Winning the spiritual Battle

 Read Daniel 10.

How many times have we prayed and waited a long time with no answer?  We may be tempted to think:
-Prayer does not work for me.
-God is not answering.
-Doesn't God care?
-Did I do something wrong?
Or, is something else going on?

Daniel was loved by the LORD (v.11).  Yet, as this chapter describes, the vision that was revealed to him was so awful that he fasted and prayed for three weeks without an answer from God.  Why did not God respond sooner?  The answer is He did (v.12), but Daniel could not see it.  His prayer resulted in a spiritual war in heaven that delayed an angelic response.  This angel provided amazing insight into the spiritual battles that are constantly taking place. 

God immediately dispatched this one to give Daniel understanding of what was revealed to him.  However, the heavenly messenger was hindered by an evil angel who was exercising demonic influence over Persia.  The spiritual warfare was so strong that God's messenger needed the help of the angel Michael to overcome the opposition (v.13). 

If answers to Daniel's prayers experienced such conflict, it stands to reason that ours will also.  So, what can we learn from the prophet's example?
1. Set your heart on understanding. (v.12a)
Train yourself to recognize what God wants, pray according to the will of God, and realize that Satan works every time to oppose what God wants done.  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)

2. Humble yourself before God. (v.12b)
The disciples of Jesus asked Him why they were powerless in doing what He commissioned them to do.  Jesus replied, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." (Mark 9:29)  Admitting that we cannot live for God in our own strength and ability should drive us to cast our dependence upon Him.

3. Listen to the Word of God. (v.15)
It is a good thing to take in what God has said and then be silent.  Meditate and think about what the Scripture stated.  The Bible is our only offensive weapon in this spiritual war.  Believers are constantly losing because they do not know their Bible.  As Paul instructed believers to put on the whole armor of God, he concluded by saying, "...and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." (Ephesians 6:17-18)

4. Act courageously. (v.19)
Fear freezes us.  Faith frees us.  As soldiers of the cross, there is a holy aggressiveness to the victorious Christian life.  "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Prayer is indispensable in spiritual warfare.  We cannot win without it!

 

God's plans always exceed our Prayers

 Read Daniel 9.

When the Babylonian empire fell, Daniel turned to the Scriptures.  He read again the words of the prophet Jeremiah regarding the time when God would restore Israel.

"For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."  (Jeremiah 29:10-14)

Daniel realized that the seventy years was coming to a close and now God would act.  God's call to seek Him moved the prophet to pray a prayer of national intercession.  He confessed the sins of the people for not listening to God's word and rebelling against Him.  He pled for mercy, forgiveness, and for the LORD not to delay in acting on behalf of His people.  That is all Daniel could see from the Scriptures he had.  What he could not see was much more that God intended to do in the future.  Therefore, God responded to Daniel's prayer by sending the angel Gabriel.

Gabriel did not speak of the seventy years but seventy sevens (not weeks), or 490 years.  In Hebrew it is a play on words.  469 of those years have been literally fulfilled in history.  It is the 70th week (7 years) that has not happened yet.  Revelation describes the time of Tribulation as a 7 year period.  The descriptions of that time by Jesus and in Revelation confirm those future events as foretold in the book of Daniel.  We are now living in the gap between "an anointed one shall be cut off" (v.26, the crucifixion of Messiah) and when the Tribulation will begin.  The Apostle Paul explained it this way: "...a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in." (Romans 11:25b)

In the meantime, we may be assured of two things:
1. God will keep His promises to His ancient people.
2. He will be faithful to us today and for eternity.

 

 

A prophecy for then and Now

 Read Daniel 8.

Two years later God gave Daniel this second vision.  Some of the events in this chapter were future to Daniel and history to us.  Some of these prophesies remain future to us. 

This is the third time in the book that the same sequence of empires is presented in a dream or vision.  See also chapters 2 and 7.  Each time the interpretation is included within the chapter.  The angel Gabriel explained what Daniel saw.  The prophet observed a ram with two horns in verse 3.  In verse 20, we are told that this represented the kings of Media and Persia.  Next, in verse 5, a goat appeared with a powerful horn that broke the horns of the ram.  In verse 21, the goat is identified as Greece and the first powerful king was Alexander, the Great.  After Alexander, the empire was divided among four generals (vv.8 and 22).

As predicted in verses 23-25, one of those generals, Antiochus Epiphanes, became intolerant of any who did not conform to Greek culture.  He especially hated the Jews.  He stormed the Temple in Jerusalem and offered a pig on the altar to desecrate the holy place.

What remains unfulfilled?
Some of the statements do not match the historical events.
Three times in verses 16-19 alone, it is stated that the vision is for "the time of the end", "at the latter end of the indignation", and "the appointed time of the end".  In Matthew 24-25, some of these events were still future to Jesus.  While Antiochus did fulfill what Daniel saw, he only foreshadowed a similar evil ruler to come in the end times.  The final period of wrath, or indignation, will come during the Great Tribulation.  The Antichrist will possess the same attributes and perform similar acts of hatred against Israel.

So, what do we learn from this?
1. God will not tolerate pride. (vv.4, 25)
Where is the once powerful Medo-Persian Empire?  Where is the seemingly unstoppable empire of Greece?  Their downfalls came due to the same basic root.  When a person becomes self-deceived into thinking they are great, they live only to please themselves, and they do not need God, their downfall becomes certain.

2. God can use unbelievers to accomplish His purposes. 
Though these leaders and their empires did not honor God, He used them to fulfill His plans.  "Surely the wrath of man shall praise you." (Psalm 76:10a)  We do not have to live in fear of the evil others may do.  "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!" (Psalm 37:7)

3. God has a plan for restoration.
The exiled Jews in Daniel's day looked forward to being restored to their homeland, the Temple being rebuilt, and their relationship with God renewed.  Even in the toughest of personal times, God is in the business of renewal and restoration.  The key is repentance of sin.  Elihu was spot on with his counsel to Job when he said, "Then man prays to God, and he accepts him; he sees his face with a shout of joy, and he restores to man his righteousness.  He sings before men and says: 'I have sinned and perverted what is right, and it was not repaid to me.  He has redeemed my soul from going down into the pit, and my life shall look upon the light.'" (Job 33:26-28)

 

Who is the Son of Man?

 Read Daniel 7.

It was Daniel's turn to have a prophetic dream from God.  In the previous chapters, he only interpreted the dreams of others.  Here, he saw four beasts rising up, one at a time, out of the Mediterranean Sea.  And, as in the past, we are not left in doubt as to what it all means.  The second half of the chapter provides the interpretation.

The meaning and message is the same as Nebuchadnezzar's dream in chapter two.  God revealed the succession of empires that would rule from Babylonia to Medo-Persia to Greece to Rome.  No one ever conquered the Roman Empire.  It fell from within and, according to the Bible, it has never ceased to exist.

There is coming a day when the Anti-Christ, the little horn with the big mouth (vv.8, 20), will wage war against the saints.  But greater than he will be the coming of the "son of man" (vv.13-14).  When the Messiah appears in His second coming, all the earth's kingdoms will be under His control.  "All peoples, nations and languages" will serve Him.

Why did Messiah come the first time?
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10)

Why did the religious leaders want to crucify Messiah?
"...Again the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?'  And Jesus said, 'I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.'  And the high priest tore his garments and said, 'What further witnesses do we need?  You have heard his blasphemy.  What is your decision?'  And they all condemned him as deserving death." (Mark 14:61-64)

How should we respond?
"Jesus...said, 'Do you believe in the Son of Man?'  He answered, 'And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?'  Jesus said to him, 'You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.'  He said, 'Lord, I believe,' and he worshiped him." (John 9:35-38)

 

When your faith is under attack

 Read Daniel 6.

This is a story of a man who would be god versus one who was God's man.

While Cyrus, the Persian, served as head of the empire, Darius, the Mede, had been appointed as king.  The pagan Babylonian advisers continued to have access and influence.  Their jealousy of Daniel, and their hatred of the Jews in particular, provided the basis for this bizarre episode.

