Come early in repentance for sin to God (Ezk 6:8-10). #Repentance #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In the midst of Ezekiel’s message of war, destruction, famine, and exile there is a word of REPRIEVE. Though God will bring death and devastation upon his people, a remnant will be delivered through this judgment. This remnant will escape destruction but be scattered and exiled.
The remnant will repent when they realize how good God has been to them and how hurt God has been by their unfaithfulness to him. They will see God for his love and grace and turn back to him. Lord, you brought me through my exile in 1968*, leading me mercifully back to you.
Here describes a message of absolute condemnation and destruction of idols. Here, judgment upon “the mountains” surrounding Israel is a metaphor of judgment on Israel itself. She was blatant in her worship of pagan idols on altars built in the safety of her mountains.
Pagan Idols will be crushed. Israelites will die by their pagan altars. The corpses and bones of Israelites will be scattered around altars that have been torn down, destroyed and demolished. God will, by this, show that he alone is God. He alone is the people’s safety and strength.
Lord, may this old sentry be reminded of the vast power of Jehovah-God; worship Him alone.
Trust in God alone for your deliverance (Ezk 6:1-3). #NoOtherGods #TrustGodAlone
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“The mountains“,
“the mountains“,
“the mountains of Israel“.
Three mentions of “the mountains of Israel” in two verses. Here the thrice Holy God (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8) brings a message of condemnation upon the “mountains of Israel” (symbols of power, strength, and safety); Israel by association. Her faith was in her location, not in her God.
Israel worshiped pagan gods and idols in “those mountains”. But the mountains were not her safety (neither is the church or political parties our safety today). God is the one who saves and delivers. All else is false hope. Lord, may my focus be on you and no other external force as my deliverance.
Don’t wait to turn from sin back to God (Lam 1:1-22). #Don’tKnowWhatYouGotTillItsGone #TurnNowToGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Lamentations chapter one begins by mourning the great losses of a once glorious and majestic nation. That nation, Israel, is now a shell of its former self (vv1-11). Then he expresses deep remorse, agony, devastation and despair for the sins of Israel. He feels deep conviction and sorrow for sin (vv12-22).
I think of the saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.”* Here, I learn to not take the blessings and grace of God for granted. Lord, keep my heart, sensitive to the things (sins) which lead me far from you.
________
* Canadian singer Joni Mitchell sang about this in the in 1970s.
May we clearly understand God‘s conviction and turn to him (Ezk5:7-9). #RepentTurnToGod #TurnToGod #CrossingTheLine
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God’s Case Against Judah/Israel, his people. Time and time again God has called his people to repent and turn back to him. Yet, they have refused. They crossed the line.
A Clear Case of Rebellion: his people have acted worse than their surrounding pagan nations; they have refused to trust and obey God’s commandments. Over the line.
The Sentence: God promises to punish his people for their idolatrous worship. He will do so publicly while the nations look on in horror.
God further promises to punish his people like he never has before or will ever again. God will scatter any survivors to the winds.
Lord, at the end of my own days of rebellion I clearly understood what the consequences would be crossing the line. Thank you for clearly speaking to me and leading me to a change of heart towards you.*
______________
* See Behind the Veil, this blog. It points to my own testimony.
Acknowledge sin, turn to God in humble repentance (Ezk5:1).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Continuing his “living prophecy,” Ezekiel is instructed to shave his head and beard with a sword [sharp knife]. Such an act was a sign of mourning and humiliation, even repentance.
One commentary pauses here to imagine the surprise as spectators gather around Ezekiel and watch him shave his head and beard with so cumbersome and instrument.
“What does it mean,“ they might ask? Of course Ezekiel is obliged to tell them of the coming destruction of Jerusalem (revealed further in the next few verses). It should be a time of mourning, humiliation, and hopefully repentance. Lord, thank you for revealing my own sinful past, and giving me the good sense to repent and reverse my course.
