Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Lamentations 1 -- 2

Highlights:

Jeremiah's intense burden for Jerusalem reflects the love and sorrow God has for His wayward children (yes, and even every one of us) (Matt. 23:37-38). God sent prophets to plead for obedience! In prosperity there are many places to turn but in adversity only one.
Jeremiah was deeply grieved that the holy city of Jerusalem had become as a widow! she that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary! She weepeth sore (bitterly) in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks . . . she hath none to comfort her: all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies. Judah is gone into captivity (Lam. 1:1-3). Jeremiah tells us why Jerusalem was reduced to such deplorable destruction: The Lord hath afflicted her for the multitude of her transgressions (1:5).

The prophet Jeremiah compared the once wealthy, secure, and proud Israelites to a widow who had lost her husband. The loving Lord was the generous Provider and powerful Protector of Israel, but the people rejected Him for heathen idols (Jer. 3:20). As a widow, Jerusalem was now destroyed, the remaining few were weeping in the night, with no one to comfort her: Jerusalem hath grievously sinned (Lam. 1:. The Covenant of God with Israel was designed to be a blessing, but they had not kept their part of the Covenant. Spiritual neglect eventually led the Israelites to lose not only their prosperity and liberty but also the precious privilege of letting the world know that the One True God expects them to reject their idols and worship Him, their Creator.

We too have one supreme reason for living, and it is not to obtain financial security, popularity, or material success, or to look forward to the next vacation. The question that needs to be addressed is: Will we read how we must live to gain the most out of life or suffer the consequences? Pity the people who are wasting their few short years of life chasing social and economic goals, but failing to achieve the purpose for which God created them. Jesus asked a sobering question: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46). Obviously, we can't do something we don't know, so, He calls upon each of us to know the Scriptures, His Guide to our lives.

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men (II Cor. 5:10-11).

Thought for Today:

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy (James 3:17).
Christ Revealed:

By Jeremiah's sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem (Lam. 1:12-22). Jesus expressed His sorrow for Jerusalem's failure to come to Him before it fell (Matt. 23:37; Luke 13:34).
Word Studies:

1:3 between the straits =there there was no way out; 1:4 solemn feasts =appointed assemblies; 1:9 came down wonderfully =had a horrifying fall; 1:14 wreathed =joined, intertwined; 2:12 their soul was poured out into =they died in.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Country: Zimbabwe (11.2 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: English and Shona • Limited religious freedom • 59% Christian; 35% Traditional; 2% Muslim; 4% Other/non-Religious (Hindu, Buddhist, Baha'i, Jewish) • Prayer Suggestion: Confess your sins to the Lord; He is quick to forgive (Ps. 32:5).
Optional Reading: Revelation 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:18

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Lamentations 3 -- 5

Highlights:

The unfailing compassion of God never fails (Lam. 3:23). By faith we seek Him (3:25-26); He always hears (3:55-57)! In worship, discipline is needed (3:27). The anger of God is always moved by love (4:11). He's our inheritance (3:24); Lawyer (3:58); and Judge (3:59); ever the same (5:19).
The prophet Jeremiah was one of the greatest prophets in biblical history, and few have suffered so much public humiliation, rejection, and hostility. For more than 40 years, he warned the Israelites to believe Moses, follow the Lord, and be obedient to His Law or to face the judgment of God for their sins. They failed to repent. They faced the inevitable destruction of their glorious Temple and Jerusalem, the City of God.

God does not permit suffering just for the sake of punishment. It always has a twofold purpose: first, as judgment upon sin, but, second, to allow the offenders the opportunity to repent and commit their lives to Him. We can truly praise the Lord that He forgives us of all our sins when we repent and confess them to Him (I John 1:9). Jeremiah the prophet assures us: Though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies (Lam. 3:32).

After the destruction of the Temple, there was a realization of the awfulness of sin and the consequences of disregarding God's Word. The Israelites had assumed that God's Covenant promise would continue even though they ignored their Covenant responsibility. The prophet pleaded: Let us search (examine) and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord (3:40). Jeremiah called for a national confession of sin, repentance, and obedience to God's Word.

The once-powerful, proud kingdom of Judah was now subjected to every form of humiliation. Its people had to beg for bread from foreigners, pay for drinking water, helplessly stand by and watch their children taken as slaves into heavy, forced labor, and know that these heathen soldiers had ravished the women in Zion, and the maids in the cities of Judah (5:11). Can we feel the heartbreak of the weeping prophet as he expresses his sorrow: The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! (5:16).

