian
One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Saturday, November 9, 2013: Ezekiel 20:1-49
11 And I gave them My statutes and showed them My judgments, ‘which, if a man does, he shall live by them.’ 12 Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them. Ezekiel 20:11-12 (NKJV)
19 I am the Lord your God: Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments, and do them; 20 hallow My Sabbaths, and they will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.’ Ezekiel 20:19-20 (NKJV)
How do you know if someone is a real Christian -- a true believer -- a genuine follower of Jesus? What are the marks of a Christian? Are there any Scriptural indicators of a genuine faith? How should believers in Jesus stand out as different from the non-believing, hell-bound world surrounding us?
In the Old Testament, there were three indicators of being a genuine covenant-keeping Israelite. These three became huge issues in the life of Jesus and in the early church. They were circumcision, dietary laws, and Sabbath-keeping. For Old Testament believers, these were the signs, the markers of legitimacy.
God set it up that way. In making covenant with Abraham, He prescribed circumcision for every male as a seal to the agreement (Gen. 17:10-11). It was the sign of covenant fidelity. Refusal to be circumcised constituted rejection of the covenant.
Similarly, in Leviticus 11, God lays out a detailed list of kosher and non-kosher food items. Violation of these rules was considered an abomination (Lev. 11:10). This was then and is still today a mark of Jewishness.
The third Old Testament sign of fidelity is the most mis-understood. Because Sabbath-keeping is included in the Ten Commandments, confusion has persisted about how, why, and when this law is the be observed -- if at all. Among the reasons God tells Israel to keep the Sabbath is so that they will stand out against the un-believing world. This became more important during the days of Babylonian captivity. The Sabbath was not only a needed rest for God's people, it was also a sign to the world of genuine faith (Ex. 31:13, Ez. 20:12, 20).
These were the signs in Old Testament times. Are they the signs of true faith today? Must a man be circumcised in order to be a covenant-keeper? Must dietary laws be kept to avoid defilement commensurate with abomination? Is Sabbath-keeping the indicator of intimacy with God?
On a broader scale, are there any outward rules that define covenant relationship with God? I believe it is obvious that one may keep virtually every law and yet still be devoid of faith. Substitute any rule. Does going to church make you a Christian? Does paying tithes indicate real faith? Does moral purity prove bona-fide discipleship?
Herein is a major change in the marks of covenant fidelity. It is actually harder under the New Testament to measure true faith than it was under the Old. The singular marker Jesus used was agape love -- the God kind of love (John 13:35). He severely rebuked the best rule-keepers of His day, the Pharisees. He commended the forgiven prostitute who loved much (Luke 7:47).
No longer will the world watch our religious observances and be impressed with our spirituality. Instead, the Spirit of the Living God resting on us in humble acts of loving service will testify to the world that God is truly in our midst.
Jesus' kind of martyr love. That is the mark of the Christian.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Is God Fair?
One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Friday, November 8, 2013: Ezekiel 18:1-19:14
Old Testament passage for Friday, November 8, 2013: Ezekiel 18:1-19:14
29 Yet
the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ O house of
Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your ways which are not
fair? 30 “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. 31 Cast
away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get
yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house
of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:29-32 (NKJV)
There are three ways God deals with man: grace, mercy, and justice.
Grace is when He GIVES us blessings which do not deserve.
Mercy is when He WITHHOLDS from us the punishment which we deserve.
Justice is when He gives us EXACTLY that which we truly deserve.
One of the keys to understanding the Bible (and of a fruitful relationship with God) is being able to understand how these three concepts operate. Perhaps the greatest tendency of fallen man is to mix them up. As a result, men begin to accuse God of unfairness. Men expect blessings from God AS IF we deserved them. We are shocked at the punishment of God AS IF He no longer has the right to do so.
The Israelites shouted their accusation at God, "The way of the Lord is not fair" (18:25). God's response is an invitation for them to look more closely at their own conduct. This was a wake up call for them -- and for us today!
Throughout the Bible, we come across stories about how God, Who normally displays almost unbelievable patience and mercy, would suddenly enact severe judgment. It can be a bit overwhelming.
