MY SHEEP

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 34-35

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Sheep grazing in Israel. There are two sheep dogs in this picture. One is up front. Can you find the other one among the sheep. Someone has suggested that “goodness and mercy” are the two sheep dogs of Psalm 23, charged with protecting the sheep. In today’s reading, Ezekiel 34, God promises to gather, feed and care for His people as a shepherd would his sheep.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Ezekiel 34:11, 13

For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and search them out…And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country.”

Because of unfaithful and self-centred leaders, the shepherds of Israel, God’s people, have fallen into the hands of their enemies and have been scattered, and the land God gave them has been desecrated. In Ezekiel 34, God, through Ezekiel, rebukes the leaders. They were to lovingly guide and build the nation in a responsible manner. The opposite was true. This resulted in God backing off until the offending generation of “shepherds” had passed off the scene, and new leaders such as Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah became the shepherds of Israel. God, Himself, assures those in Babylonian captivity, through Ezekiel, that He personally will be their Shepherd, bringing them back to good pasture on the mountains of Israel. Ezekiel reminds the people of the great shepherd king, David, who had died hundreds of years before. There is a descendant of David who referred to Himself as “The Good Shepherd!” Read John 10:11-15 for a New Testament meditation.

Ezekiel 35 shows God’s desire to turn around for good the people of Mt. Seir. These are Edomites, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob (whose name God changed to “Israel”). Edom, too, shall know Who is the true Shepherd…”that I am the Lord” (35:15b).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, as one of Your sheep, I pray that I will, as Jesus said, recognize Your voice and follow You closely. I’m experiencing Your promised “showers of blessing!” (34:26b). May I never stray away from You, Good Shepherd. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I first heard of Eric Metaxas when I became aware of his work as the writer of Veggie Tales, a children’s video series. Next, I read his book Amazing Grace on the story of William Wilberforce, the man God used to free the slaves throughout the British Empire. The publication of this book brought him to Canada as a guest on the 100 Huntley Street program. Again, he traveled to Canada for a TV appearance rearding his book, Bonhoeffer, the German Pastor who stood up to Hitler and exposed the evils of his regime. There is a USA version of 100 Huntley Street, which features Eric as a regular host (click here if you missed it). Tomorrow, God willing, I’ll introduce a young lady who is hosting with Eric. Click here for more about Eric.

Yours for communicating the Good News of Jesus in the most effective way possible to new generations of precious never-dying souls, all of whom need Jesus,

David

P.S. Check out Eric’s books (click here).

TURN! TURN!

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 32-33

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

A flock of sheep on a hillside in Israel. After reading of all the violence happening in Israel, Egypt, and elsewhere, it’s good to know that God has promised “green pastures” and His comforting Presence with us. For our encouragement it might be a good suggestion to read, quote or even sing Psalm 23 once again.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Ezekiel 32:11, 33:12

For thus says the Lord God: “The sword of the king of Babylon shall come upon you”…Therefore you, O son of man, say to the children of your people: “The righteousness of the righteous man shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression; as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall because of it in the day that he turns from his wickedness; nor shall the righteous be able to live because of his righteousness in the day that he sins.”

Ezekiel dates his prophecies after the first Jews, including Daniel, were taken to Babylon, in order to show that his prophecies are accurate (i.e. year/month/day — 12/12/1, Ezekiel 32:1; and 12/10/5, Ezekiel 33:21). The final destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and his invasion of Egypt is still three to five years away. When the people see these things come to pass, it stands to reason that the reality of God’s foreknowledge should produce faith and repentance. God expresses His deep grief over what’s about to happen when He tells Ezekiel, “Son of man, wail [a cry of grief] over the multitude of Egypt.” Our key verses point out that neither righteousness nor wickedness can change the course of events. What did change was the long-term behaviour of Israel. The Jews made a 180 degree turn. Never again after the 70 years of Babylonian captivity did Israel turn back to worshipping idols and practising gross debauchery, as had been the case before. During this time, Israel paid attention to God’s call for repentance. Ezekiel 33:14b reveals God’s heart when He urgently says, “Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel.” Satan and all those whom he rules have done their best to destroy the Jews. No people on earth have ever been subjected to the hatred of hell like the Jewish people. Israel today, the Jewish state, is thriving beyond any reasonable expectation! Amazing!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, as I read Ezekiel I think over and over, “Jesus changed everything for me!” I pray that You’ll keep on changing me, and at every crossroads in my life help me to turn, turn Your way. I ask You to make Your way my way. I pray this in the Name of the One who said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” Jesus, Himself. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When I read Ezekiel 32:27, “They have laid their swords under their heads,” I thought of one of my partners in ministry for several years, Anglican priest, Rev. Al Reimers. Al is a most gentle person, and I find it hard to conceive of the fact that, as a counter-intelligence agent in the US Army in Germany following the end of WW2, Al slept with a loaded lugar pistol under his pillow. Viewers of 100 Huntley Street will remember Al from the 70s and 80s. He’s still active! The internet is an amazing way to keep informed about people who may have gone in different directions. Al moved east to Prince Edward county from Toronto, and I moved west to Burlington. I found Al in a “virtual” newspaper article where he’s making a presentation to the Minister of Health on “wait times” for hospital care (click here). Way to go my friend! You are still “salt.” Jesus taught us that if we are not salty in society, the good will be discarded.