The righteous always suffer with a wicked nation; but, for the Christian, suffering should help us see the true values of life. We have had fathers . . . which corrected us. . . . they verily (truly) for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure (judgment); but He (God) for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness (Heb. 12:9-10).

Thought for Today:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (I Pet. 1:3).
Christ Revealed:

As the merciful Savior (Lam. 3:22). Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:21).
Word Studies:

3:5 builded against =besieged; 3:9 inclosed =blocked; 3:14 a derision =a laughingstock; 3:15 wormwood =bitterness; 3:29 putteth his mouth in the dust =speaks humbly; 4:10 sodden =soiled.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Al Joslyn • Country: Afghanistan (22.7 million) in central Asia • Major languages: Pastu and Afghan Persian (Dari) • Hostile to Christian evangelization. For a Muslim to convert to Christianity is automatic execution • 97.5% Muslim; 1.5% Parsee; .35% Hindu; .1% Traditional ethic; .1% Baha'i; .02% Christian; .02% Sikh; .01% non-Religious • Prayer Suggestion: Be glad in the Lord and rejoice at all times (Ps. 32:11).
Optional Reading: Revelation 5

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:18

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 1 -- 4

Highlights:

Verse 1:1 sets the stage: Ezekiel is a captive in Babylon when God calls him! No one can stand in the presence of God (Ezek. 1:26-28). The message to the people of Israel is also hand-fed by God to His watchman (that's also us) (2:8 — 3:17). Check our responsibility carefully (3:18-21)! Ezekiel acts out the messages of God (chap. 4).
As a captive of the most powerful nation on earth, Ezekiel was forced to live far from the promised land. Consequently, he could not offer sacrifices to God according to the Law. But to Ezekiel's great joy, the Word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest . . . in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was there upon him (Ezek. 1:3).

In Ezekiel's first vision, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself (flashing forth), and a brightness was about it. . . . Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And . . . they had the likeness of a man (1:4-5). The cherubim (angelic beings) were fulfilling the perfect will of God. Since the cherubim faced all directions simultaneously, it implied they were prepared to instantly obey the will of God in every situation (1:9,12,17).

Ezekiel remained a faithful servant of God even though he was forced from Jerusalem to live under the rule of heathens. In striking contrast, a multitude of "believers" today readily accept the standards of their secular surroundings, live like the world, and ignore taking responsibility in the Church which Christ died to establish. Jesus must ask: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46). He also warns: Whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man. . . . And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man (Matt. 7:24-26). Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (7:21). To believe on . . . Christ . . . and . . . be saved (Acts 16:31) is to forsake sin and live in obedience to His Word. The devils also believe (James 2:19) but, obviously, "don't do" the will of God. A true believer will take up his cross daily, and follow Jesus as Lord of his life (Luke 9:23).

The Lord will protect and direct the lives of anyone who yields to the will of God in every situation as Ezekiel did. Jesus said: Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).

Thought for Today:

If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (II Chr. 7:14).
Christ Revealed:

In a likeness as the appearance of a man, who sat upon the throne (Ezek. 1:26-28). This foreshadowed God who appears as a Man, the Man Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:5).
Word Studies:

1:18 dreadful =awesome, wonderful; 1:20 up over against =close beside; 3:12 rushing =tumultuous, shouting; 3:14 heat =anger; 3:26 dumb =unable to speak to warn them; 4:16 break the staff =cut off the supply.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts for the month of September sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Ander Crenshaw (FL) and Rep. Al Green (TX) • Country: Algeria (31.5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Opposition to the Gospel is intense • 96.7% Muslim; 3% non-Religious; .29% Christian; .01% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God in prayer and with singing for His Word is pure and His works are done in truth (Ps. 33:2-4).
Optional Reading: Revelation 6

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:18

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 5 -- 9

Highlights:

What a haircut (Ezek. 5:1-4)! The reaction of God to disobedience (5:5-17) plus His prophesied consequences against Israel as the "End" nears (chap. 6, 7,9)! They shall know that I am the Lord (7:27).
Fourteen years after Nebuchadnezzar's initial conquest of the kingdom of Judah, life in Jerusalem seemed to have returned to normal. Consequently, the people would not believe Ezekiel, who was in Babylon, when he prophesied concerning Jerusalem: Your altars shall be desolate. . . . the cities shall be laid waste (Ezek. 6:4,6). Even the Israelites who were captive in Babylon were sure that God would protect Jerusalem and the only Temple on earth where His Presence dwelt and sacrifices were made. But Ezekiel continued to warn them: He that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him (7:15). What a horrifying prophecy!