By this time, Daniel would have been over 80 years of age.  His reputation as a wise and faithful man had been impeccable.  After a lifetime of top-level government service to the Babylonians and now to the Medes and Persians, Darius planned to promote Daniel to very highest position in the kingdom (v.3).  The adversaries could find no fault in which to accuse him.  So, they plotted against him spiritually.  They used a legal tactic to prohibit Daniel from the free exercise of his faith, though it had nothing to do with his job performance.  In short, they tried to make it illegal to worship the Lord God.  They observed Daniel's spiritual disciplines and lied to the king about Daniel's loyalty (v.13).

What did Daniel do under such a threat of death?
-Should he have sued these advisers for slander?
-Should he have attempted to negotiate a compromise?
-Should he have conceded that his critics may have a valid point?
-Should he have changed his spiritual disciplines and kept his faith secret?
He did none of these.  "He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously." (v.10)

What should we do when our faith is under attack?  Be on guard.
1. Guard your personal conduct.
"That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." (Philippians 2:15)

2. Guard your public conduct.
"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:12)

3. Guard your prayer commitments.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

 

Some people never Learn

 Read Daniel 5.

This is the story of a king who did not learn from history.  He did not learn from his own family.  He did not learn life's most important lessons, though all the information had been given to him.

Belshazzar, a son of Nebuchadnezzar, became the king of the Babylonian Empire in 553 B.C.  Some years had passed and Daniel was no longer serving in his once high position.  It appears that he was almost forgotten.  The events recorded in this chapter take place in a single evening. 

While the king hosted a drunken party, the Persians along with the Medes had already surrounded the city.  But that did not seem to have fazed Belshazzar.  Why not?  His pride proved beyond that of his father's.  He thought the city to be indestructible and, with all their defenses in place, he was untouchable.  So, instead of preparing for battle, the king threw a drunken party.  He ordered the sacred gold vessels that had been taken from the Temple in Jerusalem to be brought and used for their wine.  Using these things dedicated to God for a pagan party was an affront to the Living LORD.  To make matters worse, the crowd began lifting the vessels in praise of earthly, inanimate elements as their gods.     

The Lord will be heard even by those who do not wish to listen.  Belshazzar was going to get the message.  The handwriting was on the wall (v.5).

As his father discovered, none of the so-called wise men of astrology, wizards and enchanters proved of any help.  Daniel again was called to the scene because spiritual things may only be rightly appraised by someone who has the Spirit of God within them (vv.10-12).  Daniel was quick to point out that Belshazzar did not learn the lesson against pride that God dramatically gave his father (v.22).

The downfall and transition of the once great Babylonian Empire requires only two verses (vv.31-32).  One hundred and fifty years earlier Isaiah 47:9 prophesied this taking place in a single day.  The Medes and the Persians then ruled from India to Africa.  The partnership of these two corresponds to the next part of the image Nebuchadnezzar saw in chapter two.

At the root of Belshazzar's pride was his belief that he was in control of his life.  Daniel's message from God in verse 23 was this:
1. God owns our life.
"in whose hand is your breath"  James 4:14-"yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.  What is your life?  For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."

2. God owns our life's journey.
"and whose are all your ways"  James 4:13 and 15-"Come now, you who  say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'--"Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"

3. God is to be honored as the Owner.
"you have not honored him."  We are stewards of life and are being held accountable for how we use the time and resources the Owner has allowed to please Him.

Belshazzar did not listen or learn.  "He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing." (Proverbs 29:1)

 

Some lessons are learned the hard Way

 Read Daniel 4.

The LORD will bring about the necessary life circumstances so that His voice will be heard.  But pride can keep us from hearing what God is saying.

Twice God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream, foretelling what would take place in the future.  In chapter two, the LORD revealed the evolution of world empires over the ensuing centuries.  He did this by presenting a visual of a human statue.  According to Daniel's interpretation of the dream, the king was the head of gold.  In chapter three, the king made such a statue.  But instead of using it as a teaching tool for the Omniscient God of Heaven, he made it about himself and demanded to be worshiped.

After each spiritual challenge, Nebuchadnezzar rightfully acknowledged who God is and even made declarations for the empire (2:47, 3:28-29, 4:3).  While he appears to know the truth, his commitment is half-hearted.  Babylon was always the center of poly-theism and the king chose never to rid himself of the false spiritual advisers who surrounded him.  Again, Daniel stepped in to help the king understand what God was trying to say to him.  The king would undergo seven years of a type of insanity but in the end would be completely restored.  Why?  And, what was God's message to him?  It was all about the man’s personal pride.

After God clearly warned him, he did not change.  A year went by and, perhaps, he thought the LORD had changed His mind or nothing would really happen.  He stood on the palace roof top and declared that the empire was all his and by his own doing.  "Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?" (v.30). Note the words "I" and "my".  He offended God's sovereignty and robbed God of His glory.  Immediately, the Lord responded and the seven years of insanity followed.

At least three times (v.17, v.25, v.32) the purpose of the king's downfall was explained.  It was to teach him once and for all concerning God's sovereign rule over nations, leadership, and individual lives.  "...until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will." (v.32)

It took a long time, but the king literally came to his senses (v.34).  In the last recorded words of Nebuchadnezzar in the Bible, he said, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble." (v.37)  A painful lesson learned the hard way because he did not listen and make a wholehearted commitment to the LORD at first.

The key principle: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6b)
The key requirement: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8)

 

4 prayer requests when our faith is Challenged

 Read Daniel 3.

How should we respond when our faith is challenged?  After some time, King Nebuchadnezzar built a monument based upon his dream. 

Daniel interpreted the gold head of the image to be Nebuchadnezzar.  However, he overlaid the entire 90' statue of himself with gold.  This is probably an indication that he wanted his empire to endure, rather than the changing empires of his dream.  Second, he had dismissed his spiritual statements of chapter two concerning God and made this statute an idol above all the multiple gods of Babylon.  To dedicate the statue, the king convened all the governmental leadership of his empire. 

Bowing before royalty has always been a common gesture.  But Nebuchadnezzar demanded worship, perhaps in the same sense the Pharaohs were treated as deity.  It is obvious from reading the book of Daniel that the pagan advisers never forgot their embarrassment in chapter two and the promotion of captive Jews over them in leadership.  In their first retaliation, they accused Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego of not worshiping the idol. The accusation was true.  These servants of the one and only true God would not violate their spiritual commitment (vv.16-18).

Nebuchadnezzar's foolish ego led to a senseless, angry response.  His instructions on executing the three Hebrews caused some of his elite guard to die in the process.  But, again, God is shown to be faithful.  He miraculously delivered the three men by a preincarnate appearance of Christ Himself (v.25).  Then, Nebuchadnezzar made his second acknowledgment of God's sovereign superiority (2:47) and issued a royal decree for the empire.

This is not an example of merely being stubborn about one's spiritual commitment to God.  We want others to see and understand the difference the Lord has made in our lives.  Here is how to pray when our faith is under attack.
1. That they will see we are true servants of God. (v.26)
2. That they will see the ineffectiveness of their actions against God. (v.27)
3. That they will see the undeniable power of God. (v.28a)
4. That they will see the depth of our love for God and want to know Him also. (v.28b)

 

This is one for the Ages

 Read Daniel 2:25-45.

In a dramatic answer to prayer, God gave Daniel the same message He had given to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream.  God revealed to the king what would happen in the future.  "...he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days" (v.28a).  This chapter unfolds some essential world history in advance.

The dream was of an image of a man from head to toes.  As Daniel explained, each part of the body represents a world empire.  Ever since Nebuchadnezzar's defeat of Jerusalem, until the current generation, the land of Israel has been ruled by Gentile powers.
1. Head of Gold. (vv.37-38)
Daniel said this symbolized Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire.  Historically, the empire ruled from 605-538 B.C.

2. Chest and Arms. (v.39a)
The Medes and Persians defeated the Babylonians and ruled from 538-331 B.C.  This was a partnership between two powerful nations.