In Leviticus 10, Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu decide to conduct their own private worship service apart from the Tabernacle. They offered "strange fire." As a result, "fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord" (Lev. 10:2). Whoa! That seems a bit over-the-top, don't you think?
Then in II Samuel 6, David tries to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem using an oxcart. They should have been carrying the Ark on the shoulders of priests, but they didn't. As a result the Ark teetered and a man named Uzzah reached out to steady it. This was in direct violation of God's earlier instructions. God's anger boiled over and He "struck Uzzah there because of his error, and he died there by the ark of God" (II Sam. 6:7).
In the New Testament this happens at least once. Acts 5 tells us about an offering that took place in the early church. Folks were bringing their tithes and offerings. One couple, Ananias and Saphira, lied about their offering claiming they were giving everything when in reality they were keeping back part for themselves. Once again, God struck them dead.
When we consider examples such as these, we are tempted to cry out like the Israelites in Ezekiel's day: "God is not fair!" How could a loving God be so severe? The truth, however, is that God has been showing mercy upon mercy to us by withholding the judgment we deserve. In order to get our attention and shock us back into reality, He may from time to time withdraw His mercy and actually give us exactly what we truly deserve.
Several years ago, a bestselling book hit the market entitled When Bad Things Happen to Good People. It poses the question of WHY -- why do bad things happen to people who do not deserve them? From God's viewpoint, this is the wrong question. We should not ask "Why bad things happen to good people?". Rather, the correct question is "Why do good things ever happen to bad people?" This is not cynical. It is reality. If any of us got exactly what we deserve, we would be dead. The truth is that God has miraculously withheld the punishment we all abundantly deserve.
Ezekiel 18:31 says that rather than grousing about how unfair life is, we should instead "cast away all transgression." Begin today to do what God has told you to do. Stop acting like you are so innocent. Repent. God calls us to "get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit." God says "Get right on the inside."
One of the most moving passages in the Bible is Ezekiel 18:31-32. God actually PLEADS with us. Like Jesus weeping over rebellious Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37), God practically begs Israel saying, "Why should you die?" He shows us His heart. He is by nature a loving, redeeming God who beckons us to "turn and live."
I am so thankful for the mercy of God. Mercy, by definition, is not deserved. If it were, it would be justice. Mercy happens when God withholds our due punishment. When mercy is given we should always simply be thankful. But, never forget! He is a God Who is HOLY -- a God of justice. He deserves our respect and worship. He deserves our best. That is all that He asks of us.
There are three ways God deals with man: grace, mercy, and justice.
Grace is when He GIVES us blessings which do not deserve.
Mercy is when He WITHHOLDS from us the punishment which we deserve.
Justice is when He gives us EXACTLY that which we truly deserve.
One of the keys to understanding the Bible (and of a fruitful relationship with God) is being able to understand how these three concepts operate. Perhaps the greatest tendency of fallen man is to mix them up. As a result, men begin to accuse God of unfairness. Men expect blessings from God AS IF we deserved them. We are shocked at the punishment of God AS IF He no longer has the right to do so.
The Israelites shouted their accusation at God, "The way of the Lord is not fair" (18:25). God's response is an invitation for them to look more closely at their own conduct. This was a wake up call for them -- and for us today!
Throughout the Bible, we come across stories about how God, Who normally displays almost unbelievable patience and mercy, would suddenly enact severe judgment. It can be a bit overwhelming.
In Leviticus 10, Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu decide to conduct their own private worship service apart from the Tabernacle. They offered "strange fire." As a result, "fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord" (Lev. 10:2). Whoa! That seems a bit over-the-top, don't you think?
Then in II Samuel 6, David tries to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem using an oxcart. They should have been carrying the Ark on the shoulders of priests, but they didn't. As a result the Ark teetered and a man named Uzzah reached out to steady it. This was in direct violation of God's earlier instructions. God's anger boiled over and He "struck Uzzah there because of his error, and he died there by the ark of God" (II Sam. 6:7).
In the New Testament this happens at least once. Acts 5 tells us about an offering that took place in the early church. Folks were bringing their tithes and offerings. One couple, Ananias and Saphira, lied about their offering claiming they were giving everything when in reality they were keeping back part for themselves. Once again, God struck them dead.