Fourteen months after his first vision (1:1-2), Ezekiel reported: The Spirit . . . brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem (8:1-3). The prophet then saw in his vision the great abominations (detestable things) that the house of Israel committeth. . . . wicked abominations. . . . there sat women weeping for Tammuz (the Babylonian god of fertility). . . . men, with their backs toward the Temple of the Lord, and . . . they worshipped the sun (8:6,9-14,16). As a result of their disobedience to the Word of God, the Israelites had filled the land with violence (8:17). The people also would not believe his second vision that showed God's reason for the horrifying judgment that was to come upon Judah and Jerusalem. Ignorance of the Word of God is no excuse. Jesus said: It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4). We face similars situations with our overemphasis on material success and refusals to read the Word of God to learn why He created us, how He expects us to live, and what He expects us to do.

Wealth was never meant to be selfishly accumulated or to be lavished on ourselves. God entrusts people with wealth, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (II Cor. 9:. Having a right attitude of the heart is all important since both rich and poor can lust after more possessions. The Holy Spirit warns: They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare (trap), and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (damnation) (I Tim. 6:9).

Thought for Today:

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto Thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto Him (Ps. 32:6).
Christ Portrayed:

By the man clothed in linen (Ezek. 9:2-11) who represents Christ as High Priest, marking His people to be spared from the flaming sword of vengeance. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast (firmly) our profession (confession) (Heb. 4:14; also Rev. 7:2-3).
Word Studies:

5:16 staff =supply; 6:4 images =idols; 7:26 counsel from the ancients =counsel from the aged; 8:12 chambers of his imagery =shrine of his own carved idol.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Sen. Jim DeMint (SC) and Rep. At-Large Earl Pomeroy (ND) • Country: Andorra (78,000) in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain • Major languages: Catalan and French • Official freedom of religion • 94% Christian; 4% non-Religious; .6% Muslim; .9% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord at all times regardless of circumstances (Ps. 34:1).
Optional Reading: Revelation 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:18

 

[Judy Harder]

 
Read Ezekiel 10 -- 13
Highlights:

Ezekiel foretold that our Creator God is Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever (Heb. 13:. He has provided a new spirit within you. It is the only way for God to correct us (Ezek. 11:19-20). False prophets are warned that follow their own spirit (not the Holy Spirit) (13:3).
Ezekiel's vision revealed the dispatching of seven men, one to spare the faithful minority and six to slay the idolatrous majority of Israelites. One man . . . clothed with linen marked the foreheads of all who remained faithful to the Lord (Ezek. 9:2-7). Then the glory of the Lord departed from off the threshold of the House, and stood over the cherubims. And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth . . . and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the Lord's House (10:18-19).

Ezekiel observed the leaders of Jerusalem who, it seemed, were being blessed and called upon to remain in charge as the favored people, while so many others had been taken captive. But in reality, many of the deprived captives in Babylon eventually learned, through suffering, to repent of their pagan idolatry and trust in the Lord God of Israel. God promised a great future to those who were committed to Him. As Ezekiel prepared to leave the Temple, he saw the Presence of the Lord, who rested just above the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies, slowly leaving the place where He had once chosen to dwell (Ex. 25:22).

As the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city (Ezek. 11:23), it reluctantly left the city which the Lord did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put His Name there (I Kin. 14:21).

It appears the Israelites were so involved in their religious activities they were not aware that God had forsaken them.

The Lord again gave Ezekiel a prophecy that reached far into the future: I will put a new Spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in My statutes (decrees), and keep Mine ordinances (commands), and do them: and they shall be My people, and I will be their God (Ezek. 11:19-20; also 36:26-27). It is thrilling to know that Ezekiel was also speaking to Christians. The Apostle Paul wrote: Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints (believers), and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of . . . Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone (Eph. 2:19-20).

