Beyond The Externals

(Psm 4:4-8)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in peace and inner contentment with God (Psm 4:4-8). #WalkInSurrenderToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When coming to God for help, make certain you come in the right spirit. Take time to examine the motivation of your heart (think on it a bit). No amount of prayers can overcome a disobedient heart focused only on external happiness.

The psalmist knows there is much more to be had beyond the externals. It is the inner joy that comes from knowing God and walking daily with him. That kind of inner joy and peace will give you confidence in God to keep you safe. Lord, you are the keeper of our inner peace and joy.

‘Tween A Rock and A Hard Place

(Psm 4:1-3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Put full faith in God; trust him to deliver you (Psm 4:1-3). #CallUntoGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The psalmist (likely David) calls upon his God, Jehovah, to have favor on his servant who has been declared upright and faithful. He asked God to enlarge his way, give him some space to breathe in the midst of whatever trouble he was facing.

Men can be harsh in their judgments. They may lie and misrepresent those who are godly. But his godly ones are set apart by God. He will answer when they call out to him. The psalmist has no reason to believe that he won’t. Lord, I have every reason to believe you will come to my aid when I am between a rock and a hard place.

Defiant & Undone

(Ezekiel 22:23-29)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Neither harbor nor justify sin in your life (Ezk22:23-29). #God’sDiscipline #RepentTowardsGod #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God addresses the leaders and people of Judah, Jerusalem: royalty (Kings and princes), priests (spiritual guides), leaders (in the community), prophets (self-proclaimed) and the common people (neighbors).

All of them extort wealth, conspire against innocent people; they violate all that is holy and disregard God‘s laws; they prey upon people for financial gain, leaving victims in shambles;

they lie saying they have messages of ease from God; the people do as their leaders and prey on one another, murder, oppress, rob and act unjustly towards strangers.

Lord, may there be no spirit of justification for any sin in my life – may God be true and every man a liar (Rom 3:1-4).*

_________

* See Romans Chapter 3 on Paul’s core message: it underscores man’s sin and God’s justice and mercy in his plan to redeem man from sin.

Refined By Fire

(Ezekiel 22:17-22)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Rest assured of God’s redemptive purposes in his refining fires (Ezk 22:17-22). #RefinersFire #God’sDiscipline

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God calls his rebellious people “worthless slag.“ Slag [dregs, refuse, scum, dross, trash, sinter, scoria, impurity, recrement], the waste left over after refinement, discarded as useless. Not at all flattering words. Israel‘s national life had fallen to its lowest point morally, ethically and spiritually.

God‘s fury is here described as a refiner’s fire. When the slag (sinful condition) has been melted off in extreme heat (God’s discipline), all that will be left is what is precious and valuable to God. That is the purpose of God‘s refining fire. He will separate, redeem, what is precious from the worthless (Jer 15:19-21; Mal‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭4‬; Amo 9:9,10).

Lord, your discipline may last for a moment but produces the fruit of righteousness (Psm 30:5; Heb 12:10, 11).

Risk Reward

(Ezekiel 22:1-16)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you look to God, even Jesus, who risked ignobility to redeem a lost people (Ezk 22:1-16). #HeTookTheRisk #RiskReward #Redemption #PurifiedByFire

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The prophet Ezekiel is now called upon to be the prosecuting attorney. He will present the evidence for judgment against God’s people: idolatry, bloodshed, murder, sexual immorality of every detestable kind; oppression of the poor, false accusations, parents dishonored, the Sabbath ignored; racketeering, extortion and hired killers.

Every commandment of God has been broken. It is a list of the most egregious sins possible. Judah has dishonored God to the superlative degree. She had dishonored herself. Her day of reckoning has come. God will scatter and purge his people. Even the pagans would see God forsaking his people. But his purpose is to cleanse and purify his people; redeem a remnant.

Lord, you are willing to risk even your good name (v16) to redeem your people (also Heb12:2).