When we consider examples such as these, we are tempted to cry out like the Israelites in Ezekiel's day: "God is not fair!" How could a loving God be so severe? The truth, however, is that God has been showing mercy upon mercy to us by withholding the judgment we deserve. In order to get our attention and shock us back into reality, He may from time to time withdraw His mercy and actually give us exactly what we truly deserve.
Several years ago, a bestselling book hit the market entitled When Bad Things Happen to Good People. It poses the question of WHY -- why do bad things happen to people who do not deserve them? From God's viewpoint, this is the wrong question. We should not ask "Why bad things happen to good people?". Rather, the correct question is "Why do good things ever happen to bad people?" This is not cynical. It is reality. If any of us got exactly what we deserve, we would be dead. The truth is that God has miraculously withheld the punishment we all abundantly deserve.
Ezekiel 18:31 says that rather than grousing about how unfair life is, we should instead "cast away all transgression." Begin today to do what God has told you to do. Stop acting like you are so innocent. Repent. God calls us to "get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit." God says "Get right on the inside."
One of the most moving passages in the Bible is Ezekiel 18:31-32. God actually PLEADS with us. Like Jesus weeping over rebellious Jerusalem (Matt. 23:37), God practically begs Israel saying, "Why should you die?" He shows us His heart. He is by nature a loving, redeeming God who beckons us to "turn and live."
I am so thankful for the mercy of God. Mercy, by definition, is not deserved. If it were, it would be justice. Mercy happens when God withholds our due punishment. When mercy is given we should always simply be thankful. But, never forget! He is a God Who is HOLY -- a God of justice. He deserves our respect and worship. He deserves our best. That is all that He asks of us.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
The Remnant -- God Chose You to Love You
One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Wednesday, November 6, 2013: Ezekiel 14:12-16:41
22 Yet behold, there shall be left in it a remnant who will be brought out, both sons and daughters; surely they will come out to you, and you will see their ways and their doings. Then you will be comforted concerning the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem, all that I have brought upon it. 23 And they will comfort you, when you see their ways and their doings; and you shall know that I have done nothing without cause that I have done in it,” says the Lord God. Ezekiel 14:22-23 (NKJV)
Ezekiel prophesied during some of the darkest days of Judah's history. His book, written from Babylonian captivity, is a running commentary of the destruction of Jerusalem. Four judgments are released -- sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence (vs. 21). Rampant, unrepentant idolatry had finally precipitated the wrath of God.
We might read such a narrative as "the end of the trail" -- the funeral -- the close of the story. But God doesn't describe it in those terms. He never gives up. Despite severe and thorough judgment, He points to a bigger picture, a new beginning, a better day. It is the vision of His unfailing plan and purpose. Ezekiel prophesies about THE REMNANT.
God always has a remnant. So, what are we talking about here? "Remnant" is an Old Testament term that has two levels of meaning. First, it is simply the survivors of a catastrophe. This would be something like the Jews who survived the Holocaust of World War II. The second meaning is spiritual in nature, speaking of the kernel or germ of true believers who survive God's out-poured judgment and remain true. It is the thin line of true believers that always survive. Hebrews 11 speaks of this in tales of enduring faith.
In the Old Testament, the remnant is the people who come out of the purifying fires of captivity and remain faithful to God and His Word. In the New Testament, the remnant is the Bride of Christ, the Church, the tried and true followers of Jesus. These are "the chosen." One of the favorite New Testament designations for us is "the elect" or "the chosen in Christ".*
Ezekiel gives us some interesting and thought-provoking insights into the purpose for the disasters that struck Jerusalem. God says that when we see "the ways and doing" of this remnant we will be comforted concerning the hard times that had happened.
I am reminded of a little book I read many years ago that profoundly affected me. Paul Billheimer's book on prayer, Destined for the Throne, tells about God's grand purpose throughout history. He writes about "Limited Acceptance of Unlimited Atonement" and tackles a couple of tough theological concepts: the love of God for all men contrasted with election of the few. Does God want everyone saved or is He only interested in "the elect?"