Seek to demonstrate God’s grace with your life (Ezk 4:7). #UnderstandGod’sWord #God’sWordInLife
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I am familiar with what they call a “living nativity scene.“ That is similar to what Ezekiel is doing here. He is acting out prophecy. He is a “living prophecy scene.”
Ezekiel will lay out a model of Jerusalem as under siege (vv1-3). He is then to emulate the people as bearing the weight of their sin (vv4–6). In verse 7 Ezekiel, while laying on his side, portrays God by “baring his arm” (a sign of readiness for drastic action – Isa 52:10) and prophesying the destruction of Jerusalem, to those already captive in Babylon.
This living prophecy scene is presumably observed by those coming by his quarters (as one might drive by a living nativity at Christmas).
Lord, may my life be a living example, a “living letter” that points to God’s grace (2Co 3:2,3).
Let not the siege of sin and disobedience put a barrier between you and God (Ezk 4:3). #FullSurrender #Repentance
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I have to remind myself as I read Ezekiel, the prophet is not addressing residents of Jerusalem. He is addressing citizens of Judah (Jerusalem) who have already been removed and deported to Babylon. False prophets have been telling them this season of captivity would be short-lived. Not so! (Jer 29:8-11)
The iron griddle in v3, placed between Ezekiel and his clay model city under siege, symbolizes the severity of the siege against the hearts of Jerusalem and the impregnable barrier between them and God because of sin (Isa 59:2). Jerusalem would cry out to God, but get no answer. The city would eventually fall.
Lord, there is no bargaining, no deal to be had with you. Only my full surrender and reverent obedience will suffice.
May our hearts be open to God’s word; ready to listen & obey (Ezk 4:1-8). #ListenToGod’sWord #GodIsSpeaking
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Often the prophets would speak through object lessons (Jesus himself spoke in similar ways). This was always done to make a spiritual point about God‘s mercy and plan for men. This first object lesson of Ezekiel‘s was certainly done in plain view of many onlookers.
The onlookers here would be those Israelites living captive in Babylon. Word would spread quickly, “Come and see what Ezekiel is doing.“ Perhaps he laid out his object lesson in the front yard of his own living quarters. In confined living, ev’one would know where “the prophet” lived. The point was to draw disobedient hearts back to God and his plan for Israel.
Lord, may your word pique the interest of my heart to listen to what you are saying to me (to all of us).
Trust God to prepare you for that to which he calls you (Ezk 3:5-9) #EqualToTheRask #HardheadedProphet
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God reminded Ezekiel that his commissioning was not to go speak to a foreign people of some hard to understand language group. If he were, they would listen. But he is going to his own people in a foreign land (Babylon). There is no language barrier. It should be easy. But it will not be.
God says Israel is hard-hearted and hard-headed. She won’t listen to you – she won’t even listen to me, their God. But God, through Ezekiel, will withstand them. God has made Ezekiel just as hard-headed (determined and brazen) as they. Ezekiel need not fear their angry, defiant, rebellious response.
Lord, you will always make me equal to the task to which you call me.
Give thanks for God‘s word to man (Ezk 2:9,10). #TheWordOfGod #GodSpeaksByHisWord
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
At this point in Ezekiel‘s massive vision, a great hand reaches down with a scroll and hands it to him. On it is inscribed God‘s message to be delivered by Ezekiel to the nation of Israel/Judah. It is the word of the Lord.
The message is not only one of mournful pronouncements of doom for Israel’s continued sin and rebellion. It is full to the brim of such words. So much so that the inscription was written on both sides – a highly unusual practice. This is God’s word to men.
Lord, thank you for your word, so complete, honest and true.
Stand up, listen to God, follow fearlessly, speak boldly (Ezk 2:1-10). #GodSpeaks #StandWalkRun
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
These verses capture the very moment of God‘s call of Ezekiel. All of this happens at once: God speaks, “Stand up – I want to speak to you.” As God speaks, Ezekiel’s spirit is energized to stand upright. He is prompted to listen.