3. Middle and Thighs. (v.39b)
The Grecian Empire rose in power when Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire.  The Greeks ruled the world, India to Africa, from 331-146 B.C.

4. Legs of Iron. (v.40)
Then, the Romans defeated the Greeks and became the most powerful empire in the world from 146 B.C-476 A.D.  This empire was never defeated.  It imploded due to its own moral and political corruption.

5. Feet and Toes of Iron and Clay. (vv.41-43)
This obviously is not a very stable mixture.  The Roman Empire never ceased to totally exist.  Instead, it separated into inferior parts with no real cohesion.  The book of Revelation predicts that such a confederation of ten nations will come to power and they will struggle over the land of Israel.  The finality will come at Armageddon.

6. The Stone. (vv.44-45)
In a shattering defeat, at that time, God will set up His kingdom.  The Apostle Peter preached, "This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.  And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-12)

 

3 qualities of a godly leader facing Adversity

 Read Daniel 2.

When there is a problem and no one has an answer, it is a God-given opportunity for those who know Him.

God gave Nebuchadnezzar a troubling dream.  It troubled him because he knew it contained a message but he did not know what it meant.  Since the days of the Tower of Babel, Babylon had been a center for every kind of satanic and false beliefs.  The king's closest advisers were known as magicians, enchanters, and astrologers.

Evidently, Nebuchadnezzar knew that these so-called wise men conspired in the past to make up interpretations to please the king or to promote themselves.  He no longer trusted them.  Hence, the test: to not merely interpret the dream but to even tell him what the dream was.  This would mean the end of their pretense of wisdom and guidance.  The advisers had been exposed.  Frustrated, the king's solution was to get rid of all of them.  The decision included Daniel and his three friends.

Like he did in chapter one, Daniel immediately recognized that this was an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and His wisdom to an unbelieving culture.  Notice three things about Daniel's character.
1. He maintained a respectful attitude. (v.14)
These were his captors.  Now, they set out to kill him.  He did not rail against them and he did not panic.  His response to the captain was "with prudence and discretion."

2. He confidently demonstrated his faith. (v.16) 
It appears he had access to the king.  Daniel asked the king for the assignment and to set the time for a meeting.  Though Daniel did not have an answer, He fully trusted God to provide what he needed and on time.

3. He involved others to pray with him. (vv.17-23)
The dire circumstances moved them to first pray for God's mercy.  God's compassion upon them would mean that He would supply the solution to the problem.  And, the LORD answered their prayer!  Daniel's subsequent prayer of thanksgiving reveals his faith in God's sovereign control of all things. 

There is nothing like a dramatic answer to prayer to give a person great boldness of faith.  Daniel walked into the meeting with the king at the exact time to deliver God's message.  The results:
-Nebuchadnezzar bowed down to Daniel. (v.46)
-Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that the God of Daniel was the over all in heaven and earth. (v.47)
-Daniel not only spared his own life, but the lives of the false advisers as well. (v.48)
-Daniel and his three friends were rewarded and promoted to leadership positions within the most powerful empire in the world. (v.49)

For the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is always hope.  God is in control of even the worst circumstances.  There is great reward for those who trust Him.

 

3 insights for living in an ungodly Culture

 Read Daniel 1.

The original purpose of this book was to give the exiled Jews, who had lost everything, hope for their future.  God had not forgotten His promises to them.  While many of the prophecies in Daniel have been literally fulfilled (over 100 in chapter 11), many remain to be seen.

In a series of three military campaigns, the Babylonians destroyed the southern kingdom of Judah and took many Jews into captivity back to Babylon.  Ezekiel was one of those captives.  He lived not far from Babylon.  But Daniel and his three friends were taken right into the courts of King Nebuchadnezzar.  The reason appears to be that these four were of royal or noble birth, educated, and were accustom to palace life (vv.3-4).

The Babylonian strategy was simple.  Take the cream of the crop of the Jews out of their environment.  Give them Babylonian names, feed them Babylonian food, give them the best in Babylonian education, and when they become adults they will no longer think of themselves as Hebrews but one of the Babylonians.

Three insights from living in a culture that pressures a godly person to conform.
1. Changes of life give us opportunity to commit ourselves to what is truly important. (vv.1-7)
Because they were away from home and in a pagan culture, these young men recognized this as a test of their faith in God.  While others sought to blend in and literally gobble up what the culture handed to them, these four rededicated themselves to be faithful.

2. Challenges of belief force us to determine whom we will obey. (vv.8-9)
They determined in advance that they would not compromise God's expectations of them.  But notice their approach was to ask and give God an opportunity to work.  Because of their respectful demeanor, "God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of eunuchs."
It is a reminder for believers in Jesus to "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15)

3. Choices of faith cause us to trust God for the outcome of our obedience. (vv.9-21)
They made their faith commitment known.  The test was on.  Daniel wanted this overseer and those around him to "see" the difference obeying God makes in real life (v.13).  God was faithful to them.  They passed the test and changed the culture around them (v.16).  For years to come, these four had influence at the highest levels of the Babylonian Empire.
 
The cultural changes in which we live are as challenging to us today as it was to them.  The Apostle Paul's urging must be our personal commitment.  "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2)

Changing the name of Jerusalem

 Read Ezekiel 48.

Those who want to treat Ezekiel's prophecies as symbolic will find it an impossible task.  For nine chapters, in this vision, an angelic guide has taken Ezekiel on a tour of future Israel. 
1. The Messiah will establish His throne in Jerusalem.
2. Exact measurements and details of the new Temple are provided. 
3. The reinstituted priesthood, led by the family of Zadok, is named. 
4. King David will have an important role as prince in Jerusalem. 
5. A river will flow from the Temple mount to nourish the land and change the Dead Sea into fresh water. 
6. The boundaries of where the land will be divided among the 12 Tribes are all here.

None of these things has taken place in all of history.  If one believes in the truthfulness of God's promises, as verified by the exactness of every prophecy that has been fulfilled, then there is only one view left.  The LORD will literally oversee each detail.

Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." (Matthew 5:17-18)

One more unfulfilled prophecy closes the book of Ezekiel in verse 35.
7. The name of the city of Jerusalem will be changed.  No longer will it be called the "city of peace" but, with Jesus on the throne, it shall be renamed "The LORD is There."

For believers in Jesus, today we can say, "The LORD is here."  "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you have been bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

 

More future promises from God

 Read Ezekiel 47.

During the thousand years that Christ will reign on earth, the Temple will be rebuilt, the Levites will again serve, and memorial sacrifices will take place.  The angel that has guided Ezekiel in this vision since chapter 40 took him outside the Millennial Temple.  There the prophet was given a view of God's blessings related to the future of the land of Israel.

Water began to flow from the Temple that was only ankle deep.  Every 1,000 cubits the water increased in depth until it became an impassable river.  It flowed from the south side of the Temple, down the Kidron Valley, into the Jordan River Valley (Arabah), and into the Dead Sea.  This same prophecy is corroborated in two other books.  Joel 3:18-"And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Shittim."  Zechariah gave even more information as he saw the river flowing both toward the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean.  "On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea.  It shall continue in summer as in winter." (Zechariah 14:8)

The rest of this chapter provides a glimpse into God's benefits and blessings for Israel.
1. The Dead Sea will become fresh water. (vv.8-10)
This large body of water that is saltier than the ocean has no life in it.  But in that day it will be teeming with fish.  Fishermen will occupy the shoreline.

2. The land will become fruitful. (v.12a)
With such abundance of fresh water, the dry desert areas will be rich with agriculture.

3. The leaves will become medicinal. (v.12b)
This statement is not explained.  In some way, the leaves from those fruit trees will have a healing property to them.

4. The land will be divided again. (vv.13-23)
God's promise to Abraham was made based upon "two unchangeable things" (Hebrews 6:13-18): His unchangeable word (Number 23:19) and His unconditional covenant (Genesis 15).  That promise according to Ezekiel 47:14 will still be in place during the Millennium.  The land will be divided once again among the 12 Tribes.  Even non-Jews, who may desire to live in Israel, will be welcomed (v.22).