Yours for the implementation in our lives of what we’re learning daily through 100words.ca,

David

P.S. Here’s the song I was inspired to sing while thinking about Reynold’s picture above and about our Scripture reading (click here for “The Lord is My Shepherd” hymn and sing along with the congregation of the Verdun LaSalle Baptist Church, Montreal).

PHARAOH

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 30-31

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Once standing 60 feet high, this colossal statue of Ramses II, carved from limestone, now lays on the ground. It looks like he is sleeping, perhaps dreaming. This statue once adorned the great temple of Ptah in Memphis, Egypt. Ramses the Great ruled for more than 60 years, roughly 1279 to 1213 BC (about 200 years after the exodus of the Israelites). This image may have already been toppled by the time of today’s reading, some 700 years after the reign of Rameses II. The empires of Babylon and Persia made Memphis the capital city of the province (satrap) of Egypt. The prophecies of the Bible predicted this.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Ezekiel 30:19

Thus I will execute judgments on Egypt,

Then they shall know that I am the Lord.

Ezekiel 30 mentions Egypt a dozen times with statements like our key verse. For example, 30:13 tells us of the destruction of the idols and images of Noph (ancient Memphis). Like the king of Tyre in yesterday’s reading, the Pharaohs and the Emperors claimed to be gods to be worshipped. Lucifer, the archangel who was exiled from Heaven because he desired to be worshipped instead of the true God, now seeks that worship on earth by convincing earthly rulers that they are gods to be worshipped. Satan still seeks to divert worship away from the Great Creator, the One and Only God of the cosmos.

Ezekiel 31 seems to reflect the hurt God experiences because of rejection by His creation. Ezekiel, speaking for God, refers to “the garden of God” three times, and the “trees of Eden” twice. God placed our first parents in a beautiful garden. There were trees there in Eden. The first three chapters of the Bible describe this garden God had lovingly prepared for His human family. We’ve messed up so horribly. Today we might consider repenting, not only for our own sins, but for the sin of rebellion against God throughout the years of recorded history. Again and again, because we have sided with Satan knowingly or unknowingly against God, we have been the cause of our own destruction.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I’m sorry for my sins against You and for the sins of our human family for whom You have such great, joyous and peaceful plans to bless with a happy future. I pray that I will give myself to You in such a way that I will be, for all those whose paths cross mine, a source of hope for a better world, because of Your gift of restoration which You have given me in Your Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ, in Whose Name I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

My parents spent many years doing God’s work in Egypt. I’ve stood beside the great fallen image of Rameses in ancient Noph (Memphis) and wondered at the giant statue carved from one piece of granite. What gigantic self images must have been in the minds of the Pharaohs and their people who worshipped them as gods. One story my dad told in his autobiography, which he intended only for his family but which I published after his death, was of my mother and an Egyptian police officer. Mother, who died when I was 12, was praying at the altar in a church building when the officer carrying a rifle came to the front to investigate what was happening. Dad said that he heard this policeman tell this story several times. He said, as mother stood to her feet, a tear dropped from her eyes onto the man’s arm. He dropped the rifle, fell to his knees and was converted to Jesus Christ. I think that if I were to weep more over the spiritual condition of humanity, one of my tear drops could touch someone, and by the working of God’s Spirit, more people would come to know Jesus. Individuals, families, and nations could be changed by believers in Jesus all over the world. I pray that I will touch someone’s life for Jesus today.