God speaks again, “I am sending you to a stubborn, hard-hearted nation. Do not fear nor be dismayed. They may not listen, but they will know that a prophet of God has been among them. Open your mouth and eat what I give you.” A hand reached down to Ezekiel with a scroll for him to eat and he ate.
Lord, I remember the day you called me. I remember a subsequent day when you refined my vision. You filled my heart with your message. I still walk in that call today.
May we see God exalted, lifted up, in our lives (Ezk 1:22,23,26). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays #SeeGodExalted
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The four living beings (cherubim) in Ezekiel‘s vision appeared to be lifting or escorting a great heavenly platform over their heads. It looked like ice or crystal and was gleaming in a formidable yet awe-inspiring way. God’s throne sat upon or above it. When the beings moved, the entire platform moved with them (v19-21). Moses and 70 others saw something similar [Exo 24:10,11).
The Apostle John also saw something close to Ezekiel’s vision as well (Rev 4:1–11). Our God is exalted high above the Earth. He reigns in a heavenly bliss, above the corruption of earth. Yet, he has revealed his true heart for earth (for man) in Christ (note: Phi 2:6-11).* Lord, you reveal yourself to man (to me) as exalted above all the earth.
Seek to know God in new ways (Ezk 1:22-28). #SplendorRevealed #SeeGodInNewWays
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
I can hardly imagine what Ezekiel must have been experiencing as this vision of God unfolds before him. I am struggling to wrap my brain around what he must have been seeing. The enormity and expanse of it, the splendor and the magnificence of it is beyond what the human mind could imagine or comprehend.
My initial response is to close my Bible and go find something easier to read. But I know that our God wants to be known. Jesus proves that. Lord, may I push past not knowing, not understanding, may I know you in a new and meaningful way.
Welcome God‘s presence into all of your affairs (Ezk 1:15-18;Psm 139:7-12). #OmnipresentGod #GodSeesAllThings #GodKnowsAllThings #OmniscientGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Ezekiel describes four sets of two wheels each. One is able to turn crosswise inside of the other of each. These wheels shown like crystal (they sparkled). Each living being had its own wheel. These wheels enabled this [heavenly chariot of God] to move in any direction (see vv 25-28 & Psm 104:1-4].
There is no shortage of artist’s depictions of Ezekiel’s vision of God.
These wheels, while sparkling, were also “frightening.“ They were very tall and covered with eyes. God is seen seated on his throne above the wheels (vv25-28). These images reveal that God is present everywhere, and sees all things. He is over all things and is present with us everywhere we go (omnipresent – Psm 139:7–12).
Lord, you are present in all of my affairs; I welcome your presence in all that I do.
Pray to persevere to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:13,14;1Pe 2:2). #PersistInGodsWord #CallUponGod
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Ezekiel further elaborates on the living beings he saw in vv4-7, as if they were bright coals of fire or brilliant, burning torches. He saw what seemed like lighting, flashing back-and-forth between the beings. The reference to coals of fire, burning torches and lightening likely refer to the message of judgment of God on Judah that Ezekiel will soon deliver.
The 21st century observer might look at this vision as “sci-fi.“ Who could have imagined such a thing hundreds of centuries ago (some 600 years before Christ)? Yet, there is still more of this vision to unpack.
I’m trying hard not to get lost in the weeds. I’m trying to just imagine the sheer power and majesty of God revealed here. Lord, I pray for understanding and the perseverance needed to press into this vision and message of Ezekiel.
May we order the many parts of our lives in unity with God’s purposes (Ezk 1:5-9). #UnitedInPurpose #ManyPartsOneWill
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The vision of Ezekiel is here further described. The four beings (cherubs) looked human in their form. Each being had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight. Each being had human hands under their lower wings. Their feet were like the hooves of a calf – were bright shining light polished brand bronze.
The upper wings stretched out and touched the wings of the other being, forming a square shape. The beings darted (v14) about in any direction without turning and did so according to the movement of the spirit within them (v12). The unity in this vision is clear. There are many parts, all of which move in unity according to the spirit within them. Lord, may I order my life in unity with your will and purposes.
