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.
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* 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.
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.*
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* 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.
May your living choice be a life well lived for Christ (Ezk 4:16,17). #TheLivingChoice #LifeInChrist
The Desolation of Jerusalem by Babylon
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.
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.
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* 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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I count 9 separate calls of God upon my life. Here’s a time line:
May we walk the walk before we talk. (Ezk 3:10,11) #WalkTheWalkB4UTalk #DoWhatYouSay #CastingStones
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Advice to any student of scripture: God says, “Let all my words sink deep into your own heart first (recall Ezk 3:1-3). Listen to my words carefully for yourself. Then go to the people and say this is what the Sovereign Lord says.“ Especially teachers and preachers take note. “Let him or her without sin cast the first stone” (Jhn 8:7).
Before you go expounding and exhorting, make certain that you yourself have listened to God’s message with a heart turned towards obedience. Do this before telling others what God says they are to do (1Co 9:27). Lord, as a dad, granddad and minister of the gospel, may I be first to listen and respond to the truth of Scripture.
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.
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.
Be assured that in Christ you are no longer bound to sin (1Jhn 5:18,19). #SetFree #FreeToChooseRighteousness
F R E E
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The Christian does not practice sin (rebellion against God). The heart of the Christian has been set free from slavery to sin. Is the Christian sinless? No. The Christian has been freed from sin’s power over them (is free to choose God’s ways).
Christians are not perfect, in a moral sense, but surrendered to the living God; has been made righteous in Christ. The world (from which the Christian has been called out) remains under Satan‘s dominion and continues in rebellion towards God. Lord, thank you that, in Christ, I am no longer under the rule of the evil one. I am set free to follow and serve God.
Remain open to the conviction of God‘s Holy Spirit (1Jhn 5:16,17).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
“The sin unto death.“ Here is another prickly topic in Scripture. What is the sin unto death? There is no consensus among Bible commentators. There are instances in Scripture where such a sin may have been committed (e.g., 1Co 11:27–30; Mrk 3:29; Heb 6:4–6).
[I am personally acquainted with an example where a beloved sister in Christ found herself deeply involved in a sin. She rejected all attempts to change course. Her life was taken suddenly.]
Since these examples all differ, I think it is best to leave such judgment up to God. The role of brothers and sisters in Christ is to pray for one another and lovingly challenge one another to godly living (Heb 3:12-15). Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to change the direction of my life (see Window of Opportunity; my story, this blog).
May the world see God in us by our love (1Jn 4:9-12). #GodIsLove #ShowGod’sLove #God’sLoveOnDisplay
“No one has ever seen God. But his love is made known in believers” (1Jn 4:12)
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Here is John’s companion verse to John 3:16. God so loved us. he sent his only son into our world, that we might have eternal life through him. He (Jesus) sacrificed his life, bearing our punishment for sin’s absolution (1Jn3:16). God gave us the model for how we ought to love each other (sacrifice).
This is profound: “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us and his love is brought to full expression in us.“ People see the living compassionate God in our love for each other. Lord, may this old sentry truly manifest, give expression to, the reality of the living God.
Make a profound profession of faith in Christ (1Jn 4:4-6). #FaithInChrist #ListenToTheSpiritOfTruth #ProfoundFaith
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
In these verses the people whose lives are represented by the spirit that lives and rules in this world, are people who speak only from this world’s viewpoint. They listen only to the spirit of this world, they belong to this world.
But believers have had victory over this world and the things in this world. They belong to God‘s kingdom. They know God and they listen to his Spirit. Those of this world do not know God nor do they listen to him. This is how we may know that someone has the Spirit of truth or a spirit of deception.
Lord, listening to and heeding your Spirit is a clear sign of a genuine and profound faith in Christ.
May sin lead us to brokenness, repentance, confession & renewal (1Jn 3:4-10). #Repentance #Confession #Brokenness #Renewal
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
If one is a true believer (has repented of sin and trusted Christ as Savior), that one will not continue in sin. Are believers sinless? Obviously not. There is only one sinless, Jesus, and he died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. To say one “believes” but continues in sin is spiritual malpractice.
What John is saying here is that true believers will not go on practicing sin as a habit or lifestyle. They are not indifferent to God‘s moral law. When a believer sins, he/she is broken, sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and confesses that sin. “God is faithful to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9).
Lord, thank you for a heart to follow Christ; for loving me through my failures.
Grow in the knowledge of God; grow in every victory over the evil one (1Jn 2:12-14). #FaithIsTheVictory #BulkingUp
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John stops here to affirm the spiritualequity and proficiency of his readers. “Children“ is not a statement of spiritual sloth, but spiritual position. They are children of God. Young and old in faith, John describes their bulk in equity and proficiency.
Equity: 1) they have had their sins forgiven (v12); 2) they are mature in their knowledge of God the Father (v14).
Proficiency: they are 1) growing in their faith and knowledge of Christ (vv13,14); 2) they are strengthened through every victory over the evil one (vv13,14).
God’s word has been hidden in their hearts (Psm 129:11), they have tasted victory in their lives (v14). Lord, may I count myself among believers who are mature and strong.
Trust Christ’s sacrifice for all sin and forgiveness (1Jn 2:1,2). #ChristOurAdvocate
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The aged apostle John addresses his readers fondly, as a loving father would to his children. Of course his desire is that they not sin. What father would not wish that for his children? But he knows also that no one is immune to sin.
So, John wants his readers to know that when sin does enter into a life, there is hope. Jesus Christ advocates for us based on his death sacrifice for sin. His defense never rests. Our God hears his plea and forgives all sin based on Christ’s righteousness in us (1Co 1:30; 2Co 5:21). Lord, I may trust my eternal counselor who is my advocate with God.
