EAT THE SCROLL
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 1-3
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The colours of a rainbow flooding the sky above Jerusalem. In today’s reading, Ezekiel describes what he saw before him and above him.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Ezekiel 1:28, 3:2
“Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord…So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll.”
God called His prophets to be “Watchmen.” Jeremiah, Ezekiel and others sounded the warning that if God’s people refused to listen, the responsibility for their downfall was their own; but if the prophet failed to sound the warning, every lost life was on his account. The word “rebellious” is repeated eight times in these chapters, the word “impudent,” which means “not ashamed,” is used twice. The people were not ashamed of their rebellion against the clearly stated Word of God! Other words to describe God’s people are “stubborn” and “hard-hearted.” Nevertheless, we should be encouraged because God is communicating in a variety of ways. Our Father in Heaven has not left us as orphans. His Apostles, Prophets, Pastors/Teachers, and Evangelists have spoken to us God’s message (read Ephesians 4:11-16).
Maybe the “wheel within a wheel” resembles the reports of some people on what they call “flying saucers.” What Ezekiel saw in his vision were probably the great archangels of God. Just remember, Satan is an archangel who can appear as an “angel of light” in order to deceive people. Let’s stick with the message of the Bible prophets, the Apostles, and most of all Jesus, Himself. That way we won’t be deceived. There are major false religions in the world today which were started by the appearance of an “angel” to so-called prophets. I’m thinking of Islam and Mormonism (read 2 Corinthians 11:12-15).
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray that by Your mercy and grace in my life I will be teachable and not rebellious, impudent, stubborn, and hard-hearted! May I “eat” Your Word daily, making it my nourishment, part of my very being. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
True Bible prophets have made predictions, many of which have already come to pass. Some of the best examples of this are Psalm 22, 1,000 years before Christ, and Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, and 53, 600-700 years before Christ.
Global warming is a deep concern for many. I am taking a wait-and-see approach to the predictions of imminent destruction of the world by the melting of the ice-caps. The prophet Moses gave us God’s promise, confirmed by a rainbow, that the earth would never again be destroyed by a flood. I just read a news item from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. A retired officer who served on icebreakers in the 70s and 80s said in 2014, “This year’s ice conditions have not been seen for 40 years. The ice cover in the Arctic is returning and getting thicker.” Recently David Philips, senior climatologist for Environment Canada, is quoted as saying, “In some way, we were suggesting that it would be colder, but not this intensely cold. It is unlike anything we’ve seen for a couple of decades.” Norma-Jean and I are doing what we can to reduce our carbon footprints.
I’m extremely thankful for what the Apostle Peter calls “The more sure Word of Prophecy.” Those predictions are totally reliable (2 Peter 1:18-20).
Yours for holding onto the One who holds the future,
David
P.S. One Saturday evening I went over to the Hamilton Harbour and took this picture of the ice melting along the shore. When I came back to our apartment I found online a 2014 satellite picture of the ice on the Great Lakes, which reached 88% coverage…a level not reached since 1994. Some predict a catastrophic flood for costal cities. As I said, I’m an agnostic on this. However, I do believe that there are constant small changes in the Climate. Temperatures have been up and down for a very long time. For all you northerners, KEEP WARM!
Amen, David! Ezekiel is powerful reading, taking us to the witness of the throne of God, amen! “Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet.” Just the thought of it–oh how glorious!! Stay safe out there, today, everyone. Blessings fellow saints in the Lord!
“I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” 2 Cor 12:15
Down To The River To Pray (Alison Krauss) HD with Lyrics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Eu85pZNoWY
P.S. Love the photos, today (another sky painting!), and your weather analogy, dear David! Yes, indeed, God said another flood would not inherit the earth and that is what we hold to, amen!
Thank you for the video Beverlee, it spoke to my heart this morning.
Amen, Sherry! I felt such love in that song, this morning, too! Bless you, dear sister-in-Christ!
Amen, Beverlee …
Thanks for the song…enjoyed singing with them:)
Amen, sister Irene! 😀
Dear Brother David,
Thank you so much for your faithful teaching! Wow what a grand reading today! Great picture! I can only imagine and I love hearing the scriptures read. Most Blessings on you Man of God and Woman of God Norma Jean!
Lots of Love from our sweet spot in Keene, ON beside http://www.LangPioneerVillage.com on the Indian River 🙂 Heather and Floyd
P.S. Drop by for a visit when you are in the Peterborough area.
I find it very difficult to understand the vision in Ezekiel ‘s reading . how can
you eat a scroll , and read it ? could someone explain?
Lianne Hogg
Do you think that “eating the scroll” could be absorbing the words so deeply that it is a form of eating? The words from the Bible are sweet when you know the Lord, and, if read often and deeply, I believe, can become part of you. What do you think?
Very beautiful analogy, Doreen!
Lianne, here is a commentary explanation from PreceptAustin:
“In our society “to eat one’s words” is generally a negative unpleasant experience but in biblical thought it is an agreeable experience. The message was given by God but was to be assimilated by the prophet and made his own.
Here’s God’s point – His Word needs to be digested and consumed. Don’t just nibble – scarf it up, pig out, chow down! There used to be a Lipton ad that portrayed a bold and feisty image. The punch line was, “This ain’t no sip’n tea.” Well, this ain’t no sip’n book. The Bible is not a finger food. You’ve got to chew on its message.” (Ref)”
Scroll is used in 18 verses in the OT prophetic passages (Jer 36:2, 4, 6, 14, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29, 32; Ezek 2:9; 3:1, 2, 3; Zech 5:1, 2). http://preceptaustin.org/ezekiel_31-15.htm
Hope that helps.
~Beverlee~
What a clear explanation to Lianne Hoggs question Beverlee…thank you!
I find the book of Ezeikel brings us into the heavenly realm…the supernatural…into the beyond…I pray that our eyes and ears would be open to see and hear into the spiritual realm. “Open my eyes Lord, that I may see visions of rapture…open my ear that I may hear”
I’m with you and Norma-Jean..”I’m taking the wait and see approach”
God’s Word tells us that His promises are “Yes” and “Amen” and He promised He will not destroy the earth with a flood…”The Rainbow is His confirmation of His Word to Us” HE IS FAITHFUL AND TRUE IN ALL HIS WAYS!!! AMEN and AMEN!
Wonderful pictures and words of wisdom Pastor David…thank you!!!
Posted this blog to my Facebook page as one must realize our rebellion when we turn away from God. Also someday the heaven will open and the Lord Jesus will descend for His Second Coming. Reynold’s photo reminds me of it. Signed the petition for “Protect our Girls” and put it on Facebook.
Love the song Beverlee. Nizar Shaheen commented on eating the scroll as such,” Although the message was one of doom…when Ezekiel ate the scroll, it became sweet to him(3:3). The reason? when God’s Word is internalized and assimilated by His servants, it is always sweet and life-giving, and it is a privilege and joy to be God’s messengers. In order to be a useful servant of the Lord, one must feed upon His Word….”(Day unto Day, Year Two Fall, pg. 17).
Yes, a privilege, indeed! To think how precious we are in our Saviour’s Eyes!
Love the message and comments today, I am agreeing with you Pastor David waiting and believing God’s Word. He has NEVER FAILED US YET.
Update on Pastor Doug and his wife who have been in Turkey for two weeks now, I was talking to them on face-time today (which is kind of like Skype) They are doing very well and God is looking after them. Where they are ministering is about 1hr. by public transit so it is a little difficult, they are learning more every day how to shop for groceries etc.. Thought you would like to know as you were praying for them. Blessings to all Eleanor M. PS. This is short-term they should be back on Mother’s Day.