Yours for loving God and loving people,

David

CHERUB DOWN!

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 28-29

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

At Timna Park in southern Israel, a life-sized replica of the Biblical Tabernacle has been constructed. While no original materials (e.g., gold, silver, bronze) have been used, the model is accurate in every other detail based upon the Biblical description. The Ark of the Covenant is the only object in the Holy of Holies; the sacred Ark contained the two tablets with the Ten Commandments, the rod of Aaron that blossomed and the pot of manna. The Ark was covered by the “Mercy Seat” on which the high priest sprinkled the blood of a goat seven times on the Day of Atonement. Two Cherubim also covered the Mercy Seat with their wings. Today’s reading tells us of “the anointed cherub” (cherub is singular/cherubim is plural), whom God cast out (Ezekiel 28:14-16).

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Ezekiel 28:14-15

You were the anointed cherub who covers;

I established you;

You were on the holy mountain of God;

You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.

You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created,

Till iniquity was found in you.

Ezekiel 28 contains a description of the King of Tyre, which can only refer to Lucifer, one of the three archangels God had created. Ezekiel makes the case that Satan was the source of the person that this king had become. Read Isaiah 14:12-15 for another description of this being who had “become a horror” (28:19). A New Testament reading that tells believers in Jesus Christ about this being is Ephesians 6:11-12. The fortress city state of Tyre was totally destroyed and remains so to this very day. Over and over again the prophets of the Bible are shown to be 100% accurate. Jesus, in His humanity, overcame Satan by quoting the Scriptures (Matthew 4:1-11). We who believe in Jesus as our Saviour and Lord overcome in the same way (read Revelation 12: 7-11). Verse 11 tells us that “They [us] overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Believers in Jesus, DO NOT FEAR! Jesus said, “I give you authority…over ALL the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you!!!” (Luke 10:17-20).

Ezekiel 29 predicts a defeat of Egypt by Nebuchadnezzar. The destruction of Tyre by Alexander the Great 200 years later was not just a defeat, it was the obliteration forever of the city state.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

I thank You, Lord God, that You want to save people, and You have saved me from eternal destruction. Jesus, Your eternal Son, took on Himself the destruction I deserved. I pray that I will always be mindful of the fact that the “Gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23), in whose Name I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

To be a bold witness for Jesus is my daily goal. Often I have reminded myself of the standing orders of our supreme Commander in Chief who said, just before His ascension into Heaven, “All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth!” (Matthew 28:18). Now that’s what I call “Authority”!!! He exercises ALL authority; it is His right to command and my sole responsibility to obey. He gave us a clear command…a direct order: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). There have been times in my life when I knew I should immediately obey by personally making disciples (learners of Christ), but I’ve delayed and lost the opportunity. In recent times, I’ve joined Jesus in declaring war on procrastination. “Now!!!” is the accepted time, behold Now!!! is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2b – exclamation points mine!).

Yours for complete victory over all the works of the devil, and for a wise, bold, and immediate sharing of Jesus consistently,

David

P.S. My son, Rev. Ron Mainse, has, over the years, done TV segments called, “Stay in Touch.” These can be accessed here. For today, I’m asking him to make one of these teachings called, “The Devil Made Me Do It” a part of today’s blog (click here). Ron points out that we can’t blame everything bad that happens on the devil.

A HORROR

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 26-27

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

This site was insignificant until Herod the Great began to develop it into a magnificent harbour befitting his kingdom. The harbour was built using materials that would allow the concrete to harden underwater. The forty-acre harbour would accommodate 300 ships, much larger than the modern harbour existing there today. Caesarea Maritima is a national park on the Israeli coastline, near the town of Caesarea. Our photographer, my son David Reynold Mainse, was unable to travel into the area of Lebanon where the city of Tyre once stood about 100 miles north of Caesarea along this coast. There are still buildings here, but at the site of ancient Tyre, which I have visited, there is absolutely nothing except bare rocks. Ezekiel prophesied about the coastal city of Tyre with amazing accuracy.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Ezekiel 26:14

“I will make you like the top of a rock; you shall be a place for spreading nets, and you shall never be rebuilt, for I the Lord have spoken,” says the Lord God.

