“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/

Trashed Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in faithfulness to your redeemer (Ezk 16:1-8) #LoveTheLordThyGod #RedeemerLove #GodSoLoved

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This passage is difficult to read. God describes the unseemly birth of Israel. It is stark and harsh. It reminds me of a botched abortion. The baby is born alive. No one wanted it – it was left on the table to die. Or the baby was born at home. Then, unwanted, it was put into a trash sack and put into a trash dumpster as refuse.

“BUT I [God] RESCUED YOU.” God then spoke words of “life“ over the discarded infant, Israel. As she grew, God covered her as her redeemer (Ruth 3:8-10). God made a covenant with Israel to make her his very own bride. But Israel spurned and ignored God’s love. Lord, how could I ever ignore you? Your love for this old sentry has exceeded all expectations.

Kindling Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stoke a faith that is found fruitful and useful to God (Ezk 15:1-8) #Judgment #Repent #WorshipGodAlone #GodAboveAllElse

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This parable of a grapevine would have struck a chord, as Israel is compared to such often (e.g. Isa 5:1-7). But in Israel’s current idolatrous condition, she is of no greater value than kindling for fire and not even very good for that either.

This is the sad tale of a people of God who had grown apathetic and unfruitful. It reminds me of five of the seven churches in Revelation 2&3 who have become weak, indifferent, arrogant, fruitless, useless, idolatrous, lukewarm and faithless.

Lord, may the fires of my faith burn forever, faithful, and fruitful for you.

IDOLS: 🎉🗣️🧞‍♀️👙🍺🏈🚙🚢💰

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

🎉🗣️🧞‍♀️👙🍺🏈🚙🚢💰

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Guard your heart against idolatrous worship (Ezk 14:1-4, 20-23) #RejectIdolatrousWorship #Judgment #Repent #WorshipGodAlone #GodAboveAllElse

God‘s focus here is on the leaders of Israel who came to Ezekiel seeking advice. Yet, their hearts were full of idolatrous worship and their sin was great. God says to them through Ezekiel, nothing, no one will save them from judgment (war, famine, wild animals, and disease).

Not even Noah, Daniel or Job (great men of God) could save the nation from the coming judgment. The nation would come to realize through pain and suffering, once again, that Jehovah God is a sovereign Lord. Lord, it is so very important that every prayer sentry keep his/her heart from the worship of any idol (🎉🗣️🧞‍♀️👙🍺🏈🚙🚢💰).

Don’t Be Confused

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Stay centered on the truth of God‘s word (Ezk 13:1-23) #FalseProphets #KnowGod #TrustGod #DiscernGod’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

There was much confusion over the truth in Israel. False prophets were giving messages that were in conflict with Ezekiel and Jeremiah (see also Jer 28:2-14; 29:8,9). They were “whitewashing“ the truth. They were promoting/selling “magic charms“ and magic veils”. They were telling the people everything was all right when it was not.

The false prophets lied and invented false predictions. God was about to clear up the confusion – 1Co 14:30-33. Their “whitewashed wall“ will crumble under a flood of God‘s anger and judgment. They will be banished from the land, their names blotted out from Israel’s record books. Lord, may I stay grounded in the truth of your word.

11th Commandment: YADAH-YADAH NOT 🙄

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Live life in anticipation of Christ’s return at any moment, (Ezk 12:26-28) #Prophecy #KnowGod #TrustGod #DiscernGod’sWord #YadaYadaNot

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

A second myth, similar to the first (v22), is also dispelled. It says, “No worries man. Ezekiel‘s prophecies won’t happen for a very long time“. Concerning Christ’s return, some in the early church had a similar view… And many even today. Some say, “It’s been 2000 years and Christ has yet to come.” There’s plenty of time.

But God says in Ezekiel 12, “No more delays. I will do as I threatened“. God’s people in Ezekiel’s day, as in our day, have a duty to live in the light of prophecy being fulfilled at any time (2 Peter 3:8-13).

Lord, reading these words, presses me to live in the immediacy of prophecy, as if it will come true in any moment.

YADAH-YADAH-YADAH 🙄

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we have discerning ears to hear and obedient hearts to follow. (Ezk 12:21-25) #Prophecy #KnowGod #YadaYadaNot #TrustGod #DiscernGod’sWord

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God is here dispelling two popular myths – unfounded popular proverbs: the first, “Time passes, prophecies come to nothing.“ In-other-words, YADA-YADA-YADA! We’ve heard this doom and gloom before. Nothing comes of it. God will end that perspective.

Prophetic words uttered may or may not be true. Fulfillment (the rule of authenticity) may not occur for decades. It comes down to discernment of truth and error. The Christian is equipped by the Spirit of God to discern such things and respond accordingly (Jhn 16:13). History tells us, if God says it…It will be!

Lord, may I have a profound sense of discernment regarding any prophetic word attributed to you.*

_______

* * See Detecting False Prophets, this blog:

A Prophetic Interpretation

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be discerning of, give witness to, God‘s discipline in your life (Ezk 12:14-16). #HearingGod’sVoice #God’sDiscipline #WitnessToTheTruth #LessonsInAdversity

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The words spoken here by the prophet may be seen in the light of words spoken in 5:1,2. To what end does this scattering of God‘s people point?

“Experience will teach [God’s people] what otherwise they would never have learned, ‘that I am the Lord’ (v15). What men fail to appreciate in prosperity, they will occasionally learn through adversity. God will allow a few of [those scattered – a remnant] to survive so they can testify to God‘s truth (v16). Then, confessing their sins among the nations, God will be seen as holy and powerful, not helpless to save.“ *

Lord, may this old sentry be discerning of, give witness to, your discipline in my life circumstances.