The LORD indeed has many wonderful things in store.  Our future is as bright as the promises of God.  The fulfillment of His promises is dependent upon God's faithfulness.  The enjoyment of His promises is dependent upon our faithfulness.

 

He is God of planning and Order

 Read Ezekiel 46.

The LORD of heaven is the God of order.  As the Apostle Paul wrote, "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace," "But let all thing be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40).  This is true of how He wants things organized and even how worship is to be conducted.  Therefore, He is not a God of disorder and neglect.

Reading of the various offerings at the Temple may not be the most inspiring material for us today.  However, overarching all these instructions is the fact of God's attention to every detail.  He cares about the days things are to be accomplished.  He is explicit in the use of gates to be shut and opened.  He has the traffic flow of how the people were to go in and out (vv.9-10).  The types and amounts of offerings are provided.  Instructions are given concerning inheritances of property in Israel (vv.16-18).  The locations of the kitchens and cooking instructions are all here (vv.19-24).

What a Bible reader learns quickly is that God is not watching us from a distance, but is up-close and personal.  He did not create elements and allow chaos to take over.  He has a plan and expects us, as stewards of His property, to manage things in ways that please Him.

And, He has a plan for our lives.  As someone once said, "God does not make junk."  "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

 

2 moral requirements of Leaders

 Read Ezekiel 45.

What a future is in store for the nation of Israel!  Under a new covenant and a restored relationship with God, the Jews will worship at a new Temple in Jerusalem.  During this millennial reign of Christ on earth, land will be designated for the priests.  The area will be approximately 8 1/2 miles by 6 1/2 miles.  Here they will live and serve.

Turning from spiritual service, this chapter addresses civic leadership also.  Two issues are raised.

1. God demands honesty. (vv.7-12)
The governmental leaders, the princes, are scolded for oppressing the people, instead of serving them.  They abused their power and authority in using violence to rule.  They abused their position for personal gain through dishonest dealings.    The LORD requires honest business transactions and accounting by using exact weights and measures.

2. God demands purity. (vv.21-22)
David, the prince (see chapter 34), will have a special role in this new earthly kingdom.  He will join with the people in presenting offerings for his own sin.  

Those types of character and moral requirements are not just for leaders.  Being right with God and treating others rightly is expected of everyone.  "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

The good news of personally knowing Jesus is that the text does not end there with condemnation.  When one places their eternal faith in Him, life-change takes place.  "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 6:11)

 

 

God is in the Details

 Read Ezekiel 44.

As the formal priesthood will be active for Israel during the Millennium, God has promised that the sons of Zadok will be in charge (v.15).  The exactness of the Temple's future structure and the naming the family of those who will serve underscores again how literally this prophecy will be fulfilled.

Moses' brother Aaron was appointed by the LORD to be the first high priest.  He was of the tribe of Levi and his tribal family of Levites ministered on behalf of all the other tribes of Israel.  In this chapter, the reinstituted priesthood will also be led only by those descendants of Levi.  But over 2400 years have passed since this promise was made.  The Jews have been scattered throughout the world.  With intermarriage and time, it seems impossible that a Jew could actually prove they belonged to any specific tribe of Israel.  But that is not a problem for God.

An obvious example is found in the book of Revelation.  In chapter 14, during the Great Tribulation, Jesus will stand on Mount Zion and with Him will be 144,000 evangelists.  Who are these proclaimers?  Revelation 7 identifies them.  There will be 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel.  These, then, are Jewish tribulation believers who physically are descendants of those exact tribal families.  This can only be attributed to the omniscience of God.

It reminds us again that the LORD is not distant in His dealings and care of people but is truly up-close and personal.  He is a God of details.  When Jesus taught His disciples not to fear, He said, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)

 

2 indispensable elements of Worship

 Read Ezekiel 43.

Greater than the structure of the Millennial Temple is what Ezekiel saw next.

This visionary tour began in chapter 40.  An angel led the prophet through the facility and grounds, carefully providing the exact dimensions.  The entire area will be about the size of thirteen football fields.  But a building alone does not have any spiritual value at all. 

Merely describing the details is not inspirational reading today for most believers in Jesus.  However, for the Jews who had lost their Temple due to the Babylonian destruction, this vision gave them hope.  In addition, God had a spiritual purpose in mind.  The loss of the Temple had been due to their sin.  Revealing these building plans reminded them of their sin and shame (vv.10-11).  God will use that guilt to bring all Israel to repentance and to Himself. 

Now, two more elements will be added to bring about Israel's spiritual transformation.

1. The Glory of God. (vv.1-9) 
Ezekiel was allowed to witness the sight and sound of what will happen when this Temple is completed.  The glory of God will be visible.  The prophet saw it moving from the east to the Temple.  The movement of the glory of God will make a powerful sound.  In chapter 10, the presence of the LORD left the former Temple, but there is coming a day when He will return and fill this place.  God said, "This is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever." (v.7)

2. The Sacrifices for Sin. (vv.10-27)
To a believer in Jesus, this passage describing future sacrifices for sin makes no sense.  Hebrews 9:26 is clear concerning Christ's death on the cross.  "...he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself."  As John 1:29 states: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"  No further sacrifices for sin are needed. 

In the Old Testament, sacrifices for sin never took away the sin.  They only covered the sin, looking forward to the time when Messiah would come (Isaiah 53).  Since the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, we commemorate that payment for our sin by celebrating the Lord's Supper on a regular basis "until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).  When Jesus returns, it appears that in the Millennium, these sacrifices will serve only as memorial offerings to the Lord, looking back at the full and final debt that was paid.

The presence of God and the celebration of sins forgiven.  Now, that is worship!

Holiness requires a Difference

 Read Ezekiel 42.

In this vision of the future Temple in Jerusalem, the angel provided exact measurements that will be followed.  The walls, the gates, the doors, the rooms, the inner court, and outer court are all detailed.  Several times in this chapter the word "holy" is used.  The Hebrew word means sacred, consecrated, dedicated.  Something holy is set apart, dedicated to the LORD, and treated in a special manner because it belongs to God.

1. There will be holy chambers. (v.13a)
The priests will use these rooms to eat.  Because the meat will be that which was sacrificed to the LORD on the altar, the very room is to be treated as sacred.

2. There will be holy offerings. (v.13b)
The people will come with their animals they wish to give to the LORD as a sacrifice.  Since the offering for sin has been paid on the cross, such offerings in that future Temple would of necessity be ones of thanksgiving and celebration.  These offerings are to be treated as belonging to the LORD and handled in a prescribed, holy way.

3. There will be a Holy Place. (v.14a)
Within the Temple will be an area that is called holy.  This is where the sacrifices and offerings are made on the burning altar on behalf of the people.  This is not to be confused with the Holy of Holies.  The holiest of places was a smaller area behind a thick curtain that housed the Ark of the Covenant and the very presence of God.  That place was so holy that only the High Priest could enter and that only once a year.  When Jesus died on the cross, God tore the curtain of the Holy of Holies, allowing all access to Him (Matthew 27:51).  There is no mention of the Ark of the Covenant here.

4. There will be holy garments. (v.14b)
As the priests minister, they will wear special clothing that is not to be worn at any other time.

The main idea of declaring something holy is to separate it from common usage (v.20).  The Apostle Paul quoted the living God in calling upon believers in Jesus to live as a holy people.  There should be a noticeable difference in the followers of Jesus and everyone else.  "'Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.'  Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God." (2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1)

 

The bread of Life

 Read Ezekiel 41.

Ezekiel's visionary tour of the future Temple continued.  The three-story structure will include a surrounding gated wall with a spacious outer court.  Inside will be an inner court with many rooms for storage and priestly usage.  Details of the dimensions and, even some architectural features, are provided.  The one furnishing mentioned in this chapter is an altar referred to as "the table that is before the LORD" (v.22).