Thought for Today:

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice (Ps. 55:17).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who gives a new Spirit (Ezek. 11:19). This is the promise fulfilled when we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of our lives. God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts (Gal. 4:4-7).
Word Study:

12:3 stuff for removing =belongings to take into exile; 12:23 effect of every vision =fulfillment, every prophecy will come to pass; 13:9 upon =against; 13:18 women that sew pillows to all armholes =false prophetesses who sew magic charms upon the wrists of garments; 13:21 kerchiefs =veils; 13:23 divine divinations =practice witchcraft visions.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by a Family that loves Jesus • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Official: Rep. John Olver (MA) • Country: Angola (11 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: Portuguese and Bantu dialects • Christianity is gradually being driven underground by communism • 60% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 5% belief in ancestor spirits, witches, and medicine men • Prayer Suggestion: Magnify the Lord; exalt His Name (Ps. 34:3).
Optional Reading: Revelation 8

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:18

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 14 -- 16

Highlights:

Each person is clearly accountable for their own choice to be saved (Ezek. 14:12-23). A breathtaking, tragic account of the love and faithfulness of God to Judah and her inconsiderate attitude (chap. 16). We must guard against spiritual adultery.
Although the Israelites regularly offered sacrifices to God, they also worshiped the heathen idols of other nations. As the judgment of God for their idolatry, the Israelites were brought under the control of Nebuchadnezzar, who took thousands of them captive. Once again, certain elders of Israel (Ezek. 14:1) came to consult Ezekiel, as if they desired to know the will of God. But the Lord revealed their hypocrisy to Ezekiel, saying: These men have set up their idols in their heart. .. . . Thus saith the Lord God; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations (detestable practices). . . . That the house of Israel . . . may be My people, and I may be their God (14:3,6,11).

To illustrate their one purpose as the people of God, the Lord presented a parable to Ezekiel: How is the vine tree (the grapevine which was often used by God to illustrate the Israelites) more than any tree . . . of the forest? Shall wood be taken thereof to do any work? or will men take a pin (stake) of it to hang any vessel thereon? Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel (15:2-4; also Gen. 49:22; Deut. 32:32; Ps. 80:8-11; Jer. 2:21; Hos. 10:1). Every Israelite knew that the grapevine was valued only for its fruit and was worthless for making anything useful or of lasting value.

The vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel (Is. 5:7). Ezekiel also spoke of the vine as representing Israel, chosen of God to let the world know there was only One True God, who would bless all who honored Him by keeping His Word. But the vine had failed to produce fruit; consequently, the only alternative was for it to be uprooted and cast into the fire (Ezek. 15:4,7).

This was a word picture of the Israelites being uprooted from the promised land and forced to live in Babylon.

The righteous judgment of God upon those in Jerusalem had to be consistent with the great privileges they had willfully misused. But the principles of God's Word are still true today. No whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience (Eph. 5:5-6).

Thought for Today:

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you (Matt. 5:44).
Christ Revealed:

In the everlasting Covenant (Ezek. 16:60). He is the Mediator of a better Covenant (Agreement) (Heb. 8:6).
Word Studies:

16:8 I spread My skirt over thee =symbolic of a covenant of marriage (Ruth 3:9; Deut. 22:30); 16:25 opened thy feet =offered yourself as a harlot; 16:30 imperious whorish woman =shameless prostitute; 16:31 eminent place =prominent public location; thou scornest hire =you refused a fee; 16:43 fretted me =provoked me to anger.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Bob Filner (CA), Gov. Brian Schweitzer (MT), and Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY) • Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and local dialects • Religious freedom • 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and the Lord will free you from your fears (Ps. 34:4).
Optional Reading: Revelation 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:18

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 17 -- 19

Highlights:

Two eagles, symbolic of Babylon and Egypt, and three kings. The last two kings of Israel are replaced with the Lord Himself (Ezek. 17:22-24; see Is. 11:1). A just God deals with sinners (18:19-24). Turn and live (18:31-32; 19:14).
Ezekiel was given another parable: A great eagle (Nebuchadnezzar) with great wings . . . full of feathers, which had divers (many) colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: He cropped off the top of his (its) young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick (traders); he set it in a city of merchants (Ezek. 17:3-4).

This parable illustrates the vast extent of Nebuchadnezzar's dominion. The eagle's feathers represent the great number of nations he had conquered. Removing the highest branch symbolized Jehoiachin, king of Judah, and a city of merchants was Babylon where he would be taken captive.

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers (Egypt): and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him (17:7).

