The Depths & Darkness of Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not let secret sin consume you (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:6-13‬). #NoSecretsWithGod #NothingHiddenFromGod #TurnNowToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Depicted in these verses are elders/leaders of the nation of Israel. Somewhere in the dark recesses of the Temple, these men courted pagan gods. Some say, they were caricatures of the gods of Egypt, Canaan, and/or Babylon; “a pantheon of idolatry.“ Perhaps each elder was standing and worshiping at the shrine of his favorite idol.

The hidden dark nature of this scene, room full of smoke from incense, implies how these men thought they were hiding from God. This act of idolatry right under God‘s nose was the height of insult to the God of Israel. Their actions said they believed that God was absent and insignificant to them. Oh, my Lord, how devilish secret sins work to dethrone, our love of Jehovah God.

Every sin committed in darkness will be revealed (Num 32:23; Isa 29:15; Job 34:21,22; Luk 8:17; Jhn 3:19,20). Lord, if I conceal my sin, I will languish. But if I confess and renounce my sin, I will find mercy. (Pro 28:13).

Moral Breakdown

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you turn from any perverted or immoral behavior (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:5,6‬). #TurnNowToGod #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

I need to take a deeper dive on the idolatrous worship outlined in these verses. Asherah, chief female deity of the Canaanites and Babylonians is the likely reference here. A wicked Israelite King, Manasseh (2Ki 21:7), had an Asherah pole (phallic symbol) manufactured and put in the Temple at Jerusalem.

Asherah was the goddess of fertility. All manner of sexual rites, perversions and worship were centered around this deity. It was obscene and immoral. It led to all manner of sexual perversion, including temple prostitutes (male and female). Israel’s leaders led her into this sin.

Lord may my life be free of lustful sin, perversion and any immoral behavior.

National Disgrace

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Be wise to any idol infiltrating your life (Ezk 8:5-17). #SinsOfANation #NationalDisgrace

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel‘s vision where he observed detestable sin in worship in the Temple of Jerusalem, he saw four gross scenes. Versus 3-6 describes what was likely an Asherah pole (fertility, phallic symbol); a Babylonian idol in God‘s Temple.

Versus 6-13 describes a scene in the inner court of the Temple. 70 Elders (prescribed by God in Numbers 11:16,17) stood worshipping before walls engraved with grotesque, crawling animals and detestable creatures.

Verses 13-16 pictured people worshipping the natural world and leaders of the nation, backs turned to God, facing the sun and bowing down in worship. The whole nation was led by its leaders into disgraceful national sin.

The sins of the leaders turning from God will infect the people of any nation (Pro 29:2; 16:12; Isa 5:20 – I pray for our people and our leaders 1Ti 2:1,2). Lord lead me away from any idol that seeks to control in my life.

Open to Scrutiny

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Remain open to the scrutiny of God in your heart (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:1-4‬). #SearchMyHeartOGod #OpenToScrutiny

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Some elders were with Ezekiel. Perhaps they were consulting with him at his home. Early in his ministry he worked from his house in exile (note 3:24). Ezekiel is transported in a vision to the scene of ungodly detestable worship called out in the Temple of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel is taken from one scene to the next. Each more vile and detestable than the last. “Do you see it son of man?” God asks. “The whole nation thumbs their nose at me. I will respond in merciless fury.“

This only scratches the surface of the sins committed here in the Temple of God.

Lord, if I am honest, I must be willing for God to search my heart for any wicked way. (Psm 139:23,24).

Man In The Mirror

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Consider what life corrections you might need to make with God and change (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭8:1‬). #Repent #TurnNowToGod #ManInTheMirror

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

With so much prophetic content regarding sin and destruction (and more to come) I needed to go back and review where I am. It’s a hard read.

Ezekiel Chapters 1-3 described Ezekiel‘s call into his prophetic ministry. In Chapters 4-24 there are three prophetic judgments related to Judah and Jerusalem. In the first section (ch 4-11), God is speaking messages of judgment on Judah because of her disobedience, idolatry and pride. I am in the last half (ch 8-11) of this first of three pronouncements of judgment.

In Chapter 8 God shows Ezekiel Judah’s wickedness in the Temple. Chapter 9 explains the coming slaughter because of their sin. Chapter 10 shows God’s glory as departing the Temple and Chapter 11 reveals judgment on Judah’s leaders.

Lord, may I have the spiritual stamina to proceed through the process for how God deals with sin.

Personally, may I not be like the man who looks in the mirror (God’s word), sees himself (the sinner that he is), walks away and forgets what he looks like (unrepentant) [Jas 1:23-25].

The Worst of Times

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Walk in close fellowship/harmony with God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭23-27‬). #Repent#WalkWithGod #HonorGodForLife #WorstOfTimes

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

This may be one of the saddest passages concerning God‘s wayward people in the Bible. Their crimes against others and against God will bring the vengeance of God. It will come at the hand of other ruthless nations.