It is not clear how this table, or altar, will be used.  The size is larger than either the original "table of the bread of Presence" or "the altar of incense," as described in Exodus 25:23 and 30:1-2.  However, the name in verse 22 would seem to be in place of the first one.

According to Leviticus 24:5-9, the priest was to bake twelve loaves of unleavened bread every Sabbath day and place them on the table in two rows of six.  The number of loaves represented the tribes of Israel. The priest would then pour pure frankincense over them.  It was an aromatic "food offering to the LORD."  Symbolically, this served as a reminder that God provided for their physical needs, their daily bread.

Concerning daily needs, Jesus said, "Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.  But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:31-33)

But greater than meeting our temporary physical needs, Jesus came to meet our eternal spiritual need.  He taught His followers, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."  "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.  I am the bread of life."  "I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever." (John 6:35, 47, 51)

 

3 questions concerning the future Temple

 Read Ezekiel 40.

In a vision, on an exact date in 573 B.C., God gave Ezekiel a tour of the future Temple.  The prophet, led by an angel, moved door by door and room by room.  A rod was used by the angel to measure each space.

Many questions commonly arise as a result of reading the closing chapters of this book.
1. Is this referring to the Temple that was rebuilt when the exiles returned?  
The Babylonians tore down and burned Solomon's beautiful edifice.  This cannot be the rebuilt Temple because the construction instructions here were not followed as this prophecy describes. 

2. Is this referring to a literal Temple or is it all symbolic?
Yes, the prophet has used analogies and comparisons to illustrate some of the messages.  However, every prophecy in Ezekiel has been literal.  Those that were fulfilled to date have all been literal, which leads even the casual reader to expect that this description will be as well.

3. When, then, will this Temple be built?
There are so many prophecies concerning Israel's future that have yet to become a reality.  Overriding them all is Paul's declaration that the Jews will turn to Jesus as the Messiah and "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:26).  Jesus will rule and reign for a thousand years from David's throne in Jerusalem (Revelation 20:6).  These closing chapters of Ezekiel tell that the priesthood will be reinstituted and this Temple will be built.  The location must be on the very place where the Dome of the Rock stands today in Jerusalem.  That statement alone causes any thinking person to ask even more when and how questions.

Though we have many things written down for us in the Word of God, there are so many plans for His earth that we cannot see, nor fully comprehend.  Even more, how amazing will be the things we never thought of nor dreamed in the rest of the universe and heavens above.  Our faith is the One who created it all, who controls it all, and has chosen to invite us along on the journey.  We stand in awe of Him.

 

2 questions that define the future and the Present

 Read Ezekiel 39.

The Lord continued to deliver a prophetic message to Ezekiel concerning Gog and the allied armies.  In a repeat of what He stated in chapter 38, God will "drive" the battle to the mountains of Israel.  There He will intervene and nullify the effectiveness of the attackers' weapons.  "I will strike your bow from your left hand and will make your arrows drop out of your right hand." (v.3)  Not only will theses armies be defeated, but their homelands will be destroyed.  "I will send fire on Magog and on those who dwell securely in the coastlands..." (v.6)

Such a war has never taken place in history.  Therefore, this remains an unfulfilled prophecy.  Nor can it be spiritualized.  The exact nations are identified and the Lord even provided the name of the future cemetery, "the Valley of Hamon-gog."  It will require seven months to locate and bury all the enemy’s dead.  Instead of Israel being annihilated, the Jews will confiscate and benefit from all that belonged to their invaders.

1. Why will God do this for Israel?
This is all part of His original and unconditional promise to Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 17).  God will secure the land for Abraham's physical descendants.  He will gather the Jews from all over the world to bring them home (v.27a).  He will "restore the fortunes of Jacob" (v.25).  He will "pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel" (v.29).

2. What is God trying to communicate?
Four times in this chapter the LORD repeats His motive.
-"My holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore.  And the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One of Israel." (v.7)
-"...that I may show my glory." (v.13)
-"And I will set my glory among the nations..." (v.21)
"...through them have vindicated my holiness in the sight of many nations." (v.27b)

The God of Heaven jealously protects His name, His holiness, and His glory.  His desire of us today should be obvious.  Our speech, our behaviors, even our thinking and plans are to be in alignment with what is holy and what will honor Him.  

 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

 

What is God's ultimate Purpose?

 Read Ezekiel 38.

So far, the LORD has pronounced punitive actions against all the surrounding nations and encouraged Israel about its future.  Now, this is the first of two chapters describing God's future judgment against Gog.  It will take place "in the latter days" (v.16) at a time when Israel will be "dwelling securely" (v.11).

Much has been written about the identity of Gog.  What we are told here is that it will be a great military power from the far north to attack Israel.  It is easy to name Russia as this most powerful enemy.  In addition, allies in the region who will join in the battle are named in verse 5: Persia (Iran), Cush (Sudan and Ethiopia), Put (Libya), Meshech, Tubal, Gomer, Beth-togarmah (Turkey).  In other words, the attack will come full force from all sides.  God called it "an evil scheme" (v.10).

Do not miss how this will come about and why it will happen.

God says concerning Gog, "I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out..." (v.4).  In the sovereignty of God, He will use this scheme of theirs to pull them into a situation and inflict His wrath upon them.  This will be God's opportunity to show the world exactly who He is.

1. His Omniscience.
This evil will be devised in secret.  But the LORD is all-knowing.  He knows what they are thinking before they do and He will use it against them.

2. His Omnipotence.
The LORD will display His power against these armies "that the nations may know me, when through you, O Gog, I vindicate my holiness before their eyes." (v.16)  He makes even the wrath of man to praise Him (Psalm 76:10).

3. His Omnipresence.
God is personally involved, everywhere at the same time.  At this battle, He will let everyone know He is there.  A catastrophic earthquake will take place but not from natural means.  It will simply be the result of His revealed presence (v.20).

God's ultimate purpose behind all His actions with nations and individuals like us is that same.  "So I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations.  Then they will know that I am the LORD." (v.23)  It is His desire that everyone come to know Him personally before it is too late.

 

Sticks and Bones

 

Read Ezekiel 37.

After the death of King Solomon, the once proud kingdom divided into two.  In Ezekiel's day, the people of the northern kingdom of Israel had been scattered throughout the Assyrian Empire.  Then, the Babylonians conquered the southern kingdom of Judah.  Many were killed, some taken captive in exile, and only a remnant of poor people were left in the land.  It would have been natural for the Jews at that time to think that this was the end of the nation.  "Our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off." (v.11b)

But God's promises to Abraham were stated as an everlasting and unconditional covenant (Genesis 15).  Moreover, several times in Jeremiah's prophecy the term of the exile was declared to be only for 70 years.  So, how did God see the nation of Israel?  Were His promises still good?  What was to become of the Jews?

To communicate hope for the future, the LORD gave Ezekiel a vision and a visual illustration for an object lesson.
1. The vision of the bones. (vv.1-14)
This passage of Scripture is famously familiar thanks to the old spiritual song "Dem Bones."  It is often listed as a children's song.  God's intent was profoundly more meaningful than learning skeletal structure.  In the vision, the prophet is shown a valley of dry bones and asked a question about the future and God's power.  "Can these bones live?" (v.3)  God went on to give the interpretation of what Ezekiel saw.  "These bones are the whole house of Israel" (v.11).  The people were literally scattered and dried up spiritually.  However, God will cause the Jews to "hear the word of the LORD" and He will breathe life back into the nation.  Further, He will give them His Spirit and return them to the land.  These words reemphasize the message of chapter 36.  This hope of spiritual revival was meant in every way to encourage the exiles.