What a judgment on proud Tyre! Throughout these two chapters we read of the judgment Tyre, a prosperous trading port, would bring upon itself. In our key verse, Ezekiel prophesies, “You shall never be rebuilt!” Today, at high tide, the waters cover the acres of bare rocks where Tyre once stood. Tyre has a long history. The wicked Queen of Israel, Jezebel, was the daughter of Ethbaal, King of Tyre. Tyre was the source of the worship of Baal, a religion to which King Ahab and many Israelites were converted during the time of Elijah the prophet (1 Kings 18:21-40).

The question was asked by Job, King David, and Jeremiah, who was a contemporary of Ezekiel, “Why do the wicked prosper?” (Jeremiah 12:1-3). They all concluded that in the big picture of history, wicked people and their civilizations lie in ruins. Ezekiel is prophesying in Babylon, an example of another city destroyed and never rebuilt.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray that I will always stand with You and never against You! I quote Jeremiah in my prayer, “But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, and You have tested my heart toward You!” Keep me true, I pray. I ask these mercies in Jesus’ Name. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I find myself singing a chorus that prays, “Keep me true, Lord Jesus. Keep me true. There’s a race that I must run. There are victories to be won. Give me power every hour to be true” (click here to listen to the song sung by a South African singer named Jabu).

I visited Lebanon and stood on the very rocks of which Ezekiel wrote, which were once the city of Tyre. A short distance away was a fisherman “spreading nets” (see our key verse, Ezekiel 26:14). With me was Dr. Paul B. Smith of the People’s Church, Toronto. We read the words of today’s reading from the Bible and marvelled at the detailed accuracy of Scriptural prophecy. It is my understanding of history that Tyre was destroyed by the armies of Alexander the Great about 200 years after Ezekiel penned the words of today’s reading. At my age (79), I’m amazed that I can put “the city of Tyre, Lebanon” into “Google” and find all kinds of information in 2 or 3 minutes that would’ve taken me hours to find in the Toronto reference library 40 years ago. The last verse of today’s reading says of Tyre, “You will become a horror, and be no more forever!” (Ezekiel 27:36b). That’s exactly how I felt standing on those rocks where a proud city once stood.

Here’s a sad note about the present city of “Sidon,” Tyre’s sister city of ancient times. It is still a bustling city. However, while visiting there I was shown a cache of bombs stored, not in an ammunitions dump, as is the practice of most armies, but in the basement of a highrise building where many families live. Children were playing in and around the building. All war is horror, but this was particularly horrible to us. May God have mercy!

Yours for living as my Father would often pray, “With the smile of Your approval [God’s approval] upon our lives”,

David

THE BOILING POT

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 24-25

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

This large boiling pot of beans is at the Mully Children’s Family in Ndalani Kenya. Through the years, much support has been given by our 100 Huntley Street viewers for the thousands of children cared for by Charles and Esther Mulli. This pot represents blessing, but Ezekiel’s pot in today’s reading represents judgment.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Ezekiel 24:14

“I, the Lord, have spoken it;

It shall come to pass, and I will do it;

I will not hold back,

Nor will I spare,

Nor will I relent;

According to your ways

And according to your deeds

They will judge you,”

Says the Lord God.

Ezekiel 24 has three illustrations which provide a picture of judgment. (1) The cooking pot. (2) The loss of Ezekiel’s wife. (3) Ezekiel has not spoken for some time, and now he speaks again. The reason for all this is found in verses 24b and 27b…that “you shall know that I am the Lord God!” Ezekiel’s knowledge of the future siege of Jerusalem (24:2) constitutes a confirmation of his genuine, God given, prophetic gift. Our key verse points to the fact that judgment is “according to your ways…your deeds, they will judge you!” The Judge on the bench simply recognizes facts and passes sentence accordingly. The people are their own worst enemy, bringing judgment upon themselves. It’s not God’s fault!

Ezekiel 25 points out that Israel is not alone in the destruction they’ve brought on themselves. Neighbouring countries also suffer the consequences of their sins.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I repent of my sin, and according to Your promise You forgive me (1 John 1:5-10, Psalm 51:1-4). I pray that I will turn 180 degrees away from sin. I realize that while I’m forgiven, sin still has its consequences in my life, my family, and my community. I cry out for purity of heart, mind and deeds. I do so in the Name of the only Person who never sinned, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve just watched the movie, Son of God. The scene of Peter’s sin in denying that he even knew Jesus was so powerful. The producers may have been easy on Peter because, while the Scriptures say Peter “began to curse and swear,” I don’t think I heard the cursing and swearing (read Matthew 26:69-75). The events of Jesus’ life were there with great strength, even though the order of those events may have been changed somewhat. A movie producer must be given the leeway to cover the material as he or she (Mark Burnett and Roma Downey) see fit (for a 100 Huntley Street interview with this amazing husband and wife team, click here).