Their fortress walls will be broken down, homes luted, sanctuaries defiled. They will look for peace and not find it.

There will be no vision or message from prophets or priests; no counsel from leaders. King and prince will stand helpless. The people will tremble in fear.

It is the worst of times. When I examine my own wayward heart it is not hard to imagine how quickly I might fall myself. Lord, may this old sentry always be in close fellowship with you.

Abusing God’s Gifts

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Take not for granted nor abuse God‘s gracious gifts and provisions (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭19-22‬). #Repent# TrustInGodAlone #HonorGodForLife

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Besides Israel‘s lament over sin (vv14-18), she will see her proudly displayed wealth and misplaced faith in despicable idols and vile images become plunder to vile wicked nations. Not even God‘s temple, center of Israel’s treasured land and faith, will be safe from destruction.

The message and meaning here is clear. When men (including myself) prostitute the gifts, resources and opportunities given by God in base and unworthy ways not intended by God, there will be a reckoning of severe consequence. Lord, may I honor you with the gifts and resources given me.

Too little, Too Late

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your heart put faith in God alone (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭14-18‬). #TimeIsUp #Repent#TrustInGodAlone #TooLittleTooLate

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

When the hammer of God‘s justice comes down, there will be no military might that can stave off the destruction. Here we see that God‘s judgment on Israel is manifested in the death of those in towns outside Jerusalem‘s walls. Inside the walls, famine and disease is a double edge sword.

Those who do escape will weep and mourn for their sin. Repentance will come…too little, too late to save their beautiful culture. This is the result of a nation who ignores God and puts faith in wealth, economy, military might, influence and political parties. Lord, may my heart learn to put its faith and trust in you alone.

Buyer’s, Seller’s Remorse

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Early seek God’s forgiveness & favor (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭10-13‬). #TimeIsUp #BuyerSellerRemorse #Repent

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Sin and violence had come into its fullness for Israel. As certain as the budding almond tree of Jeremiah‘s prophecy (Jer 1:11,12), so God‘s judgment was certain to follow (2Pe 3:9,10). Neither wealth nor prestige would prevent the proud and wicked from destruction and that time had come. When the fullness of sin has matured, judgment will rain down.

Buyer’s and seller’s remorse takes on a new meaning. Buyers who bought things at bargain prices would never take possession of them. Sellers hoping to make enough to flee judgment would lose everything. Not one whose life was consumed with sin would survive. Indeed pitiable. Lord, may I seek you early for forgiveness and favor.

Time’s Up!

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Do not delay to repent and turn to God (‭‭Ezk‬ ‭7‬:‭1-‭9‬). #CalledToAccount #TimeIsUp #OutOfTime

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

“The End Is Here!“ (vv1,6). From north to south, east to west – look in every direction. The land is finished, doom is at the door – its foot is in the door. God will call his people into accountability for their detestable sins against him (vv3,4,8,9).

Because God‘s people have refused and spurned his love, grace, and mercy they will know the limits of his long-suffering. One disaster after another will descend upon God‘s people. God will turn his back on them (vv4,7,9). Lord, may I learn from your discipline how you love me (Heb 12:10-13).

__________

* When God called this sentry to accountability:

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Holy Reluctance

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we not mistake God’s long-suffering for approval (Ezk 7:1-9). #CalledToAccount #MatterOfTime #TimeIsRunningOut

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Message 1, from God through Ezekiel (Ch 6), gives the reasons for Israel’s eminent judgment. This second message (Ch 7) explains the nature of God‘s judgment. I am not fain to press on here. I am weary at these judgments of God, it’s hard to read of such looming devastation.

But I must remember that these warnings, calls to repent and messages took place over years (decades) of sin. I read it all in Ezekiel. Its hard.

Oh, how reluctant God is to bring such judgment on his people. How he desires men to seek him first. But be assured, time WILL run out on sin. Lord, this old sentry has wearied you in my sin – how patient you are with me.

The Reprieve

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

__________

* MY 1968 EXILE:

https://theprayersentry.com/2023/03/23/window-of-opportunity/

Only One Worthy of Worship

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Offer genuine worship of Jehovah-God alone (Ezk 6:3-7, 11-14). #NoOtherGods #GenuineWorshipOfJehovah

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

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.

False Hope

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Covenant Love, Jealous Love

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we (America) separate ourselves from sin early; sooner than later (Ezk5:11-17).#RepentTurnToGod #Awakening #RealChange #ComeEarlyToGod

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In Ezekiel’s model (v4:1,2), Jerusalem (Israel) was to be a beacon of God’s love and protection, a light to the nations (5:5,6; Gen‬ ‭22‬:‭15‬-‭18‬; Isa 49:6). But she rebelled. She left God and worshipped all manner of other gods, and in grotesque detestable ways. In this text she is still a model, but for horror, mockery and taunting.* ‭‭

The condemnation of Jerusalem will be a warning to the nations. They will see how the Lord punishes a nation that is being rebuked for their sin. The horrific acts of men reveal the depravity of their hearts. If God is willing to punish his own, how then shall others escape (Heb 2:1-4)?