2. The visual of the sticks. (vv.15-28)
In order to stir the curiosity of the audience, God had Ezekiel take two sticks and bind them together.  According to verse 19, the sticks represented Israel and Judah.  Not only will the Jews have a vibrant future as a nation, but they would be reunited as a kingdom under God-"one in my hand" (v.19), "one nation in the land" (v.22a), "And one king shall be over them all" (v.22b).  Of necessity, this king who will shepherd this kingdom in the land will be a descendant of King David (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

It should be obvious by reading the Biblical account of the return of the exiles and even a general knowledge of history that the fulfillment of these prophecies has yet to take place.  Indeed, such a descendant of David will rule and reign from Jerusalem one day.  As the angel Gabriel announced concerning Jesus: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.  And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:32-33)

 

Why does God promise His blessings?

 Read Ezekiel 36.

After punishing Israel by removing them from the Promised Land and pronouncing judgment upon the surrounding nations, God delivered a message of hope.  Israel has a future.  The restoration of the Jews to their land is undeniably clear and specific.  Here is what the LORD promised.

1. God will bring them home.  (v.8)
The territorial rights to the land is God-given.  It is their home.  Scattered by war, taken into exile, and ruled over by empires and other forces, it was not until 1948 that there existed a nation of Israel on that land, under their own sovereign government.  To this day, they still are not in possession of all the boundaries of their homeland.

2. God will be with them and turn them back to Him. (v.9)
The word of the LORD looks forward to a complete spiritual repentance in Israel.  Their relationship with God, and the Messiah in particular, will be reconciled.  God will give them a new heart and a new spirit.  "I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statues and be careful to obey my rules." (vv.26-27)

3. God will bless them with abundance. (v.10-11)
This is not simply a restoration of the nation from exile.  He has promised to multiply them and "will do more good to you than ever before."  The land of Israel will be like the Garden of Eden (v.35).

4. God will give them peace. (vv.12-15)
Since the Exodus and return to the land under Joshua's leadership, Israel has fought with its neighbors.  Satan has always energized ungodly leaders in every generation in an attempt to eradicate the Jews.  This prophecy anticipates a time when Israel "shall no longer bear the disgrace" of other nations.

Their sin against God was profanely awful (v.17) and deserving of the justice Israel received.  So, why would God promise such blessings?  He does so for one singular reason.  Three times He states, "It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name." (vv.22, 23, 32)

There is a principle here.  Life is not about us.  The reason behind God's blessings is to bring glory and honor to Him.

 

A warning to those who hate Israel

 Read Ezekiel 35.

They were national brothers in their origin.  One descended from Esau and the other from Jacob.  But the Edomites hated Israel.  When they saw the collapse of Israel and Judah, Edom announced that this was their opportunity.  Instead, the LORD delivered a strong word of judgment upon them.  He would wipe them out and make their land desolate.

There were three stated reasons for God's punishment against Edom.
1. "Because you cherished perpetual enmity." (v.5)
These people loved being an enemy to the Jews.  From generation to generation, they behaved that way toward Israel.  They treated Moses as an enemy during the Exodus.  And now, a thousand years later, they continued their national sin.  So, God put a stop to it by becoming their enemy.

2. "Because you did not hate bloodshed." (v.6)
They loved playing the role of the enemy and they loved killing people.  God hates violence (Genesis 6:13).  So, God intervened by promising their blood would be shed.

3. "Because you said, 'These two nations and two countries shall be mine.'" (v.10) 
In their arrogance, Edom thought God was through with Israel and Judah, therefore, they could assume ownership of the land.  The LORD punished the Jews for their sin but that in no way altered His eternal covenant with Abraham and his descendants.  Edom's words were not only an offense against the plans of God, but it was against Him personally.  "And you have magnified yourselves against me with your mouth and multiplied your words against me; I heard it." (v.13)

One of the basic elements of what we know of God's nature is that He does not change.  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)  Behaving as an enemy instead of seeking peace will cause God to take a punitive response.  Acting violently merely for the love of bloodshed will result in God's judgment to put an end to it.  Seizing property that belongs to another, especially when they are in a weakened position, will bring God's wrath and great loss.  God hears such boasting.

The Lord said concerning the treatment of Abraham's descendants, "I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed." (Genesis 12:3)

 

What the leaders Forgot

 Read Ezekiel 34.

Someone once said, "Influence is the platform God gives you to help others succeed."
God chose Abraham and his descendants to be His people.  He gave them a land for their own and promised to bless them.  After 1400 years, the rebellion and disobedience of the people resulted in the land being invaded and destroyed by two different empires.  The people had been scattered, killed, or taken captive.  What went wrong?

The message God gave to Ezekiel was that the leadership of the nation, both governmental and spiritual, failed to do their job.  Leadership is a stewardship.  The LORD compared it to that of a shepherd tending a flock of sheep.  What did they forget?

1. The responsibility of leadership. (vv.1-6)
They forgot the basic nature of their job description.
-Feed the hungry sheep.  Instead, the leaders took from the people enriching themselves. 
-Strengthen the weak sheep.  Instead, the leaders took advantage of those who needed empowerment and encouragement.
-Heal the sick sheep.  Instead, the leaders ignored those who had physical needs of help. 
- Care for the injured sheep.  Instead, the leaders had no compassion on those who had been hurt.
-Recover the stray sheep.  Instead, the leaders paid no attention to what happened to the people.
In each case, the leaders did the opposite of what they were supposed to be doing.  Their mind set was that the people were to serve them.  That thinking caused them to use force and harshness to get things done.
Jesus said, "You know the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  It shall not be so among you.  But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:26)

2. The accountability of leadership. (vv.7-10)
They forgot that the people and the nation did not belong to them.  The leaders only occupied a position of influence for a time.  In verse 10, the Owner has a word for them.  "I will require my sheep at their hand...I will rescue my sheep from their mouths."  These were God's people and these who had treated His people wrongfully would be judged by Him.

3. The authority of leadership. (vv.11-31)
The Apostle Paul wrote: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God." (Romans 13:1)  Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."  (Matthew 28:18)  Notice, then, how God personally intervenes when leaders fail.  At least, twenty-three times in these closing verses the LORD states, "I will..."  Leaders are to serve the people they influence as under the authority of God.  Their shepherding work is to reflect the Owner and Chief Shepherd.

The prince named here, and referred to again in chapter 46, is "the man after God's own heart," King David himself.  Ultimately, there is one servant- shepherd over God's people; a descendant of King David (vv.23-24).
"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21) 

 

2 heartbreaking Questions

 Read Ezekiel 33.

The issue of personal sin and what to do about it is universal.  It is not limited to any time or people on earth.  Romans 3 reminds us that all have sinned.  Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit brings individual conviction and accountability for the wrong we have done (John 16:8).  But what happens next is the difference between eternal judgment and eternal life.

Some decide to ignore the Holy Spirit's prompting, choosing to continue to go their own way.  The results are that they heap sin upon sin and consequences upon consequences.  Many endeavor to salve their consciences with a philosophy of life, religion, good works, or busyness in an attempt to avoid the truth.  The most distressing problem with all of those self-efforts is that there is no confident hope.

God is faithful in sending His messengers to deliver His message so everyone knows how to experience eternal forgiveness and hope.  Ezekiel was sent by the LORD as a prophet and a "watchman" to warn Israel and the surrounding nations of the consequences of their sin.  Some would feel the guilt and brokenness.  They would ask the first key question.

1. How then can we live? (v.10)
The answer provides insights into the heart of God. 
First, God takes no pleasure in meting out justice for sin. 
Second, His desire is that all repent of their sin and turn to Him in faith. 
Third, the results are reconciliation with God and true life, both now and for eternity.
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." (2 Peter 3:9-10)

With that wonderful message of good news available to everyone, it grieves the heart of God when He is rejected.  Since there is no alternative, God asks the second question.

2. Why will you die? (v.11)
It makes no sense to spurn the only hope there is beyond this life.  Why would a person deliberately, and some defiantly, not seize such an opportunity for life? 
First, there is an adversary.  The devil is doomed already and it is his full-time occupation for now to thwart the purposes of God.  He is the father of lies and dupes many into believing they do not need to respond to God's loving offer.  He has even propagated the ideas that there is no place of eternal punishment, or that hell will not be too bad, or that one may earn their way out of it.
Second, human pride keeps people from admitting their brokenness and humbling themselves before their Creator and only Savior.
When one finally becomes tired of running from God and reach the end of themselves, they discover that Jesus' offer still stands. 
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29)

 

Lessons from a Cemetery

 Read Ezekiel 32.