Song of the Sword (2nd Ver)

(Ezekiel 21:28-32)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your lips always bring honor to the Lord our God (Ezk 21:28-32). #DoNotMockGod #HonorJehovahGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God‘s judgment is here turned towards the Ammonites. King Nebuchadnezzar had decided to bypass Ammon (vv 20,22) and destroyJerusalem (both allied against Babylon). The Ammonites thought they had escaped destruction. In their jubilation, they became proud. They mocked Israel’s destruction (25:3,4).

These Ammonites further tried to create other alliances in the region against Babylon (read Jer 40:13-41:10). But nomadic hordes would attack Ammon and destroy her (note Chapter 25). She would not escape God‘s judgment. Any proud people who mock God’s name will be subject to judgment (Psm 59:8; Pro 17:5; Gal 7:5).

Lord, may my heart always honor you and be in alignment with your heart.

Day of Reckoning

(Ezekiel 21:25-27)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Delay no longer to repent and turn to God (Ezk 21:25-27). #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is the message from God to Jerusalem‘s corrupt and wicked king. The day of reckoning is upon him. Dethroned and deposed, a new order is come. The mighty are brought low and the lowly are exalted.

Thrice called “destroyed” (complete-total) the kingdom of Judah will be no more. It will not be restored until the righteous one, Jesus the Christ, comes to rule (Gen 49:10; Zec 9:9; Mat 21:1-11; Rev 9:11-16). Lord, though you may wait, that men might turn to you, at the exact right time you will judge.

Broken Promises

(Ezekiel 21:22-25)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Only a repentant heart will secure favor with God (Ezk 21:22-25). #TrustGodFully #StayOpenToGodsWill

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel makes clear that King Nebuchadnezzar will in fact lay siege to Jerusalem and destroy her. But the people don’t believe it. They think that their treaty with Babylon will prevent it. But in fact, they themselves have broken the treaty themselves (17:15).

Nebuchadnezzar will remind them of their broken promise and proceed to attack them, burn Jerusalem to the ground and take those left in Jerusalem as captives. Now is the time of their punishment for their sin. The time has come, the final day of reckoning has come for their corrupt and wicked prince in Israel, King Zedekiah.

Lord, may I not delay to repent towards you.

Sovereign Choices

(Ezekiel 21:18-23)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God implicitly to order choices that impact the course of our lives (Ezk 21:18-23). #TrustGodFully #StayOpenToGodsWill

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I am here introduced to the third of three symbolic swords. This third sword is given into the hands of Babylon by God. She will destroy Jerusalem due to sin. Ezekiel explains in parabolic language: he drew out a map showing a road leading from Babylon to Jerusalem.

King Nebuchadnezzar‘s reaches a fork in that road. It leads to a decision to take the road to Jerusalem. This decision is reached by idolatrous deviation. In an act of God’s sovereignty, he uses man’s free will to choose to accomplish his purposes.

Lord, I can’t explain the means by which you work, but I trust in your sovereign will (Pro 16:4,9 & 21:1).

Song of the Sword (Pt 2)

(Ezekiel 21:14-17)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we treat sin with all seriousness (Ezk 21:14-17). #Repent #TurnFromSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The brandishing of the sword by Ezekiel as he acts out this judgment is designed to move so fast that the sword seems like multiples.

Somewhere in his action, the prophet stops to “clap his hands.“ It is like a man who threatens another by pounding his fist into his other hand. This symbolized, a violent gesture of emotion.

When the judgment of God falls, hearts will melt. The sword of judgment will slash right and left, up and down and in every direction. It’s devastation will be felt by all of God‘s people. God too expresses the same violent emotion as Ezekiel at the sin of the people.

There was a time in my life that I felt the serious emotion of God towards my sin; that not turning back would have serious life altering repercussions. Lord, may I treat sin with the same seriousness as you.

________

My testimony on this blog:

Window of Opportunity: A Testimony

Song of the Sword (Pt 1)

(Ezekiel 21:8-13)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we as a people, a nation, search our hearts for any unconfessed sin (Ezk 21:8-13).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“A sword, a sword”*: Ezekiel returns to the imagery of the sword of God‘s judgment. This sword is being prepared for the executioner (Babylon). Repetition here is emphatic. The sword is being sharpened and polished for judgment.