The Lord God told Ezekiel to tell the people: Thus saith the Lord God; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof . . . that it wither? (17:9). The purpose of this important prophecy was to warn King Zedekiah not to betray his oath of submission to Nebuchadnezzar by forming an alliance with Egypt.

The vow made to Nebuchadnezzar and sworn to in the Name of God was binding (Num. 30:2, II Chr. 36:13). Zedekiah was warned, but foolishly chose to disobey the instruction of God.

In the ninth year of his reign, King Zedekiah made a military treaty with Egypt. As a consequence, Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem and the people suffered many months of famine and pestilence before the city and Temple were captured and utterly destroyed.

Nebuchadnezzar's invasion of Judah could have been averted if Zedekiah had honorably kept his vow. We too are obligated to keep promises, even when they are made with the unsaved (Ps. 15:4.) There are always consequences when we break our promises, whether it be a marriage vow or a business transaction.

If a man vow a vow (make a promise) unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul (obligate himself) with a bond; he shall not break his word (Num. 30:2).

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed (Ecc. 5:4).

Thought for Today:

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (Matt. 6:6).
Christ Revealed:

As the One whose forgiveness provides life everlasting (Ezek. 18:20-22). God so loved (the people of) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Word Study:

17:18 had given his hand =pledged his word; 18:8 not given forth upon usury . . . taken any increase =loaned money at no interest; 18:25 not equal =unfair.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Joyce Rutherford's birthday • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL) • Country: Argentina (37 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 1.5% Muslim; 1% Jewish; 2.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Revere and worship the Lord with godly fear and you will have no want (Ps. 34:9).
Optional Reading: Revelation 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 1:29

 

Read Ezekiel 20 -- 21

Highlights:

Israel's leaders refuse to listen to the prophets of God. The consequences are inevitible (Ezek. chap. 20). God guides Babylon to fulfill His judgment against Israel (21:3). A fork in the road. Babylon heads for Judah (21:18-23). God accuses the people of open sin with no shame (21:24).
The king and the religious leaders of Judah had expressed growing hatred for the prophet Jeremiah because of his messages of judgment against them. There comes a time when God says: Then shall they call upon Me, but I will not answer (Prov. 1:28). It was now too late to pray for God to spare Jerusalem from destruction. However, Ezekiel records: Certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire (ask for guidance) of the Lord, and sat before me (Ezek. 20:1). Then God gave Ezekiel the following message for them: I will not be inquired of by you . . . . I chose Israel. . . . But they rebelled against Me. . . . they despised My judgments . . . for their heart went after their idols (20: 3,5,8,16).

Following this, Ezekiel received a terrifying message from the Lord for Israel: I am against thee, and will draw forth My sword. . . . to give it into the hand of the slayer (21:3,11).

Ezekiel's prophecy of the sharpened sword was a message of impending destruction. King Zedekiah, the profane wicked prince of Israel (21:25), and the people would soon be captured. Jerusalem and the Temple would be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, who, no doubt, congratulated himself on his triumph in Judah. But, he was unknowingly being used to fulfill the judgment of God upon His rebellious people. This is a reminder that the lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord (Prov. 16:33).

Over and over again God orchestrates events, people, and circumstances to fulfill His righteous purposes.

No king has been anointed to sit on the throne of David in Israel for the past 2500 years. As Ezekiel foretold: Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem (turban), and take off the crown. . . . I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it (to) Him (Ezek. 21:26-27). In the time of Jesus, an Edomite named Herod was merely a puppet king appointed by Rome to govern only the Jews of Judea.

According to the purpose and prophetic Word of God, the promised land will continue to exist without a king until the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings, and Lord of lords (I Tim. 6:15).

Thought for Today:

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name (Matt. 6:9).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who will gather His people from all nations and will purge out the false from the true (Ezek. 20:34-38). When the Son of Man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory: And before Him shall be gathered all nations: and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. . . . And these (goats) shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Matt. 25:31-46; also 3:12).
Word Studies:

20:5 I lifted up mine hand = bound myself by an oath; 21:2 drop thy (your) word toward =pour out your words against; 21:13 the sword contemn even the rod =there is a testing in store by the sword since you despised the rod (refused to be corrected).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Officials: Rep. Danny Davis (IL), Rep. John Kline (MN), Rep. Sander Levin (MI), Rep. Kendrick Meek (FL), and Gov. Bill Ritter (CO) • Country: Armenia (3.8 million) southwest Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia • Major languages: Armenian and Russian • Religious freedom • 78.5% Armenian Apostolic Church; 3.3% Muslim; .05% Protestant; 17.7% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will keep you from speaking evil (Ps. 34:13).
Optional Reading: Revelation 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 1:29