The word of the LORD came to Ezekiel condemning Egypt, and particularly Pharaoh Hophra, for pride and false worship.  The prophecy came in seven messages that are found in these four chapters.  As the LORD concluded describing His judgment against them, the subject is death and the grave.

Pharaoh considered himself a god to his people and a lion among nations.  But God will not turn from such a challenge to His rightful place.  He promised to dethrone the king of Egypt and use the Babylonians to kill and destroy the land.  To make His point, the LORD reminded them of the demise of other once powerful nations.  They were all gone...dead...buried.

It does not matter how powerful, how wealthy, how famous a person is, death is an equalizer.  Job said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return." (Job 1:21a)  There are certain basic eternal truths concerning our temporary existence here on earth.

1. Everyone dies.
Physical death is the result of sin.  "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." (Romans 5:12)

2. Everyone dies once.
The Bible is clear.  There are no second chances after death.  We only have this life in order to prepare for eternity.  "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)  Knowing this should motivate everyone to be prepared.

3. Some will die twice.
Sin not only brought corruption and physical death, but sin also separated us from God.  The Scriptures refer to this as spiritual death.  Jesus came that we may have spiritual life (John 10:10b), a reconciled relationship with God.  Indeed, His claim is "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14:6)  Without coming to Jesus for spiritual life, one will go into eternity separated from God, tormented for their sin against Him.

4. Some are born twice.
The new birth is explained by Jesus in John 3.  It is a spiritual birth that takes place when a person commits themselves to Jesus for the forgiveness of their sin.  This results are a life-change now and a forever relationship with God.  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

 

2 vital reminders for national Survival

 Read Ezekiel 31.

"The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.  The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God." (Psalm 9:16-17)

Egypt is presented as a prime example of those verses.  This is the third of four chapters condemning Egypt.  Pharaoh Hophra and his military had an inflated self-perception.  Twice (vv.2 and 18), the LORD asked, "Whom are you like in your greatness?"  In this prophecy, God reminded them what happened to Assyria. 

Assyria ruled the entire Mesopotamian world.  God compared them to a beautiful tree.  There was none like it.  It became the envy of all the nations.  Their downfall came because they forgot two vital elements of national survival.

1. "I made it beautiful." (v.9)
As Creator and Owner of all things, the LORD raised up the Assyrians for a time to fulfill part of His plan in the world.  He allowed them to conquer and control that entire area.  But the Assyrians never gave God credit for what He had done.  They assumed it had all happened by their own power and might.  Their national "heart was proud" (v.10).

2. "I will give it into the hand of a mighty one of the nations." (v.11)
When a nation comes to believe that their blessings are the result of their own doing, they rob God of His glory.  Eventually, the LORD will intervene to prove His ownership.  Indeed, God raised up the Babylonians to conquer the Assyrians.  And, in this prophecy, God will bring Nebuchadnezzar to kill Pharaoh and destroy Egypt.
 
Every nation should take heed and learn these lessons of history.  The culture of our nation continues its moral downward spiral.  At the root is the same pride-filled, independent spirit of ancient Assyria and Egypt.  There is a sense that not only do we not need God, but the culture resents any mention of Him.  For decades the United States has sung Irving Berlin's masterful song, "God Bless America."  Even politicians who have never claimed to know the LORD will close their speeches with that phrase.  Instead, it is past time that America blesses God from Whom all blessing flow.

 

The high price of not worshiping God

 Read Ezekiel 30.

Pharaoh claimed in chapter 29 that, as a god, he made the Nile River and owned it.  The LORD responded with a prophecy of Egypt's judgment.  Here, are some details of that prophecy in the form of a funeral song, or lament.  God's destruction will be all inclusive.  Notice the fourteen times God says, "I will."  This is the LORD’s personal response to Pharaoh for robbing Him of His glory.

1. The People (vv.1-8)
Egyptians will be killed by the sword of the Babylonians.  The surrounding nations that supported Egypt will experience the same fate. 

2. The Wealth (vv.9-11)
In the previous chapter we are told that the Babylonians fought hard and long to destroy Tyre.  Yet, none of Tyre's wealth was found to pay the soldiers.  So, God promised the wealth of Egypt as Nebuchadnezzar's reward for meting out His justice (29:20).  This is referred to again in 30:10.  

3. The Land (v.12)
The real Owner of the Nile will dry it up for a time.  By reducing the main water supply to that region, the agriculture and food supply would dry up with it.

4. The Idols (v. 13)
All the multiplicity of false worship will be destroyed.  No man-made god is any match for the God of heaven.

5. The Cities (vv.14-19)
No stronghold will be able to stop the Babylonians.  Walls will be broken down and the buildings burned.

6. The Pharaoh's Power (vv.20-26)
His "arms" of strength to rule will be broken.  This is a reference to his personal authority and Egypt's armies.  Pharaoh Hophra and the nation will be unable to defend themselves.

The purpose behind God's judgment remains the same.  When a person rejects the authority and worship of the LORD, He will intervene in such a way that will be unmistakable.  "Then they will know that I am the LORD."  

 

Pharaoh thought he was in charge and did not need the LORD.  In the end, he lost everything. How much better is it to respond to His grace voluntarily!   "O, come!  Let us adore Him."

 

Giving credit where credit is Due

 Read Ezekiel 29.

Egypt had historically been the southern powerhouse of nations.  During times of trouble, Judah looked to their Egyptian neighbor for an alliance of help.  God pronounced a series of prophecies concerning Egypt that requires four chapters to deliver. 

1. The River Monster. (vv.1-5)
This Pharaoh would have been Hophra (589-570 B.C.)  Pharaohs were considered to be gods and the ultimate sin of Hophra was to claim that he made and owned the Nile River.  This was a direct affront to the real Creator and Owner of all things.  Comparing the Egyptian king to a large, ferocious monster in the river, God predicted his demise would be like hooking him and dragging him off in the desert to die.
   
2. The Reed. (vv.6-9a)
Judah allied with Egypt hoping to break free from the Babylonian oppression.  But when Judah leaned on them for support, they proved to be untrustworthy.  Therefore, God would judge them.

3. The Repercussions. (vv.9b-16)
God's punishment included reducing Egypt's power to nothing and scattering the people for a period of forty years.  After that time, the LORD promised to restore Egypt's fortunes.  However, never again would Egypt rule over other nations as it once did.

4. The Reward for Babylon. (vv.17-21)
The Babylonians were used by God as His instruments to judge the nations for their sin.  When Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Tyre, he expected to capture its great wealth.  But after all the hard work of the soldiers, they found nothing.  Evidently, in a protective move Tyre had shipped its wealth elsewhere.  The war had been costly without a pay-off.  God promised to give the wealth of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar as his reward. 

Taking credit for what God has done robs Him of His glory.  We must be careful to give the LORD the glory due Him.  Doing so will keep our pride in check, strengthen our awareness of His blessings, and cause us to speak of His goodness more often.

 

God deals with pride and a Promise

 

Read Ezekiel 28.

As the Lord continued to deliver prophecies concerning Tyre, He zeroed in on two individuals and has a word for two other nations.

1. To the prince of Tyre. (vv.1-10)
The ruler of Tyre at the time was Ethbaal III.  He reigned for a little less than twenty years.  Evidently, he possessed a very wise business acumen that made him and Tyre extremely wealthy.  Like the Egyptians and other pagan nations, their rulers were not only seen as having divine rights but divine themselves.  Ethbaal thought he was a god.  Sarcastically, the LORD asked, "Are you wiser than Daniel?  Do you know everything?"

Such pride will always bring a devastating response from the LORD, sooner or later.  To prove Ethbaal's mortality, God promised to bring foreigners (the Babylonians) to ruthlessly kill him and reduce Tyre to nothing.