_______

* Taylor, John B. Ezekiel, A Commentary, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, IL (1969), pg. 116.

Another 1 Act Prophetic Pantomime

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Open your eyes to sin and repent towards God (Ezk 12:14-20). #HeedGodsWord #Repent #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel performs a second 1 act pantomime. He would tremble and shake while eating his food; shutter and quake while drinking his water. These actions represented the terror that Israel would experience as Babylon ransacked the land and decimated the city of Jerusalem (4:16).

War, famine, disease and fear would grip the people as God‘s judgment came against them for their sin of violence and neglect of God (2Ki 25:1–3).

Eventually a remnant would recognize God as Lord, but not before Israel had been scattered among the nations. Eventually, God would spare those who would confess their sin and turn to God. Not all war, disease or famine is judgment. But where sin reigns there will be eventual judgment.

Lord, give me eyes to see and ears to hear my own need to repent and turn to you (12:1).

1 Act Play – The Prophecy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you heed the clear council of God‘s word (Ezk 12:12,13). #HeedGodsWord #HeedGodlyCounsel

The prophecy concerning King Zedekiah, last king of Judah. Zedekiah was disobedient to God (2Ki 24:19,20; Jer 52:2,3). As a result Babylon overran Jerusalem (587 or 586 BC). Zedekiah would flee unceremoniously under cover of night through a hole in the city wall.

Babylonian troops perused and captured Zedekiah. He was made to look on as his two sons were put to death. Then his eyes were put out, he was wrapped in chains and taken captive to Babylon. He died a prisoner in Babylon (2Ki 25:1-7; Jer 32:4,5; 34:2,3; 34:1-7; 52:4-11; Ezk 12:13). Lord, may I always heed the plain council of your word.

1 Act Play – The Meaning

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Speak the truth of God by your words and actions (Ezk 12:8-13). #SpeakForGod #WitnessForChrist #ActLikeAFollowerOfJesus

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s pantomime, which he likely did not understand as he did it, is explained. The “rebellious“ Israelites wanted to know the meaning of Ezekiel‘s pantomime. The Lord says to tell them, “This is what the Lord is saying.“ Your mime is a message to the last king of Judah, Zedekiah in Jerusalem and the people there.

Ezekiel’s actions (vv 3-7) reflect what will soon happen to all of them. The king and those remaining in Judah will be driven into exile as captives. Zedekiah himself will escape Jerusalem incognito through a hole in the city wall at night, taking only what he can carry. The Lord speaks truth through Ezekiel’s actions to those around him.

Lord, may I be willing to speak the truth of God in my words and actions.*

__________

* Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of things to come, Ezekiel’s pantomime was a sign of things to come.

It has been my habit following my Morning Watch time to stand and pray in my driveway (usually between 6-7 AM). Many neighbors drive past me and wave. Most have stopped to greet me; even ask me to pray for them. I let them know that I am standing my post and praying for them. After a brief greeting, I will pray a short prayer over them as they leave. What an honor. Others may stop also: dog walkers, joggers, Amazon and school bus drivers. I share Christ and pray as I have opportunity. I’ve done that for years.

The Lord spoke to me this morning saying, that every day as you stand in your driveway you are a sign to those around you of your belief in God and love for them as neighbors.

1 Act Play – The Pantomime

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Have courage daily to be a living example of the grace of God (Ezk 12:3-7).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Here is Ezekiel‘s pantomime.* He lays out items in his front yard what someone would pack quickly as they are exiled. He then lays open his baggage and packs it quickly. Later, in the evening, he would leave his house as captives might do making their forced long march to captivity.

While the crowd looked on, Ezekiel dug a hole in the wall of his house. He then went through the hole, picked up his bags, covered his eyes (as a captive who knows not where he is going) and walked away into the night.

Ezekiel himself was God‘s sign to those in Israel. They would know that there is a God in heaven and he is speaking to them (vv6c&11).

Lord, may I have the courage every day to be an open letter, a living example (2Cor 3:2,3) of the grace of God.

______

* The art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech.

1 Act Play – The Set Up

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we be alert to see and hear God when he speaks (Ezk 12:3-7). #TurnNowToGod #Repent #ListenToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

By now (six years into the Babylonian exile) Ezekiel has a powerful reputation for his dramatic displays of God‘s penetrating truth.

In this first of two one-man vaudevillian style acts or mimes, Ezekiel plays the role of an exile. Presumably Ezekiel would lay out the things an exile would carry leaving their home.

As a crowd gathered before him he would pack those things in a bag and leave his home to go somewhere else. He would do this in front of the people. The point was that the people might understand that their exiled plight was from the hand of God.

Lord, may my eyes be open to the many creative ways you communicate truth around me.

Praying for my Nation Today

Lord, this is one of those moments when a cry for help in our nation seems lost in the din of chaos.

Our nation has all but lost her moral underpinnings. She has rejected God’s wisdom. Good and evil are redefined. She casts off restraint. Destruction is normalized. We find many who are anxious, fragmented, frustrated, angry and deeply perplexed and often feeling deceived.

Lord, I am only one, but I am seeking the welfare of the city [my nation] (Jer 29:7).

I know that you O Lord, remain patient, purposeful, and redemptive—even in the midst of moral collapse. I am praying your Spirit to hover over the places of unrest today and see us through this difficult time.

May we be repentant of our pride. May we hear truth from men and women of God in our day. Lord, may we see awakening in our land.

I the name of Jesus I pray – Amen