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 22 -- 24

Highlights:

Ezekiel's mission: Denounce their terrible deeds in public (Ezek. chap. 22). Who will save them (22:30)? Two sisters betray God, causing destruction (23:2-3,30,46-49). Who are they (23:4)? The Israelites' complete corruption in a boiling pot (24:3). Judgment follows (24:6-14). Did you get the message when Ezekiel's wife died (24:15-24)?
On the very day that God revealed to Ezekiel that his precious wife, the desire (delight) of thine eyes, was to die, God also said: Yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down (Ezek. 24:16). Ezekiel was told by the Lord that, after his wife's death, he was to refrain from all the conventional signs of mourning for the dead. It was not that he was to be insensitive to the death of his wife. But, his own personal grief was to give way to the far greater heartbreak over the death of the nation of God and the destruction of His Temple which took place the same day Ezekiel's wife died. Thus saith the Lord God; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled (plundered). And the company . . . shall slay their sons and their daughters. . . . and ye shall bear the sins of your idols: and ye shall know that I am the Lord God (23:46-47,49).

News of Ezekiel's unusual reaction to his wife's death must have spread quickly, for the people asked: Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us? (24:19). Then came the tragic news from Ezekiel: Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will profane My Sanctuary . . . and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword. . . . when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord God (24:21-24).

Eventually, a messenger who had escaped the devastation of Jerusalem arrived in Babylon to report the city's destruction (33:21). The Israelites' acceptance of false gods and their indifference to the Word of God had brought about the destruction of Jerusalem and the death of their own sons and daughters, just as they had been forewarned by Jeremiah in Jerusalem and by Ezekiel in Babylonia (Gal. 6:7-8).

Often we see people grieving over material losses but showing little concern for their own or their children's eternal welfare. Jesus said that His disciples should not be preoccupied with earthly things, not even our daily needs: For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. . . . But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these (material and otherwise) things shall be added unto you (Luke 12:30; Matt. 6:33).

Thought for Today:

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest (Matt. 9:38).
Christ Revealed:

In the denunciation of Israel's false prophets (Ezek. 22: 25-28). Compare these words with those Christ spoke against the scribes and Pharisees. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23:13-36).
Word Studies:

22:7 they set light by father and mother =they treated parents with contempt; dealt by oppression with the stranger =treat oppressively and suffer extortion from a foreigner; they vexed the fatherless and the widow =they wrong the orphan and the widow; 22:12 gifts =bribes; 23:16 doted upon =lusted for them, was infatuated with; 23:20 doted on their paramours =lusted after their male prostitutes; 24:17 tire =turban.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Government Official: Sen. Daniel Inouye (HI) • Country: Australia (19 million) an island continent between the Indian and Pacific Oceans • Major languages: English and native languages • Religious freedom • 40% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 3% Orthodox; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Call to the Lord for help; He will save you out of your troubles (Ps. 34:17).
Optional Reading: Revelation 12

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 1:29

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 25 -- 28

Highlights:

Six of Judah's enemies are warned of their destruction by the Lord. Can you name them (Ezek. 25:1,8,12,15; 26:2; 28:2, 21)? What did they do against God? Read and learn (25:3,8,12,15; 26:2; 28:24).
Tyre was situated on the Mediterranean Sea and was one of the richest cities of the world. Its wealth was not gained from war, like that of Babylon, but from commercial business. Its fleet of ships was the greatest of all nations. Ezekiel prophesied: The Word of the Lord came unto me . . . I am against thee, O Tyrus (Ezek. 26:1,3). God foretold that Tyre would be fully destroyed, not only because of its immoral idolatry, but also because it was rejoicing over the downfall of Jerusalem and that its competition no longer existed. It was saying: Aha, she is broken . . . I shall be replenished (grow rich), now (that) she is laid waste (26:2).

Only God, who rules over every detail on earth, would be able to say: They shall destroy the walls of Tyrus, and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her like the top of a rock. It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea (26:4-5). Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the mainland city. During that long siege, the city's administration and wealth was moved to the offshore island section of the city. But, more than two centuries later, Alexander the Great besieged Tyre, which was then just an island city nearly half a mile from the mainland. Since Alexander had no fleet, his men used the stones from the walls of the ancient mainland city to build a causeway to reach the island and destroy it exactly as prophesied.