2. To the king of Tyre. (vv.11-19)
This is referring to someone entirely different.  First, note the change in titles.  Ezekiel rarely used the term "king."  Second, the one described here was full of wisdom, beauty, and was present in the Garden of Eden (vv.12-13).  So, a mere man, as Ethbaal was (v.2) does not fit.  Further, this "king" had been created sinless and lived in the presence of God (v.15).  He was in fact twice mentioned as "a guardian cherub", a type of specially created overseer.  This can be none other than Satan himself, the evil power behind Ethbaal.

Like Ethbaal, this guardian cherub's downfall came due to his pride.  He thought he could replace the LORD.  He was cast out from his position and God's presence (v.16).  One day, God will ultimately and publicly deal with Satan in such a way that the nations will be "appalled" (v.19).

3. To Sidon. (vv.20-24)
The Sidonians are described as a thorn in the side of Israel.  But no more.  Through His judgment upon them, God will reveal His glory and His holiness.  The goal: "they will know that I am the LORD."

4. To Israel. (vv.25-26)
There remains a future hope for the Jews.  God promised that He would gather them and that they would live on their own land.  In that day, they will live in peace and abundance.

Tyre is gone.  Sidon is no more.  Satan's demise is written down for us in advance in the last chapters of the Bible.  And, true to the nature and character of God, He has a hope-filled future for His own.

 

A word to the Wealthy

 Read Ezekiel 27

If not checked by strong spiritual and moral principles, wealth and prosperity can result in personal ruin, both now and in eternity.

Tyre brokered the seaport trade for the Middle East.  Nations from Africa and Arabia brought their wares for sale and shipping throughout the Mediterranean.  Twenty-three nations are mentioned in this chapter.  Tyre's fleet was the best, traveling all the way to Spain to deliver goods.  Being such a commercial hub made the merchants of Tyre incredibly wealthy.

Then, when they received word that Jerusalem had been destroyed, they saw it as opportunity for themselves.  Greed and selfishness became their final undoing.  The word of the LORD came to Ezekiel in the previous chapter condemning Tyre.  Next, He had the prophet write this dirge for the once famous city.

The poem depicts Tyre as a beautifully crafted ship that everyone admired.  But, the ship sank and everyone mourned.  Even the protection of an elite military proved useless when God brought His judgment upon them.

1. Wealth is a gift from God.
Solomon, the wealthiest man in the world, wrote: "Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil--this is a gift from God." (Ecclesiastes 5:19)  The amount and definition of wealth is relative.  That is why the Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthians not to worry about what they did not have but to focus the use of what God had given them. (2 Corinthians 8:12) 

2. Wealth brings accountability to God.
"You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth." (Deuteronomy 8:18).  Since our resources belong to God and are on loan to us only for a time in this life, we must one day give an account to the Owner for how we managed His property.  "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12)

3. Wealth gives opportunity to impact the lives of others.

The instruction given to Pastor Timothy concerning wealthy church members was this: "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19)  This, then, is a normal part of church discipleship.  It is the cure for greed.  The greater the resources the greater the opportunity for reaching others with the good news of Jesus.

 

 

When God makes a Promise

 Read Ezekiel 26.

After prophesying judgment against the neighbors to the east and west, the next three chapters are devoted to Tyre in the coastal north.  Like Ammon and Moab in chapter 25, Tyre celebrated the downfall Jerusalem.  They saw this as their opportunity to enrich themselves.  "Aha, the gate of the people is broken; it has swung open for me.  I shall be replenished now that she is laid waste." (v.2)

But God's response was the same to Tyre as it was to the others.  He promised to reduce this wealthy fishing and seaport trade area to nothing more than a place to dry fishing nets.  It would no longer be the prosperous and power-brokering city of the Mediterranean. 

Tyre thought they were safe and that the Babylonians only wanted to put down the rebellion in Judah.  What they did not realize was that the same destructive fate awaited them.  To this day, the site of the city of Tyre lies in ruin, just as God predicted.

As Isaiah recorded the words of the LORD, "so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:11)  "Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.  Your faithfulness to all generations..." (Psalm 119:89-90a)

When God makes a promise, He keeps it.  Know the promises of God.  Depend upon the promises of God.  He will be faithful.

 

How to respond to a hurting Enemy

 Read Ezekiel 25.

Having delivered the prophecy concerning Jerusalem, God next turned His messages to the neighboring nations.  For nearly a thousand years, the four mentioned in this chapter had been enemies of Israel.  Every leader of Israel since the Exodus dealt with them militarily.  When Israel was strong, these four fell under its rule.  When Israel was weak, these same four rebelled and often sided with Israel's enemies. 

The Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, including the Temple.  God addressed each of these four neighbors according to their individual response to Jerusalem's demise.  But these were more than neighboring people groups.  Three had a family relationship with Israel.  Ammon and Moab were the sons of Lot, Abraham's nephew (Genesis 19).  The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob's brother (Genesis 25).  They fell into two categories.

1. Those who rejoiced while others wept. (vv.1-11)
The LORD executed judgment against Ammon and Moab because they celebrated when they heard of the Temple's destruction.  "You have clapped your hands and stamped your feet and rejoiced with all the malice within your soul."  But Israel was God's people and the Temple was God's sanctuary.  Therefore, their celebration proved to be against God Himself.  He promised to have them overrun by an enemy and lose their national identities.

2. Those who took revenge while others suffered. (vv.12-17)
The Edomites lived to the south and east of Israel.  The Philistines occupied much of the west.  Instead of coming to the aid of Israel, or rejoicing over Israel's downfall, these two took an active role in helping the enemy.  They saw Israel's weakness as an opportunity for their own revenge.  For this God promised His own vengeance against them.

We must be careful how we respond those who are suffering, especially an enemy.  God has a word for believers concerning this very thing.  In the same chapter that urges us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep,” the Apostle Paul wrote: "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'  To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19-21)

 

God's purpose in a time of great Loss

 Read Ezekiel 24.

Ezekiel, Daniel and many others had already been taken captive.  Living in and around the city of Babylon, the exiled Jews were dependent upon messengers for news from Jerusalem.  Here, before the fugitive messenger arrived (v.26), God gave the prophet a parable and a sign to let the people know in advance what was taking place.

The date was January 15, 588 B.C. when Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem.  This day is so important it is mentioned in this chapter and three other times (2 Kings 25:1, Jeremiah 39:1 and 52:4). 

The Parable of the Pot
To describe what was happening in Jerusalem, the LORD used a parable of cooking with a rusty pot.

Scene One. (vv.3-8)
Jerusalem was like a pot with rust and build-up inside.  Choice meat had been placed in it for cooking.  When the heat was applied and the water boiled, all the impurities rose to the surface.   Predictably, the meal was ruined. Nothing could be done, except to dump it out.  God placed His best in that city, but their rebellion against Him corrupted all that was good.  The time had come for cleansing.  The LORD used the Babylonians to empty the city.

Scene Two. (vv.9-14)
Starting over with an empty pot, the hot fire of God's judgment will cleanse Jerusalem of all that corrupted it.  His judgment was a certainty.

The Sign of Sorrow (vv.15-27)
To prepare the people for this great loss, the LORD used a tragedy in Ezekiel's own life.  God gave the prophet his sobering message for the people, but that evening his wife died.  The impact and explanation of the sign proved true on multiple levels.
-For Ezekiel, his wife had been the delight of his eyes and now she was gone. (v.15)
-For the Jews, Jerusalem had been "the pride of your power, the delight of your eyes, and the yearning of your soul..." (v.21).  But now she was gone.
-For God, Jerusalem was His "sanctuary", His holy place.  Now, for a time, it will be destroyed.

In order to gain attention, Ezekiel was instructed not to grieve as would be normal and expected.  When the people asked why, then he was to deliver the message.  The response that God desired was not for the people to mourn their loss but to realize that God is the Sovereign LORD and there is no other.  When the LORD is all you have, He is all you need.