Currently there’s a new movie out on the resurrection of Christ called “RISEN.” Click here for info and trailers.

Yours in support of powerful visuals, as well as words, which, like Ezekiel’s word pictures (a boiling pot), convey “Truth!”,

David

TWO WOMEN

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 23

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Located at the Parliament of Greece is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The bronze shields on the walls commemorate military victories since the Greek War of Independence (1821). The monument was unveiled on 25 March 1932 (Greek Independence Day). It is guarded 24 hours a day by two members of the Presidential Guard, an elite, specially chosen unit of the Greek Army. The army of the Kingdom of Greece under the personal leadership of their king, Alexander the Great, criss-crossed the lands of Israel 200 years after Ezekiel’s time, defeating the Persians and the armies of the countries beyond Persia (Iran) as far as India.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Ezekiel 23:35

Therefore, thus says the Lord God:

“Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back,

Therefore, you shall bear the penalty

Of your lewdness and your harlotry.”

In yesterday’s blog we were challenged to think of reasons why God would bother to give prophecies to prophets He had called into this unusual ministry. Please feel free to put your thoughts on this “Make You Think” challenge on the response pages. Here are some of my thoughts…

(1) We can be sure He didn’t do this in order to provide work for modern “Prophecy” teachers (Dr. Hal Lindsay is a favourite. He sold over 30,000,000 copies of “The Late Great Planet Earth” book. It’s an important work. Moira Brown, who was a successful secular TV and radio personality, came to faith, to a large extent, through this book). Click here for a short bio of Moira, and here for info on Hal Lindsay.

(2) We can also be sure that He didn’t give true prophecy just to satisfy people’s curiosity about the future. As God is outside “time,” He sees the entirety of time (a human concept) from creation to the time when it is prophesied that “the elements will burn with fervent heat,” and our planet will literally “dissolve” (read 2 Peter 3:8-12). Included in Peter’s prophecy is this statement, “A day with the Lord is as a thousand years.” Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and Modern Quantum Physics give some insight as to how the Great Creator, as our First Nations refer to God, must, of necessity, be outside of “time.”

(This blog is already too long, but please stick with me)

(3) Prophecy, as in the testimony of Moira Brown, proves the fact that only God could describe events before they happened and share these predictions with His prophets in amazing detail. If these things are true (and they are), then it follows that the rest of the Bible is also trustworthy in its revelation of God’s love and His plan for our eternal salvation and Heaven.

(4) Prophecy also serves, when spoken or written by a human person, to invite God into the realm of man’s “dominion.” God gave rulership over the earth to us, and we’ve surely messed up badly. The spoken word by a representative of the human family gives authority back to God for His intervention. There are plenty of prophetic words in the Bible (one third of its content) for God to do all He knows is needed. Of course the greatest intervention of God which, as prophesied over and over again, is all about the “Son of God.” All the events of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection were prophesied in great detail (Genesis 1:26-27, Isaiah 53).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You gave me “dominion” (dominus…lord), and every day I give this responsibility and authority back to You! You may trust me with some decisions today, and I pray fervently that I’ll make the right ones. I believe in You Lord, and I thank You for believing in me. I pray for lots and lots of grace so as not to let You down, and so as not to disappoint You. I pray this in the Name of the One Who, as “Son of Man,” never disappointed You, Jesus Christ! Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I have not commented on the content of today’s reading. The “two women” provide Ezekiel powerful examples of the unfaithfulness of Israel, both the Northern Tribes and Judah in the south. Rather than concentrating on them, I’d like to refer to two other women, my wife, Norma-Jean, and my daughter Elaine Stacey, who visited us for a few days. Here is a picture of Norma-Jean at a beautiful flowering tree, and then I gave my wife the iPhone and she took one of Elaine and me (photos below). The trees and shrubs are beautiful here and I appreciate the glorious creations of the flowers, but nothing here on Earth can match the beauty I see in these two women! What a contrast to the women that Ezekiel describes.