Knowing that God sees all things, the attitude of Tyre should be a warning to those who rejoice when their competition goes bankrupt, or to the "Christian" who resents the success of his "rivals" in the church or in the marketplace. Christians have much to repent of here. Our gossip does more damage than we can imagine when we rejoice over the so-called "failures" of others. Of course, with God, there is no failure.

Now the works of the flesh . . . are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (sensuality), Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance (discord), emulations (jealousy), wrath, strife, seditions (dissensions), heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:19-21).

Thought for Today:

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41).
Christ Revealed:

As the One who will rule over the destruction of Satan at the end of time: Therefore will I bring forth a fire . . . it shall devour thee (Ezek. 28:18-19). As Jesus reigns following the Great White Throne Judgment, Satan, the devil . . . was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:1-10,14).
Word Studies:

25:5 couchingplace =resting place; 26:9 engines of war =battering rams; 26:17 haunt it =dwell there.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Sen. Bernard Sanders (VT), and Rep. Michael Simpson (ID) • Country: Austria (8.1 million) in central Europe • Major language: German • Religious freedom • 78% Catholic; 6% Protestant; 3% Other Christian; 2% Muslim; .1% Jewish; 1.9% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray not to be envious of others (Ps. 37:1).
Optional Reading: Revelation 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 1:29

 

[Judy Harder]

Read Ezekiel 29 -- 32

Highlights:

Another enemy and its destiny (Ezek. 29:3,13-15)! How quickly we forget the days of slavery (29:16)! A sad day for Egypt and its allies (30:2-8). Egypt, a prideful and arrogant nation (chap. 31). Look who God uses to defeat the Egyptians (32:11). Read the list of others who were judged by God (32:17-31).
About a year after the Babylonians had surrounded Jerusalem in their plan to starve them into submission, Ezekiel foretold the end of Egypt as a great nation. God said to him: Son of man, set thy face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him, and against all Egypt. . . . because they have been a staff of reed (worthless support) to the house of Israel. . . . Behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and cut off man and beast out of thee. And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste. . . . neither shall it be inhabited forty years (Ezek. 29:2-11). Although Egypt would no longer be a great power of the world, it would not be utterly destroyed as Babylon would be. Ezekiel foretold: At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians. . . . into the land of their habitation (origin); and they shall be there a base (lowly) kingdom. . . . neither shall it exalt itself any more above the nations: for I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations (29:13-15). Over the centuries, Egypt has never regained the status of a world empire. It remains a witness to the supreme authority of God.

At the time of the Exodus, the ten plagues forced the Egyptians to acknowledge that their own gods were powerless against the One True God. This should have caused Egypt and particularly, Israel who had witnessed all this, to reject their idols and worship the One True God of creation. God brought judgment upon Israel, Judah, Tyre, Sidon, Egypt, and other nations to cause them to realize that I am the Lord (29:9). This phrase is mentioned 66 times in this book alone to point out the importance of obeying the Word of God.

A future time of redemption and restoration was also foretold: In that day will I cause the horn (strength) of the house of Israel to bud forth (29:21). The horn is a symbol of power (I Sam. 2:10; Ps. 92:10). As prophesied, the people of God, both Jew and Gentile, have a future destiny of glory with Jesus as their Messiah.

God . . . hath. . . . given Him a Name which is above every name . . . That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth . . . And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:9-11).

Thought for Today:

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them (Mark 11:24).
Christ Revealed:

By the Word of the Lord (Ezek. 29:1). In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). God . . . hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).
Word Studies:

29:7 loins to be at a stand =their legs to give way or stagger; 29:18 peeled =rubbed bare; 30:2 Woe worth the day =mourn the coming day (of terror); 31:3 a shadowing shroud =overshadowing the forest.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Officials: Rep. John Linder (GA), Rep. Howard (Buck) McKeon (CA), Rep. Glenn Nye (VA), and Rep. Ted Poe (TX) • Country: Azerbaijan (7.7 million) southern Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia • Major languages: Azeri and Russian • Religious freedom • 65% Shi'a Muslim; 30% Sunni Muslim; 2% Russian Orthodox; 2% Armenian Apostolic; 1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart (Ps. 37:4).
Optional Reading: Revelation 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 1:29