Look through the symbolism of God’s word and see God (Ezk 1:4-6).
Lord, Show Us your Glory
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Of first note in Ezekiel‘s vision are the four living beings. They appear out of the whirlwind of the dark clouds. Chapter 10:3ff refers to these beings as cherubim. There are many views on the nature and character of cherubim. One thing seems certain, cherubs are not childlike beings. They are fiercely iconic beings. We see them guarding the tree of life in Genesis 3:24. We see them covering the ark of the covenant in Exodus 25:17–20. They support the throne of God (e.g. Psm 80:1; 2Sa 22:10-14; 1Ch 28:18).
We are told in Hebrews 8:5,6 that the Tabernacle of was a copy, a resemblance of the heavenly reality. Ezekiel‘s vision seems to be of the actual enthronement of God riding on cherubim. Whether these are a special class of angels is uncertain. What is certain is what they symbolize. The cherubim in Ezekiel‘s vision points us to the wisdom, power and glory of God; to the mercy, righteousness, and grace of God. Lord, may I not get stuck in the imagery of Ezekiel, but see through the imagery to catch a vision of who you are.
Give thanks for the intentional presence of God (Ezk 1:4). #GodsGlory #Worship
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Life Application Study Bible notes on this verse point to the fact that Ezekiel was far away from the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a physical symbol of God‘s presence with his people (he was a captive in Babylon).
The the ominous dark cloud, lightning flashing, brilliant light, and appearance of fire, glowing, like burnish metal in the center of the cloud, revealed God’s very presence with him. He was, as I am, reminded that God rides with us everywhere. No matter where we find ourselves physically or spiritually, God is present.
Lord, I thank you for your ever present attention to me.* This old sentry is never far from your grasp (v3; 2:9; 3:14,22; 8:3).
_______
* God makes his presence known through his word, his indwelling Holy Spirit and the presence of godly friends around me.
Seek humbly to understand God’s word (Ezk 1:28; 2:1,2; 3:23,24). #ListeningToGod #SayWhat
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
My heart is perplexed as I read God‘s call of Ezekiel. It is a call like no other prophet in length, scope and vision. His call is three chapters long. It is simple yet, complex. I have pondered the vision and message (the call) of Ezekiel for several days. I want to understand all of it, but my heart is perplexed, hesitant. Yet I am moved to grasp its meaning.
I am asking God for understanding. I am asking him to overcome my hesitations and lack ofCOURAGEto press into this prophetic book. I wish to emulate Ezekiel, coming face down to the ground in humility before God. I pray to God, “Lord, may this old sentry receive understanding of all that you intend from this prophetic book.” As I pray, I’m hearing God say, as he said to Ezekiel, “Stand up, I want to speak with you by my Spirit” (2:1,2; 3:24 above).
Follow through on your vows/promises made to God (Jer 34:12-17). #DoWhatYouSay #FollowThroughMatters #MeanWhatYouSay
Lion of Judah
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
If anyone should be grateful for their freedom, it should be these old testament Hebrews. God reminds them that he made a covenant with their ancestors who were slaves in Egypt. He would free them…which he did. At that time he told them they must never hold a fellow Hebrew as a slave for longer than six years. Then they must free them.*
Lion of Judah
Here, the people pledged to return to that covenant (vv8-11). They released all their countrymen slaves, but then immediately went back on their pledge and re-enslaved them. I think that nothing raises the ire of God more than lying to him. For this, God WILL carry out his pledge to judge Judah. Lord, may my heart always keep covenant promises with you.
Remain vigilant towards spiritual truth (1Jn 4:1-3). #FalseTeachers #FalseProphets #SpiritOfAntichrist #DiscerningTruthAndError
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
There are many false prophets in the world. So says the aged apostle, John. These, John says, have the spirit of antichrist and they are already among us. They were around then and they are now. So, John says to test them – is their spirit, their teaching, from God?