Yours for the “Beauty of Jesus to be seen in us!” (click here for a Korean choir singing a medley of “Oh How He Loves You and Me” and “Let the Beauty of Jesus Be Seen In Me”),

David

ISRAEL, THEN AND NOW

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 21-22

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Just outside ancient Ephesus in Turkey is this wall on which people have placed thousands of written prayers. It is said that Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived here in the home that John made for her. From the Cross, Jesus asked John to care for His widowed mother. Tradition says that John, unlike the people described in our key verse, took care of her needs. John stood “in the gap.”

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verses: Ezekiel 22:29-30

The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.

What did the people of Jerusalem do wrong? According to these two chapters, nearly everything! The leaders and many of the people consistently broke God’s laws for moral and social conduct, for religious practices and economic systems. Ezekiel, the prophet, had already been taken by King Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon in the second wave of captives. Life in Jerusalem continued. As Ezekiel writes in 21:21, the King of Babylon was at the crossroads of decision as to what he should do regarding the latest rebellion of King Zedekiah in Jerusalem. Zedekiah was in the process of making an alliance with Babylon’s arch enemy, Egypt. In contrast to the clear words of God’s prophets, Nebuchadnezzar was making his decisions based on divination practices such as described in the words, “He looks at the liver.” They would dissect a liver from an animal and look there for guidance. It sounds ridiculous to us, but what about the astrological charts in today’s newspaper? Ezekiel would’ve been willing to stand “in the gap” for Israel, but he was unable to return to Jerusalem. All he could do was obey God, and “sigh…with a breaking heart” (21:6), and speak his prophetic word from a distance.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I pray for grace to do my best to “stand in the gap” for others. Grant me the empathy to “sigh…with a breaking heart” for people whose lives are broken because of economic circumstances (the poor and needy) and because of deliberate sin against You. Lead me, guide me, direct my ways in the ways of righteousness, I pray. Help me to speak up against those things that destroy people and to realize that actions speak louder than words. In the Name of Jesus, who wept over the needs of the people and took action to establish righteousness, I pray. Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Yesterday, I promised to continue the “Make You Think” emphasis. Why would God call for a prophet’s word from human lips? Was it really necessary? Could He not have gone ahead and done what ever He wanted to do without someone speaking out His Word in advance? For His own reasons He involved free-will people in His decisions. I think that those words “free will” are the key to understanding the reason for prophecy. When a word of prophecy is spoken, God, who made man in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-30) and gave humanity “dominion” over the earth, waits for the permission of a spoken prophecy before taking “dominion” over human affairs. I have found it hard to get my mind around this.

There was one time only in my life that I believe I experienced the kind of Biblical prophecy experienced by Ezekiel. It was in Jerusalem. I was a member of the press corps covering President Carter’s last-ditch stand to conclude the treaty between Egypt and Israel known as the “Camp David Accords.” I won’t take the space to tell the story here, but it is in my latest book, This Far By Faith. It was a live statement on government radio stations, broadcasting with immediate translations into Hebrew and Arabic languages, covering the entire Middle East, including Iraq (Babylon) and Egypt (click here for a copy of my book). This is a very subjective judgment, but I believe that “word” rendered the ruler of the darkness of this world powerless to mess up God’s will for Israel and Egypt at that time.

Yours for the purpose of understanding a little bit more of the reason why God called prophets to speak out in advance of events,

David

P.S. Tomorrow, God willing, I want to write about the difference between New Testament prophecy and that of Ezekiel’s time. We must be very careful in this area. False doctrines have been taught and religious cults established by what has been called “prophecy.”

“I WILL” – GOD

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 20

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

This is a model of the Temple as it may have looked in ancient times.

Key Verse: Ezekiel 20:5

Say to them, “Thus says the Lord God: ‘On the day when I chose Israel and raised My hand in an oath to the descendants of the house of Jacob, and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt, I raised My hand in an oath to them, saying, “I am the Lord your God.”‘”

