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.