“You laugh at these words now. It will not be so funny when God‘s judgment falls on the people of God“. Ezekiel cries out and wails at the knowledge of God‘s terrible swift judgment. Ezekiel pounds his thighs in grief and alarm at the coming swift slaughter of God‘s rebellious people. There will be no chance of survival.

It is not for me to point a finger at Judah and find satisfaction in their just desserts. I must ask, “Lord, search my own heart for unconfessed sin.”

__________

* This may have been part of a sword-dance familiar to the people.

National Brokenness

(Ezekiel 21:6,7)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Pray for a national brokenness of heart towards God (Ezk 21:6,7). #Brokeness #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As Ezekiel is pronouncing the complete destruction of Judah, God instructs him to show visible signs of mourning. He’s not faking this. He is truly brokenhearted publicly and openly. God instructs: when the people ask, “Why are you so brokenhearted?“, he would tell them why.

The news of the total destruction of their home land and Jerusalem, the city of God, would be so horrible that all the exiles in Babylon will be broken and mourn with deep emotion. They would faint at the news. Even the boldest and strongest will melt with fear and agony. It will be so. The Sovereign Lord had ordained it.

Lord, give me a heart of brokenness for my country, my church, family, and friends.

Riddler’s Challenge

(Ezekiel 20:49)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Press on/through doubts and fears, trusting God (Ezk 20:49). #TrustGodWhenDoubting

You have been warned.
If you have ears, listen (Mat 1-:13-15)

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The whole of verses 45–49 are an introduction to what is to come in the four new messages of Chapter 21. Fire and sword are about to fall on Judah. Ezekiel here in interjects, “O Sovereign Lord, they are saying to me, ‘he is just a riddler of riddles.’“

It’s not clear exactly what Ezekiel expected God to do about that. But God does not stop to console. God had already told Ezekiel to press the message of judgment home whether they listen or not. They [Judah] are living in rebellion (2:7). When God has spoken, one must lean in on the message.

Lord in times of doubt or fear may this ol’ sentry trust you to carry me through to the outcomes.

“Scorched Earth”

(Ezekiel 20:45-48)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Always take God at his word (Ezk 20:45-48). #God’sWordIsTruth

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

These verses move past God’s statement of deliverance (vv40-44). God tells Ezekiel to 1) face south (Judah), 2) speak to the south and 3) tell them the forests of the south are targets for “scorched earth.“ The significance of this, three times spoken, is a powerful reminder of divine intervention and completeness.

The entire region’s forests will be scorched and burned to the ground – by God, completely, in judgement of their sin’s defilement. Today this region still stands as a waterless desert.* None will escape this destruction. All will know that this was the hand of God. No one should doubt God’s words of intervention and judgment.

Lord, it is the duty of the prayer sentry to take God at his word and proclaim it as such.

_________

* The exceptions to this are places where irrigation has been added.

Ain’t Over Til It’s Over

(Ezekiel 20:39-44)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Acknowledge, revere the faithfulness of God (Ezk 20:39-44). #GodIsFaithful #ReturnNowToGod #DisciplineCorrectsAndRestores

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In this passage lies the supreme promise of redemption and restoration. At the end of the Babylonian exile Israel will return to her homeland. This promise is based on God‘s faithfulness, not Israel’s (v42). It will be a partial fulfillment of this prophecy. There’s more to come.

A new day will dawn for Israel – not yet fulfilled, but will be. Israel will fully lament the evil she has done. She will repent. The Lord will be recognized as her God. The nations will recognize God‘s holiness, honor and glory. Those days of complete fulfillment still lie ahead today.

Lord, you are a promise keeping lsovereign. Thank you for your faithfulness to those you call your people.

Israel’s Deja Vu

(Ezekiel 20:32-38)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Respond humbly to God‘s discipline; don’t repeat past mistakes (Ezk 20:32-38). #ReturnNowToGod #DisciplineCorrectsAndRestores

The years ahead for Israel in Babylon will mirror their experience in the wilderness after years of bondage in Egypt. Israel wandered in the wilderness 40 years, until the generation who refused to move forward into the promised land had died off (Num 14:26-35).