Do these teachers/prophets acknowledge that Jesus Christ was God in the form of man? If they do not acknowledge Jesus as the only son of God in the flesh, their teaching is not from God. Jeremiah also addresses detecting false prophets (see Jeremiah 23, this blog). Father, may I remain alert and discerning of spiritual truth and error.
Trust God to exact perfect judgment on his people’s oppressors (Jer 51:50-58). #TorchedAndBurned #WagesOfSin #Judgment #BabylonHasFallen
Babylon has fallen
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
As Jeremiah concludes his writing of the Scroll to the Hebrew captives in Babylon, he acknowledges their shame and discouragement for the desecration of the Temple. “Yes, but;” the Lord reminds them again that he will destroy Babylon, her God (v52), her military (V56), her officers, counselors, captains and warriors (v57). The Lord will repay in full.
Babylon remains today
All the mighty of Babylon will be put to sleep, never wake up again. The builders of the great city of Babylon and its fortresses will be mere kindling. The King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will torch and burn her to the ground. Lord, I rely upon you to deliver your people and repay the oppressors of your people fully for their sin.*
__________
* The wages of sin is eternal death, destruction and separation from God, but the gift of God is eternal life, deliverance from death, destruction and separation from God” (Rom 6:23).
May God’s sentries on the American wall “Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly” to warn of approaching hoofbeats (Jer 51:45-50). #ApprochingHoofbeats #StormWarning
APPROACHING HOOFBEATS
Morning Watch: Extended
It would be foolish to declare the words of Jeremiah 51:45-50 as prophecy over America. That is not the context. However, it would also be foolish not to take a lesson from history. Especially when I see these very same things happening in America. It is a wake up call!!!
This is what the sentry on the wall, the American wall, ought to be doing – pointing to the signs of God’s impending judgment and crying out a warning of the approaching hoofbeats of an overwhelming adversary being sent by God himself.
In 2024 is America headed for judgment? There are signs to be read:
1. Rumors arise every year of growing adversarial threats. (China, Russia, North Korea, Iran).
2. There is violence and lawlessness in our streets, judicial oversight is falling apart.
3. Leaders in government fight against each other (interagency fighting, federal and state governments fighting, congressional fighting).
4. America will certainly see her great idols fall (great institutions of science, education, her military complex, financial markets, false religions, et.al).
5. I would humbly add to this list the demise of the family unit and the breakdown of morality.
It is the ultimate hubristic and godless mind that could think such a society could survive.
Consider the words of Christ who said, “Fools, you can read signs of weather, but you don’t know how to interpret the present times” (Luke 12:56). You don’t have to be a prophet to read the signs of our times.
The sentry on the wall has standing orders: Stand Faithfully, Watch Vigilantly, Pray Earnestly, Speak/Act Boldly (ISA 62:6; NEH 4:16-18;Hos 8:1-4).
But I don’t come to this passage with some pessimistic fatalism. I come to this passage with some excitement about the future. May we see either a GREAT AWAKENING that sweeps thousands into the Kingdom of a God and/or a GREAT EXIT in the second coming of Christ.
Put your hope in God in time of national troubles (Jer 51:45-50). #Homeland #SignsOfTheTimes
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In this prophecy of the fall of Babylon, the Lord tells the people there will be signs of Babylon’s breaking apart. God says to his people, “Don’t panic or be afraid, but remain confident. Prepare to exit. Save yourselves from God’s fierce judgment.” Read the signs and prepare.
Here are the signs of the coming judgment (America be alert): there will be rumors of approaching enemy forces (year after year, rumors grow). There will be violence in the land. Leaders fight against each other. Judgment has begun on this prideful land of Babylon. You of the remnant, remember the Lord and think of your Homeland.
Are you prepared to exit this earth? Have you settled the question of your eternal destiny? Have you trusted Christ as savior? Is your mind focused on the things of Christ? Father, I am reminded in the face of national troubles to stay focused on you my mission and my eternal Homeland.