Lord, I am reminded of sin’s full capacity to destroy life, God’s intense jealousy and my need for repentance.

_________

* So, is the God of the Old Testament just a God of anger? No! Verse 13 tells me that he is a God of covenant love driven to jealousy by the betrayal and adultery of his people.

Measured Justice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you know the conviction and compassion of God’s word (Ezk5:1-4). #GodsMeasureOfJustice

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After Ezekiel had shaved his head and beard, he was to weigh out three equal parts:

1/3 he would burn over his model city (4:1,2). These are those who would die by famine and disease in the siege of Jerusalem (5:12).

1/3 were to be chopped up by his sword. These are those who would die by the sword of the enemy (v12).

1/3 was to be scattered to the wind. These are those who would be chased down by the enemy and slaughtered (v12).

Ezekiel was to save some hair out and tuck it into his robe, but some of these would also be thrown into the fire. These are the remnant to be saved who believe (but even some of those will be lost – Mat 7:21-23).

God may be speaking harshly here, but he always speaks clearly and for our good. Lord, may I know and understand clearly the conviction and compassion of your word.

NOW, A Good Time to Repent

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Losing Touch With The Holy

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we laud and yield to our holy & loving Heavenly Father (Ezk5:5,6). #WorshipTheLord #GivePraiseToGod #ServeTheLordGladly

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

As clear a representation as chapter four of Ezekiel is of God‘s judgment on Judah, chapter five gives further definition to Judah’s destruction.

God had placed Judah at the center of the Nations. She was to be an example of God‘s great interest and engagement with all the nations; an influence for godly living. But she rebelled. She lost touch with the Holy, she became even more wicked than her surrounding nations. She refused to follow after God. Her attitude and actions would now come under God’s discipline.

The words of Jesus even decry the pain God feels for his rebellious people (Mat 23:37–39). Lord, may I ever be in touch with the Holy One.

A Living Choice

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May your living choice be a life well lived for Christ (Ezk 4:16,17). #TheLivingChoice #LifeInChrist

Morning Watch Notes:

The point of Ezekiel‘s “living prophecy“ was to symbolize the Israelites living in exile in Babylon, that God’s people were indeed undergoing the discipline of the Lord.

The self imposed rationing of bread and water by Ezekiel was ordered by God. It characterized the devastation of the Israelites’ homeland (Lam 1:11; 2:11-12,19; 4:4-5,9). There should be no question that God was allowing the demise of Judah as result of her decades of sin (Lam 4:12,13; 5:15-18). This Ezekiel would preach and demonstrate God’s judgment through his living model prophecy.Lord, may my heart remain purely focused on a life well lived for you.

Cow Patty Bread Recipe

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Never fear to have an honest conversation with God (Ezk 4:14,15). #Prayer #CowPattiesInTheKitchen #TheDigustOfSin

Cow dung mixed with straw was commonly used as fuel

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

In these verses, we see Ezekiel speaking himself for the first time, since the opening of this book. He has an honest conversation with God. The use of human excrement as fuel to bake bread would be the most vile and detestable means of doing what God had asked. Ezekiel is mortified at this.

As a priest, Ezekiel had carefully followed God‘s prescribed laws of cleansing for heart and life. Of all Ezekiel had seen and experienced so far in his call, this made the least sense – although he understood the meaning of it (vv12-13). Ezekiel‘s heart was not stubborn and rebellious. He was simply convicted about breaking God‘s laws (Lev 18:19; see Deu 23:12-14 and footnote).* At this point, God relents and substitutes cow dung (cow patties) for human dung.

Lord, I understand that you may require many things of me, but you will never require anything contrary to your word.

_________

* There is some disagreement over the issue of human excrement. There is no law specifically forbidding contact with it. However, due to the Deuteronomy text listed, some take the position that human excrement may fall into the category of contact with human bodily fluids. These are listed in the Leviticus text and are considered unclean.

Detestable

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May we experience a deep consciousness and rejection of sin (Ezk 4:8-13). #Repentance #TurnFullyTogod #DoNotIgnoreSin

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

During the times of Ezekiel‘s prophesying, he will be tied/bound with rope portraying Israel’s captivity. There will be no escape until the days of their destruction are complete. He is again a “living prophecy“ to the people.

To prepare for his living prophecy scene, he is to gather specified ingredients to bake bread periodically during his days of interaction with prophetic preaching (vv4–6). He is to bake the bread over human dung and eat it (vv12). Detestable in the eyes of Jews! This was to portray how God’s people will suffer defilement in their days of captivity in a gentile land of profane people (Babylon).