It was and is God‘s intent to once again purge his people of those disobedient idolaters who worship other gods. Terms like, “strong hand“ and “powerful arm“ are a throwback to the days of the exodus and the wilderness. It was a powerful reminder of who God is. God’s discipline is always designed to restore his people (Heb 12:5-13).

Lord, may I humbly receive needed discipline and correction; repent and return to you.

Now You See Me; Now You Don’t

(Ezekiel 20:5-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we live in this world without acting like the world (Ezk 20:30-31). #WalkWithGod #InTheWorldButNotOfIt

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The bulk of this chapter details how Israel, God‘s chosen people, went off the rails time and time again. They disobeyed God‘s commands, rejected his decrees, flagrantly ignored God’s Sabbath rest and they went about sacrificing their children on alters of fire to other gods. Despicable!

Ezekiel makes reference to idol worship 17 times. Verse 32 implies that the elders speaking to Ezekiel (v1), had syncretized their worship of God with many other gods. Jehovah was just one of many. They had become and were becoming more like the culture around them. God was abandoning his people to the consequences of their sin (vv 25,26; Rom ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭25‬).

Lord, may my life reflect you‬; may I not grow accustomed to [be a reflection of] the culture around me.

Prone to Wander

(Ezekiel 20:5-10)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we not ignore God‘s mercy and grace (Ezk 20:5-10). #ChooseGod #FollowGodFaithfully #ListenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel chapter 16 describes the history of Israel in parabolic prose. It is the picture of a rebellious child. Here (chapter 20) Israel‘s rebellion against God is defined in specific terms. God is holding court. Ezekiel is the prosecuting attorney. Evidence of sins against God will be presented. Judgment will follow.

Israel had rebelled against God dating back to their days of bondage in Egypt. They paid homage to Egyptian pagan gods. For this God had threatened to pour out his wrath. But in mercy, he did not. Instead, he revealed his power and glory by delivering them out of Egyptian bondage.

Lord, I could never point a finger at Israel without considering my own heart that is so prone to wander from God.

Too Little, Too Late

(Ezekiel 20:1-4)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Heed God‘s warnings; follow him only (Ezk 20:1-4). #WalkWithGod #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Chapter 20 begins God‘s final justification for judgment on Judah. It is easy to get lost in all the judgment, prophetic imagery and history of Israel‘s disobedience. I have to stop and review so I know where I am in this book and my understanding.

First is Ezekiel‘s call (chs 1-3). Next comes Ezekiel‘s prophecies (parables and messages) against Judah (chs 4-24): messages of judgment due to disobedience (chs 4-11); messages & parables of the futility of false optimism (Chs 11-19); messages of the history of Judah‘s corruption (chs 20-24). This is where I am. I’m in this last phase.

History clearly shows that God does what he says he will do. Lord, may I heed your word and follow you only.

Scorching Winds of Judgment

(Ezekiel 19:10-14)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Seek to grasp God’s intents for correction in your life (Ezk 19:10-14). #WalkWithGod #YouOwnYourSin #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Just as the autumn winds sing the dirge of summer, so the Sovereign of Israel sings this coronach over the last kings of Judah (vv2-5). There is no turning back. Judgment-correction is beyond recall. Ezekiel certainly must have felt deeply the certain and dreadful end of Judah.

This is a funeral dirge (v14). Like the hot arid dry desert winds, Judah (the vine) will feel the scorching hot winds and pelting sands of judgment of Babylonian masters. There will be no turning it back. She is headed into 70 years of exile for her pride and defiance of God.

Lord, I cannot help but feel the visceral need to turn soon from sin and follow you.

Own Your Sin

(Ezekiel 18:20)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Choose to walk faithfully with God (Ezk 18:20). #WalkWithGod #YouOwnYourSin #ChooseGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There is only one theme to chapter eighteen. The person who sins will pay for his/her sin; the person who is righteous will live. The problem in Judah (and Israel) was that they believed because their ancestors were chosen of God, they were off the hook for sin.