Mr. Billheimer states it this way: All men from all of history are included in God's all-embracing redemptive love. He wants all men to be saved. But God knew from the very beginning that only a select remnant would accept this universal provision. ... If God knew from all eternity that the net result of all His creative activity, including the plan of redemption, would be only this tiny minority, comparatively speaking, then it may be presumed that this small group was the object of all of God's previous plans, purposes, and creative enterprises. Therefore, it follows that it was for the sake of this small group that the universe was originated.**
From all eternity, God's unfailing plan has been to bring a Bride to His Son. That divine romance is at the center of the universe.
I realize that we are on profound, holy ground here. We hold in balance two very important truths: 1) God's desire that all men be saved, and 2) His knowledge that only some will accept His offer. Jesus came, died, and rose again for the salvation of all those who would ever believe in Him. The target and beneficiaries of His saving grace is those who ultimately accept His offer.
Ezekiel says that when we consider "the ways and doings" of this remnant, then we will understand that God has "done nothing without a cause." This echoes one of the greatest verses of the Bible, Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
God says that even terribly bad things such as Babylonian captivity become tools in His hands. He is bringing His remnant out through purifying fires. While it may seems so very negative at first sight, the end result will bring praise and glory to God Who does all things well (Mk. 7:37).
If this is true (and I believe it is), then it explains why God has allowed testing to come into your life. It is not because He wants to punish you. Rather it is because He is preparing you, perfecting you, improving you. He has a plan with eternal benefits. He chose you to be united with Him forever. EVERYTHING works together around that good destiny.
* 16 times the New Testament refers to Christians as "the elect" -- Matt. 24:,22,24,31; Mk. 13:20,22,27; Luke 18:7; Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; I Tim. 5:21; II Tim. 2:10; Titus 1:1; I Pet. 1:2; I Pet. 2:6; II John 1; II John 13. The word "chosen" is used 10 times referring to believers -- Matt. 20:16; Matt. 22:14; Mk. 13:20; I Co. 1:27,28; Eph. 1:4; Jas. 2:5; I Pet. 2:4,9; Rev. 17:14.
** Billheimer, Paul E. Destined for the Throne (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1975), 24-25.
Old Testament passage for Wednesday, November 6, 2013: Ezekiel 14:12-16:41
22 Yet behold, there shall be left in it a remnant who will be brought out, both sons and daughters; surely they will come out to you, and you will see their ways and their doings. Then you will be comforted concerning the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem, all that I have brought upon it. 23 And they will comfort you, when you see their ways and their doings; and you shall know that I have done nothing without cause that I have done in it,” says the Lord God. Ezekiel 14:22-23 (NKJV)
Ezekiel prophesied during some of the darkest days of Judah's history. His book, written from Babylonian captivity, is a running commentary of the destruction of Jerusalem. Four judgments are released -- sword, famine, wild beasts, and pestilence (vs. 21). Rampant, unrepentant idolatry had finally precipitated the wrath of God.
We might read such a narrative as "the end of the trail" -- the funeral -- the close of the story. But God doesn't describe it in those terms. He never gives up. Despite severe and thorough judgment, He points to a bigger picture, a new beginning, a better day. It is the vision of His unfailing plan and purpose. Ezekiel prophesies about THE REMNANT.
God always has a remnant. So, what are we talking about here? "Remnant" is an Old Testament term that has two levels of meaning. First, it is simply the survivors of a catastrophe. This would be something like the Jews who survived the Holocaust of World War II. The second meaning is spiritual in nature, speaking of the kernel or germ of true believers who survive God's out-poured judgment and remain true. It is the thin line of true believers that always survive. Hebrews 11 speaks of this in tales of enduring faith.
In the Old Testament, the remnant is the people who come out of the purifying fires of captivity and remain faithful to God and His Word. In the New Testament, the remnant is the Bride of Christ, the Church, the tried and true followers of Jesus. These are "the chosen." One of the favorite New Testament designations for us is "the elect" or "the chosen in Christ".*
Ezekiel gives us some interesting and thought-provoking insights into the purpose for the disasters that struck Jerusalem. God says that when we see "the ways and doing" of this remnant we will be comforted concerning the hard times that had happened.
I am reminded of a little book I read many years ago that profoundly affected me. Paul Billheimer's book on prayer, Destined for the Throne, tells about God's grand purpose throughout history. He writes about "Limited Acceptance of Unlimited Atonement" and tackles a couple of tough theological concepts: the love of God for all men contrasted with election of the few. Does God want everyone saved or is He only interested in "the elect?"
