Glory, Infinitely Better

(Ezk 24:15-17)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Savor every day with loved ones; covet times with them (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭24:15-17). #LookingForwardToGlory #SeeGodInYourTrials #SeekGodInYourMourning

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel’s “dearest treasure,” his wife, has died suddenly as part of God’s prophetic purposes (vv22-25). He is to show no grief; no tears, no public display of ritual mourning, accept no consolation from friends.

I note that on this date it is a little over two years (hard to believe) since my “dearest treasure”, my bride of 53 years, Dianne, joined her Lord in her eternal home.

I cannot imagine not being able to express my grief, no mourning the loss of my bride: no friends allowed to console and no traditional public expressions or ritual services; only personal and private mourning allowed. The painful loss of such a long time partner in life and ministry would seemingly be too much to bear alone.

When I think about how Ezekiel could do such a thing, I can only recall my own private tearful laments with God. I can recall God’s quiet gentle assurances to me (eg. Jer 17:7,8). I know that God was as present with Ezekiel then as he was/has been with me now.

Lord, I look ahead to the day when we shall be reunited in a heavenly glory, along with many others who have gone before us. It won’t look like it did here on earth. It will be a glory, infinitely better.

Winning Faith

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION:

Reflect a faith that keeps its eyes on the prize (Heb 11:39,40). #EyesOnThePrize #ConfidentFaith #FaithThatPleasesGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

The writer of Hebrews closes Chapter 11, the way he opened it. Faith is our confidence in what we expect. It is reflected in the generations gone before us. Their faith earned them a good reputation (vv1,2). Examples are given (vv3–38). Their reputation for faith was pleasing to God (vv6,7), endorsed by God.

The generations of Old Testament faith will reach full maturity with every faith follower of Jesus since the Cross. We shall all enjoy the same, enduring promise of a better possession, a resurrection to life eternal (vv39,40). Lord, the witness of saints through the ages should give every prayer sentry courage to keep his or her eyes on the prize, the coming eternal redemption through Christ.

The Resurrected Life

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH AND NATION.

Rejoice in a living Savior who died for your sin and arose assuring your eternal life in Him (Heb 5:7). #GodsPerfectSacraficeForSin #DeadToSinAliveToChrist

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This morning I read the absolute most remarkable thing about Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane, the night before his crucifixion (Mat 26:36-44). Some say God did not answer Christ’s prayer to deliver him from death. Though grief stricken over the burden of man’s sin, it’s not likely Jesus would pray such a prayer. He was obediently prepared to do the Father’s will and die.

The truth turns on the Greek word “êk“ used in this passage. God the Father heard Christ’s prayer and delivered him [through or out from] death. Christ was rescued out from (êk) the grip of death by his resurrection. So God will also do for every believer. “Oh death where is your victory? Thanks be to God, he gives victory over sin and death through Christ Jesus” (1Cor 15:55-57).

Here I learn that Christ is a high priest who is acquainted with all my grief and sorrow. I also learn that Christ was the complete fulfillment of forgiveness for my sin. He died for me. Further, His resurrection is the reason I can rejoice in my deliverance from death.