But the coming destruction of Jerusalem was due to their own sin. They would not be saved because their ancestors were God‘s people. Every person must choose to live honorably before God and follow him or not. Our choices determine our eternal destiny.

Lord, I choose to wholeheartedly follow you and serve you.

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 3)

(Ezk 17:22-24)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Trust God to sustain you even in times of correction. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Is God the third and greatest eagle in this passage? He will provide wayward Israel with prosperity and security like no other. Neither Babylon nor Egypt could provide for Israel. These words give God‘s people assurance in the midst of corrective judgment. God will restore the land and reveal his glory.

God would pluck a branch from the tall cedar tree and replant it on Israel’s tallest mountain. This cedar (God’s kingdom) will become a majestic tree, a shelter to many nations, peoples (an allusion to the coming Messiah). The nations will know that God is a sovereign God. He causes nations to rise and fall. He alone gives life.

Lord, this old sentry may take heart in any remedial judgment. You will not forsake me.

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 2)

(Ezk 17:7-10,15-21)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and in due time he will exalt you. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In the parable of God’s judgment on Israel a second “great eagle” in this riddle appears and entices the fruitful and flourishing vine (Jerusalem) to seek nourishment from its resources. Even though the vine had no need (vv7,8, 15,16). The second eagle is Egypt (v15).

The vassal king of Judah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar (the first eagle – vv12-14) broke his treaty and allied itself with Egypt (vv15-21). The vine (Jerusalem) would not survive. It would be cut off and destroyed. The rebellious vassal king Zedekiah would be hunted down, brought to Babylon and there he would die (2Ki 24:18-20; 2Ki 25‬:‭1‬-‭10).* had he been obedient thus epic story may have had a different outcome.

Lord, your word teaches that if one humbles him or herself under the mighty hand of God, he will exalt that one in due time through suffering (1Pe 5:6-11).

_________

* The prophet Jeremiah had previously warned King Zedekiah to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar. However, he did not (Jer 38:17-21; 39:1-5).

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 1b)

(Ezk 17:5,6,13,14)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Understand God’s intentions for you. #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A “great eagle” in verse three (Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon – v12) after deposing the king of Judah, chose a seedling from the land (Zedekiah, member of the royal family – v13). This vassal king, though weakend, was able to flourish.

This seedling’s branches turned upward to and were dependent upon the “great eagle” (a forced treaty with Nebuchadnezzar – vv13,14). Second Kings 24:15-20 reveals that all these things happened due to Judah and Jerusalem’s idolatry and defiance of God.

Lord, you make clear your intentions towards me; I read, I understand, I surrender.

Riddle Of The Eagles (Pt 1a)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Believe in, trust fully and abide by God‘s word (Ezk 17:1-4,12). #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone #GodsWordIsTrue

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The first eagle, great and powerful, flew into Lebanon and plucked off the top of a cedar tree. He carried it off to another land.

The eagle was Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. He deposed Jehoiachin, king of Judah in Jerusalem (Lebanon) and removed all of Judah‘s rulers and princes to Babylon (the city of merchants). There, Jehoiachin and others were planted.

This allegorical prophecy, preceded the actual events pictured by a couple of years. In 597 BC this prophecy began to be fulfilled (2Ki 24:8-16). Lord, your word is true, and I may rely fully upon all that it says.

Why’d The Chicken Cross…?

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Look always to God from whence comes your help (Ezk 17:1-3). #LookToGod #FullyRelyOnGod #TrustInGodAlone

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sometimes life confronts us with a conundrum – a mystery or problem for which there seems to be no clear understanding. God uses such riddles to convey spiritual truth.* This riddle of two eagles (vv1-10) would be explained by Ezekiel (vv11-24).

Real life problems will either drive us closer to God or drive us further away; the later not being the better path. Though God explains this riddle, sometimes God‘s intended outcomes for us are not immediately known in the moment. But if we surrender to God‘s will, walk with and seek him, in due time it shall be made clear. **

Lord, may I, in every season of my life, look to you, my hope for your glorious outcomes.