Remain open to the conviction of God’s Holy Spirit (1Jn 1:8-10). #ConfessAllKnownSin #BeRightWithGod #PracticeTheTruth #ListenToTheSpirit
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
It may seem odd that some might claim that they have no sin, now that they have trusted Christ. But some were doing exactly that. That is delusional. It calls God a liar and ignores God’s word. Christians do not become sinless at the point of salvation. But neither do they still desire to continue in sin.
Christians are not perfect. I need only to look into my own heart to know that. Walking in the light does not mean sinless perfection. It means that my heart is always open to the scrutiny of the Spirit of God. When some sin is there exposed, I agree with God and confess it. Christ forgives the sin and cleanses me from all wickedness.
Lord, at risk here is this sentry’s closeness with you, as “darkness” tries to edged out the light. But my relationship with God in Christ is secure and never in question.
Faithfully embrace the light of the gospel (1Jn 1:5). #LightOfTheGospel #JesusIsTheLight
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
John quickly goes to the heart of the gospel. “God is light, in him is no darkness.“ (See Jhn 1:4-9). One of the first acts of creation by God was to create light and dispel the darkness. (Gen 1:2,3). Light reveals and enables us to see the difference between good and evil. Light will always overcome the darkness.
Having a relationship with Christ is derived by coming out of the darkness of sin and embracing Christ, who is our light and our salvation. Lord, I give thanks for the light of the gospel; may I follow it faithfully.
Do not let shame, pride, fear or guilt prevent you from returning home to God (Jer 51:50,51).
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
God’s people are directed by God to return to their homeland at the fall of Babylon (vv45,50). But they are mortified, ashamed and disgraced because foreigners and aliens had desecrated the Temple of God in Jerusalem. They felt so ashamed (v51).
“Yes, but God.“ What God says to them in essence is I am coming to deliver (v52). Don’t be paralyzed by shame. Though you may feel far from God, he is closer to you than you think. Turn your eyes on God. Set your gaze on your homeland. (v50). The way home is to repent, turn your heart towards him again and he will see you through. He will do a work of revival in you.
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WHY WOULD ANYONE NOT RECEIVE SO COMPASSIONATE A LOVE AS THE FATHER OFFERS?
S H A M E ! F E A R ! P R I D E !
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Adam and Eve reacted to their sin and disobedience towards God, not by humbly seeking God to admit guilt. But in their newly acquired shame, pride, guilt and fear (having eaten of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil) they tried to cover up their sin. They thought they could hide from God (Gen 3). They thought they could outsmart God and somehow avoid accountability.
The Psalmist felt shame (Psm 73): ”Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you” [but God reminded him of his compassions]. The Psalmist continues, “You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth“ (Psm 73:21-22,24-25 NLT).
Paul says there is no disappointment in Jesus (Rom 10:11).
______
In Jeremiah 51:50-51, God essentially explains how to defeat shame. The children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. God through Jeremiah tells them to return home to Jerusalem when Babylon falls. But the children of Israel express shame that the temple in Jerusalem was desecrated on their watch.
in these two verses God is saying, THE WAY HOME IS…
1) don’t be paralyzed by shame, pride, guilt and fear,
2) turn your eyes on God [on Jesus],
3) set your face to your homeland [set your eyes on your future glory] and…
4) though you feel far from God, he is closer than you think.
Turn to him now. There is hope. Ask God’s forgiveness for sin. Invite him to take his rightful place in your heart. Then follow him…all The Way Home.
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.*
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* 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).
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.
Walk and serve humbly before God (Jer 50:33,34; Mic 6:8). #WsakHumblyBeforeGod #GodIsNotMocked
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
This is another reminder of who it is that is bringing destruction to Babylon and the deliverance of Israel from exile. It is none other than “the God of Heaven’s Armies.“
Is the mighty arm of the Lord falling on Babylon because he used her to bring judgment on his people? No. It is because Babylon was arrogant, mocked & defied God; she literately enjoyed watching people suffer. Any who are used of God, for any purpose, must be cautious in the use of their power.
God can raise up and God can take down any leader or any nation, and he will (Dan 2:21; Psm 75:7). Lord, may this sentry always walk humbly before you; may my service to you bring you honor and glory.
Come quickly seeking grace and forgiveness (Jer 50:21–32).#TurnNowToGod #Repent
God’s Hammer, Babylon, Will Be Crushed
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
The nations are called up by God to bring judgment on Babylon. Her pride, arrogance, rejection of God and sacrilege to the Temple of God will bring the ire of God and her total destruction.
Two words say it all: “Merathaiam” and “Pekod”, two cities in southern Babylon. In Hebrew, Merathaiam means double rebellion and Pekod means punishment or judgment. The hammer used of God will itself be crushed & shattered (v23).
Because of Babylon’s pride and sacrilege (double rebellion), God will bring judgment and destruction to her. Pride and sacrilege will always lead to a fall. (Pro 16:18). Lord, may I be quick to embrace you and return in humble repentance (1Jn 1:9).
Take joy and peace, knowing God is for you (Jer 50:17–20). #God’sProtection #God’sProvision
MORNING WATCH NOTES:
Because of her sin, Israel was scattered and devoured by “lions” (Assyria and Babylon). God will, and did, bring down both empires. God‘s people may take hope in the ultimate provision and protection of his remnant. They will be brought safely home to his fold.
Although there was not a mass return to Israel when Babylon fell, there will be in the last days (Isa 11:11,12). Israel will again be satisfied in their fruit-filled fields. Their sin will be absolved and forgiven. This is a promise of the new, far better, covenant (Heb 8:6) God‘s people may take hope in the words of Jeremiah.
Lord, you are always at work in the world with your eye on your people.
The Prayer Sentry 