Four times here in chapter 20 God speaks through the Prophet Ezekiel saying that judgment is held back, “For My Name’s sake, that it should not be profaned before the Gentiles” (verses 9, 14, 22, 44). The writer of the most detailed of the Bible commentaries, Matthew Henry (1662-1714), writes, “When nothing in us will furnish Him with a reason for His favours, He furnishes Himself with one.” Ten times in the last 11 verses of the chapter God says, “I will,” and we can count on Him to consistently carry out His will. “Man proposes, but God disposes.” This is a statement by Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471). He wrote a classic book called, The Imitation of Christ, which can be purchased on Amazon (click here). Proverbs 16:9 tells us that “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Thank You, Lord God, that again and again You initiate action to accomplish Your will. You have given me will power. Therefore, I choose to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven!” I pray this for Your “Name’s sake” and in the Name of the One who could say about His Father, “I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29b), Amen!!!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When I pray the “Our Father” prayer that Jesus taught His disciples (students) to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven,” I’m very conscious of the fact that God has put His plans for my best into the area of my human free will. I’m made, according to the Scriptures, in the image and likeness of God. “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness'” (Genesis 1:26a). We are not like creatures programmed to behave in a certain way, but we have the freedom to make our own choices. The most dangerous and yet glorious choice is whether we will serve God or ourselves. When I give my will to do God’s will by praying for God’s will, not just in general, but concerning specific matters, God will, without violating my free will with which He created me, bring about His will. Prayer is my “welcome mat” for God. “Come in, Lord God. You’re in charge here!” Remember the question, WWJD? What would Jesus do? I find out the answer to that question sooner or later in God’s time, because I’ve prayed!

Yours most sincerely and prayerfully,

David

P.S. On the “Make You Think” challenge of the past few days, I’m asking readers to think about the reason that God would bother sending Prophets to speak of coming events. Surely God could’ve done anything He wanted to do without telling us in advance. Tomorrow, God willing, I’ll give my thoughts on this question.

TURN AND LIVE

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 18-19

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

Here is a father and son in Nazareth Village. They are actors wearing the clothing that would have been worn during the first century. Not much different from many parts of the Middle East today. Today’s reading refers to fathers and sons. I’m thankful for sons Reynold and Ron who help me with this blog. Bless you, my sons!

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Ezekiel 18:31

Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?

The last three words of Ezekiel 18 are “turn and live.” This is the most important decision anyone could ever make. To decide to go God’s way instead of our own way is totally life changing for time and for eternity. Another word for this change of direction is “repentance” (18:30). Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” We need to lock into the way that God says in His Word is right!! That may be the most important reason for this daily blog. Consistently reading God’s Word is the only way to know what God thinks!! Chapter 18 begins with a proverb which points out that a son (or daughter) can change directions, even if their father does not. This truth is backed up by 18:14. Chapter 19 shifts emphasis to “mother,” in this case she is “Israel.” In our case, it may be those things in our background which keep us away from God. Again, if that is the case, “TURN AND LIVE!” Decide today to go God’s way and make the determination that there is no turning back. A Jewish ruler asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Here is Jesus’ answer (click here for John 3:1-21). This man showed up at Jesus’ Cross (John 19:39-42).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, that “turn and live” decision is eternally important. I pray for grace to daily check the GPS road map (the Bible) to make sure I have not turned away from Your highway of life onto a road of my own choosing. I’m moving always forward at Your instructions. Lord Jesus, You invited me to follow You. Here I come! I ask for strength so that I won’t lag behind and lose sight of You! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

“A new heart and a new spirit.” I had open-heart surgery when I was 64. God did open-heart surgery on me when I was 16. He placed His Spirit in my heart. My physical heart is doing just fine, and because of constant monitoring of my spiritual heart every day as I read and pray, I believe that I’m spiritually healthy. Of course that is a subjective judgment on my part; God is the only One who truly knows my heart and He’s monitoring my spiritual condition. I’ll find out His final report sooner or later. It will probably be sooner, as I turn 80 on August 13th.

The book of Ezekiel is all about restoring the Jews as a nation in their ancestral home. There was a brief period around 200 BC when Israel’s sovereignty was restored. Israel became a sovereign state once again in 1948. I invite you to join me in thinking about modern Israel by reading one of the most thoughtful commentators anywhere. Charles Krauthammer was raised in Montreal, Canada, but now lives in the U.S.A. He has his M.D. and has practised as a psychiatrist, but now is a full-time journalist. In keeping with the “Make You Think” theme I introduced yesterday, I have a suggestion. Click here for Charles’ Washington Post article from June 4th, 2010. He is Jewish. His column is entitled, “Those Troublesome Jews.”

Yours for accepting God’s invitation to “Come now, and let us reason [make you think] together, says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient you shall eat of the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:18-19),

David