Seek God for deliverance; trust not your own strength (Jer 51:34-44). #GodOurAvenger
All that is left of Babylon’s temple to her God, Bel
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Judah’s complaint of Babylon’s overwhelming violence against them is taken up by God. He is Judah’s defense, Babylon’s judge; her fate is sealed, Judah is avenged. The cup of God’s judgment will put Babylon into a deep sleep from which she will never awaken. She is finished. Like crashing waves of the sea demolishes sandcastles on the beach (my interp), Babylon is gone.
Babylon’s God Bel is demolished and in her last gasp of life, she will vomit out all the those she has consumed (all the people are freed from her captivity). She will never again be hailed, but only derided. God hears our complaint and takes vengeance on arrogant oppressors in his way, in his time. But God delivers his own. Lord, I take cover in your avenging grace and put no stock in my own strength.
Trust God to carry out his every plan in our lives and for the nations (Jer 51:27-33). #God’sPlan
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Jeremiah continues God’s call to the nations that will rise up against Babylon. The hammer of judgment God used to discipline his people will itself be hammered and broken. All the nations mentioned here were war-like people. God will use them to lay waste to Babylon, deliver his people.
Jeremiah prophesies that all the mighty warriors of Babylon will retreat for cover; offer no resistance. When God’s people realize that Babylon being trampled, they will then know that God’s harvest of judgment had arrived (the 70 year captivity will be over). Lord, except for repentance, there is no rolling back your plan for our lives nor the nations.
Treat any power giving you by God with humility and respect (Jer 51:20-26). #HumbleAuthority #Hammered
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The great and powerful God described in vv15–19 is Jehovah-God. It is he who will be against Babylon. He will utterly destroy Babylon. Not a single stone will be left standing (see also 50:35–38). Babylon was God’s hammer of judgment against the nations. Now God will shatter Babylon and destroy her.
Babylon’s judgment is due to the wrong they did in Zion, desecrating the Temple (vv 24; 50:28; 51:11). Not even one cornerstone will be left upon which to rebuild the city. When men become drunk with power, they go too far. But the power of God can humble such a person or nation abruptly. Lord, may I always treat any power or authority given me with humility and respect for God and for others.
Put your hope in God alone for deliverance (Jer 51:5–6 & 10). #HopeInGodAlone
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is one more reminder of God‘s care for Israel and Judah and their vindication. Israel will be free to leave Babylon as God‘s judgment falls. They are instructed to leave quickly. “God‘s people, knowing that [God] has vindicated them, will raise a declarative song of praise in the temple in Zion to recount what he [God] has done.” *
All these words are prophetic and will give God’s remnant of Israel hope to endure their 70 year captivity (the Lord’s discipline) in Babylon. Lord, however, severe my circumstances may be I will put Hope in you for my deliverance.
_________
* Bible Knowledge Commentary, Old Testament, Jeremiah 51:1-10, Pg 1201.
Lean in to God in times of bitter personal (national) conflict, trials or correction (Jer 50:33,34 – 51:1-5).
There follows here, another declarative statement of God’s intentions to destroy Babylon. She will be blown away like chaff in the wind. Her military will not even draw their first arrow. Their fierce adversary will be swift, mighty, and merciless. It will overwhelm Like a lion’s attack on a lamb.
The king of Babylon will feel great anguish over the approach of the adversary. It will be no vassal state. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will stir a powerful enemy (Psm 35:10–12) and thoroughly vindicate his people. His people had sinned against him. But still, he is their God, the Holy one of Israel.
Lord, I may lean in to you in times of bitter conflict, trial or correction (personal or national).
_____________
Two things are clear to me in this passage:
1. Any enemy of God‘s people stands no chance against our mighty God. Let the nations beware. He is the mighty force behind the rise and fall of nations.
2. Though God may at times discipline us severely, we may trust him to remain steadfast and long suffering with us. We may lean in to the arms of God in times of personal/national discipline and correction.
The Prayer Sentry 