Mr. Billheimer states it this way: All men from all of history are included in God's all-embracing redemptive love. He wants all men to be saved. But God knew from the very beginning that only a select remnant would accept this universal provision. ... If God knew from all eternity that the net result of all His creative activity, including the plan of redemption, would be only this tiny minority, comparatively speaking, then it may be presumed that this small group was the object of all of God's previous plans, purposes, and creative enterprises. Therefore, it follows that it was for the sake of this small group that the universe was originated.**
From all eternity, God's unfailing plan has been to bring a Bride to His Son. That divine romance is at the center of the universe.
I realize that we are on profound, holy ground here. We hold in balance two very important truths: 1) God's desire that all men be saved, and 2) His knowledge that only some will accept His offer. Jesus came, died, and rose again for the salvation of all those who would ever believe in Him. The target and beneficiaries of His saving grace is those who ultimately accept His offer.
Ezekiel says that when we consider "the ways and doings" of this remnant, then we will understand that God has "done nothing without a cause." This echoes one of the greatest verses of the Bible, Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
God says that even terribly bad things such as Babylonian captivity become tools in His hands. He is bringing His remnant out through purifying fires. While it may seems so very negative at first sight, the end result will bring praise and glory to God Who does all things well (Mk. 7:37).
If this is true (and I believe it is), then it explains why God has allowed testing to come into your life. It is not because He wants to punish you. Rather it is because He is preparing you, perfecting you, improving you. He has a plan with eternal benefits. He chose you to be united with Him forever. EVERYTHING works together around that good destiny.
* 16 times the New Testament refers to Christians as "the elect" -- Matt. 24:,22,24,31; Mk. 13:20,22,27; Luke 18:7; Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; I Tim. 5:21; II Tim. 2:10; Titus 1:1; I Pet. 1:2; I Pet. 2:6; II John 1; II John 13. The word "chosen" is used 10 times referring to believers -- Matt. 20:16; Matt. 22:14; Mk. 13:20; I Co. 1:27,28; Eph. 1:4; Jas. 2:5; I Pet. 2:4,9; Rev. 17:14.
** Billheimer, Paul E. Destined for the Throne (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1975), 24-25.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
The Ministry of the Watchman
One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Saturday, November 2, 2013: Ezekiel 3:16-6:14
16 Now it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 17“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: Ezekiel 3:16-17 (NKJV)
Anyone who has watched a war movie or a western knows that every camp sight or bivouac had to have a look-out. Sentries were posted some ways outside the camp to watch out for a sneak enemy attack. Their job was crucial.
Look-outs had three jobs:
To watch for approaching danger.
To warn the troops. To give a signal or sound a trumpet.
To defend the camp. They served as the first line of defense.
I love those old scenes in a western when a look-out heard an unusual bird whistle from his left. Than another came from his right. You knew the Indians were coming! Sometimes the sentry would doze off asleep. It was a sure sight that guy was a goner.
Every city in ancient Israel had a watchman. They served an incredibly important role in the safety of their city. Because the watchman did his job, the city could rest in peace.
Many prophets in the Old Testament spoke about this "look-out ministry" - the watchmen ministry. Only one prophet, Ezekiel, was specifically called to be a watchman. In similar fashion, God calls leaders to serve as watchmen. Hebrews 13:17 describes pastoral ministry in these terms: "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (ESV)
There is a sense in which every Christian leader and parent is called to be a watchman. As such, we should know three crucial things about this ministry. Matthew Henry, the great Bible commentator of early 1700's, described the watchman ministry as:
A Toilsome Office
A Dangerous Office
A Needful Office
It was toilsome in that it required sleepless nights and constant vigilance. It was dangerous in that it placed a man in first contact with a deadly enemy. The priority of a hostile attack was to first remove the watchman. It was needful in that failure left the city vulnerable and more easily destroyed.
When we accept the responsibility of a spiritual watchman, our first job is to hear God's voice - to listen carefully for what God says. If we are going to sound a clear trumpet call, we must know what the Lord is saying. Then we must have the courage to deliver His message. It's as "simple" as that!
May God raise up courageous and faithful look-outs in our day.
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