_______

* Other Bible riddles: Samson to the Philistines – Jud 14:12-19; Sheba to Solomon – 2Ch 9:1)

** The answer “in due time”: Lam 3:23-26; Psm 27:13,14; 49:1-4; Pro 3:5,6; Mic 7:7; Hab 2:3; Gal 6:9; 1Pe 5:6,7

“The years teach us what the days never knew” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Judgment & Redemption

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we humbly seek the forgiveness of God for our sin (Ezk 16:52-63).#Repentance #RepentTowardsGod #TurnNowToGod #JealousAnger

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Judah had sinned greatly against God (far more than her pagan neighbors, Sodom and Samaria). God had already destroyed these pagan cities, for lessor sins. God would destroy Judah as well. The people of Judah would suffer shame, but he would restore her. How could God not also restore cities of lessor sin.

Ultimately these pagan Gentile cities would even become a part of the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34; Ezk 36:25-36). God will make permanent atonement for sin, forgiveness of sin for all men. God‘s judgment of sin ends in the hope of forgiveness for sinners at the cross of Christ. Lord, may I humbly seek the forgiveness of God for my sin.

UNEXCUSED

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Maintain a heart of humble repentance towards God (Ezk 16:46-52) #Repentance #RepentTowardsGod #EveryoneGuiltyBeforeGod.

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here, God paints a picture of Judah‘s horrific sin. Her sins are many and great. She is compared to Sodom. But, she is worse than Sodom. We think of Sodom’s horrible sexual sin: adultery, homosexuality. But the prophets give even more insight.

Isaiah 3:8,9 – Sodom spoke openly and flagrantly against God, refused to obey God. Jeremiah 23:14 – Sodom was dishonest, encouraged evil, and was unrepentant. Here, Ezekiel says Sodom was prideful, gluttonous, lazy, and ignored the poor and needy. Though I may not commit heinous sexual sin like Sodom, I am UNEXCUSED for committing so-called, “lesser sins”.

Guilty: Lord, may my heart remain humble and repentant towards you.

God’s Jealous Anger

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender your heart to God‘s loving discipline (Ezk 16:35-45).#Repentance #RepentTowardsGod #TurnNowToGod #JealousAnger

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Jerusalem, this once beautiful queen (vv13,14) had prostituted herself (forged alliances with ungodly nations and worshiped their pagan idols – snubbing God, her true lover). She would fall to destruction by these very pagan lovers (23:47). This was warned of in Deuteronomy 13:12-16 and so it came to pass.

Jerusalem forgot the God of her youth, the God who rescued her (vv6-15). But she will remember (vv61-63). God’s fury won’t last forever and his jealous anger will eventually subside.* But not until he has brought his people to repentance and redemption.

Lord, may my heart surrender to your loving redemptive purposes through your discipline (Psm 30:5; Pro 3:11,12; Heb 12:5,6).

_____

* I remember a notable pastor saying once, “God is not a God of anger in the Old Testament. He is a God of love provoked to jealousy.“

Spoiled & Thankless

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Live not in thankless rebellion towards the gracious love of God (Ezk 16:9-34) #LoveTheLordThyGod #RedeemerLove #GodSoLoved

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

What a beautiful “rags to riches” parable. Who doesn’t love such a love story. A kind benefactor rescues a lowly beneficiary. Here, as with Ruth and Boaz (Ruth 3:8-10), Israel is taken from a lowly filthy place and made a queen by God. But, unlike Ruth, this queen of such grace and fortune goes about in adultery after other men (idolatrous behavior). And what of America?

This bride of fortune uses her inherited wealth to build shrines to men, worships these statues and then sacrifices her children to these stone images. This is Israel’s sad and thankless tale. Words here describe the shock of her benefactor (God). DISGRACEFUL! God is fully within his rights to bring judgment against adulterous Israel. Will America repent?

Lord, though I recoil at such unfaithful, thankless behavior, I too have acted in such ways. Your discipline in my life has brought me full circle in my love for you.*

________

* See my story in this blog. https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/