Lord, these readings lead me to a deep consciousness and rejection of sin’s misery.

Grievous Sin

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

May we understand how deeply sin grieves the heart of God (Ezk 4:4-6).

#God’sGriefOverSin #RepentOfSin

The symbolism, revolving around the facts and meaning of “390 days” and “40 days” (a day for every year of sin), are very difficult historically, textually and interpretively. Biblical scholars don’t all agree. What is clear is that both Israel and Judah have committed deeply grievous sins against God (made clear in v3) for a long time.

For this purpose Ezekiel portrays Israel as having borne the consequence of their sin (symbolically). The weight their sin is understood as heavily on them as Ezekiel lays down: first on one side for “390 days” (head pointed north towards Israel) then, “40 days” on the other (head pointed south towards Judah).

What is portrayed here is the seriousness of sin against God. It further shows the lengths to which God will go to convey his deep anguish, concern over and correction of sin. Lord, may this old sentry’s heart remain steadfast in its stand against personal sin.

Sieges of the Heart (Pt3)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Sieges of the Heart (Pt2)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May our eyes be opened to the sin that so besets us (Ezk 4:1-3).

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

[This is the first of many object lessons given to us by Ezekiel. It reveals judgment for sin against Jerusalem. Picture it as a Play-Doh war zone]

Ezekiel places a clay brick with a map of Jerusalem etched on it. He molds a wall around the brick; toy soldiers surround the brick with siege ramps and battering rams. Then Ezekiel places in iron griddle between himself and the Play-Doh city under siege.

The point here is that no wayward sinful heart can escape from the city. The image demonstrates how harsh the siege against Jerusalem will be. It pictures a warning to the people of Israel.

Jesus spoke in parables. Often the prophets spoke through object lessons. All were done to make a spiritual point about God‘s love and plans for man. God always intends to break the wayward heart because he is merciful. Lord, open our (my) eyes to your merciful warnings concerning the siege of sin and judgment.

Sieges of the Heart (Pt1)

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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).

Speak When Directed

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you listen when God speaks; speak when he directs (Ezk 3:17-21). #DeliverGod’sMessage #ListenWhenGodSpeaks

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

God has issued his call to Ezekiel to the prophetic ministry. He is to be a “watchman” over Israel. God instructs Ezekiel to speak without delay, any message that God gives him. It matters not whether the message is to the wicked or to the righteous who have stumbled. Ezekiel is to tell them to turn to God or suffer the consequences; even death.

God informs Ezekiel that he is responsible for getting the message out. If he does, and the people listen and repent, they will be saved, as well as Ezekiel. If Ezekiel does not tell them, they will die in their sin and God will hold Ezekiel accountable for not delivering the message. Lord, may I listen when you speak to me and speak if you so direct me; lives will depend upon it.

THE WATCHMAN

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

May you hear and surrender to God‘s call (Ezk 3:16,17). #HearingGodsCall #UnderstandingGodsCall #SurrenderToGodsCall

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

After two and one half chapters (53 verses) and one bodacious vision of God‘s absolute glory, Ezekiel‘s call from God to his prophetic ministry is articulated (1 verse). “Son of man, I [God] have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately” (v17).

The task of the watchman was to stand guard on the wall of the city and warn the people of any approaching danger. As a spiritual watchman, Ezekiel‘s task was to warn the people of the judgment to come if they did not turn from their sin back to God.

Lord, this aged prayer sentry must honor your time and resources invested in me by surrendering to you daily for whatever work I am called upon to do.

___________

I count 9 separate calls of God upon my life. Here’s a time line:

God’s Message for Man

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Follow God Fearlessly

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

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.

Surrender – No Reservations

PRAYING FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS, CHURCH & NATION:

Surrender in obedience to the radiant Lord of Heaven (Ezk 1:26-28). #SeeGodInNewWays #Surrender #RadiantLordOfHeaven #RevereGod’sTruth-Faithfulness

MORNING WATCH NOTES:

Ezekiel‘s initial impression of God’s throne is taken with its azure-blue appearance. He is then taken with a figure that looks like a man on that throne. The upper body was glowing like amber, flickering like fire. The lower body looked like burning flames shining with great splendor. Around the entire image of this throne was the appearance of a rainbow-like brilliance. Its radiance engulfed the vision in multicolored splendor.

All of this would seem to point to the judgment of God (the fire) and at the same time the covenant of peace that comes after the judgment (the rainbow). This would seem to express the focus of Ezekiel’s prophetic call. He would see it again three more times (3:22,23; 8:3,4; 43:2,3)

I am left without imagination enough to express my thoughts. I read the words and know their definitions. But I am left dumb at how to express them. Lord, my only response is to just fully surrender in obedience to you. No reservations.