“And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there.”

Ezekiel 44-48

“And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there.” Ezekiel 48:35

Day 249 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with Ezekiel where my reading this morning builds on yesterday's post regarding Ezekiel's vision of a new temple. This morning the entirety of my reading focuses on roles/observances of the priests, whom may be allowed to enter the temple, how and to who land is to be allotted (upon restoration of Israel/Judah from exile), instructions for offerings and festivals (Passover, etc.).  There is reference to a prince in these chapters and a review of material from John Piper and John MacArthur does not reveal anything - I am curious about this reference myself but at this point this remains a mystery.

For now, I rest once again on how God is with me and all believers.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is with me always.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I worry, gossip, and have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Now let them put away from me their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings, and I will live among them forever.

Ezekiel 40-43

Now let them put away from me their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings, and I will live among them forever. Ezekiel 43:9  

Day 248 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I come back to Ezekiel where my commentary* indicates: "[i]t has been some 12 years since any recorded word of the Lord has come to Ezekiel.  Ezekiel's vision from God includes restoration and hope, as well as a "rebuilding of [the] now-ruined temple".  The temple and its rituals as seen in Ezekiel's vision are described as far different than the temple and observances prior to the destruction.  "As he was at the beginning of his ministry, Ezekiel is once again taken by the hand of the Lord to the land of Israel. There he is shown symbolically the new temple to come, its worship rituals, its celebrations, its servants and priests, its laws, and the division of the land surrounding it."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

The rebuilt temple and God's instructions for rituals and observances are described in detail - yet RC Sproul describes Ezekiel's vision for the temple as more symbolic of restoration - meant to communicate with the "disheartened" in exile.  Sproul writes "[u]nder the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Ezekiel describes the glory of the restoration in terms familiar to his original audience. God was speaking a language the exiles could understand in order to convince them of His good intentions."

We may feel disheartened but we DO have a God who lives among us - forever.  His name is Jesus Christ!

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:22-23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who lives IN me and among my family and friends - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin continues - including gossip, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

Daniel 3

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.” Daniel 3:28-29

 

Day 247 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I pivot to study Daniel and and his three friends, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednago as my commentary indicates they "are in the capital city of Babylon, about to be punished by King Nebuchadnezzar for being faithful to God."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

 

While this is a story most believers know well, it is particularly relevant today as people of faith are under attack for their beliefs.  We must find a way to draw strength to stand firm in the faith.

 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has protected me from great harm - sin and other types of harm, including physical harm.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of who You love and protect me.  I worry...too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.

Ezekiel 32-33

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘You wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved. Ezekiel 33:7-9

Day 246 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues in Ezekiel as my commentary* indicates God commands Ezekiel to take up a lament concerning Egypt, as Egypt is "singled out among the nations as an example of the forces of evil." Ezekiel 32 describes God judgement over Pharaoh and Egypt. Ezekiel 33 describes both God's description of the role of the watchman (assigned to Ezekiel) and how although God hates punishment, it is just for the wicked who choose not to repent.

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Just as God commanded Ezekiel to be watchman, He did so for Noah after The Flood:

And for your lifeblood I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being. Genesis 9:5

We are also to go out and save others - playing the role of watchmen.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:18-20

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has saved me!  Thank You Jesus!  Thank You for placing watchmen in my life to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to me so that I could turn my life over to You!  I am not deserving of such love and of the gift of salvation.  My sin continues - worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name. They will forget their shame and all the unfaithfulness they showed toward me when they lived in safety in their land with no one to make them afraid. When I have brought them back from the nations and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies, I will be proved holy through them in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

Ezekiel 37-39

 “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name. They will forget their shame and all the unfaithfulness they showed toward me when they lived in safety in their land with no one to make them afraid. When I have brought them back from the nations and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies, I will be proved holy through them in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 37:25-29

 

Day 242 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues in Ezekiel as my commentary* indicates God shows Ezekiel visions (dry bones that come to life, joined sticks of wood) that signify the restoration and reunification of the divided kingdom of Judah and Israel. God then shows Ezekiel a vision of the end times when His wrath is poured out on evil for the final time. "[T]he reasons for the destruction are the same: rebellion and wickedness. The other difference is that the punishment will be of an eternal nature. At that time there will be no restoration of the wicked—only everlasting peace and joy for the righteous."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

 

Ezekiel's vision from God about the restoration and reunification of the divided kingdom of Judah and Israel is a portrait consistent with how God restores all believers and reunifies (reconciles) us with Him (as sin separates us from God).  It also includes how God gives us the Holy Spirit - God is with us.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who Has poured His Spirit on me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock.

Ezekiel 33-36

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. Ezekiel 34:10

Day 241 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I return to Ezekiel as my commentary* indicates how Ezekiel gets his voice back (see Ezekiel 3:26 and Ezekiel 24:27) as a sign that Jerusalem has fallen: "With this dramatic confirmation of his earlier predictions regarding Jerusalem, Ezekiel sets about once again to take God’s word to the people. He reminds them that the desolation has not yet ended, but assures them that it will end soon, and that the promised restoration will begin. The time for healing will come quickly, and so Ezekiel changes his focus to comfort a scattered and defeated people."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

God helps Ezekiel understand the judgement that has befallen Israel/Judah and Jerusalem, describing the hypocrisy of God's people: 

As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:30-32

In particular, God calls out Israel/Judah's spiritual leaders: 

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. “‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. Ezekiel 34:1-10

Ezekiel's message is also one of encouragement, including prophesies of the coming Messiah and a New Covenant, for those in exile:

For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness.  Ezekiel 36:24-29

For me this morning, as the spiritual leader of my household, I am particularly convicted to carry out the role God has carved out for me to lead those in my house.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped rescue me from the pit - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.

2 Kings 25, Jeremiah 40-44, and 51

For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. 1 Samuel 15:23

Day 241 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I return to Jeremiah and the end of his ministry as he warns a remnant of Judah planning to flee to Egypt not to do so.  My commentary* indicates: "[a] contingent of army officers who had not been captured will apparently fall under the influence of the Ammonites, who will persuade them to assassinate Gedaliah. Their character is further revealed when they murder 70 innocent men, apparently without reason, and take captive their own countrymen at Mizpah. Just when it appears that other former officers are about to right all the wrongs, they too exhibit wicked character. After lying to Jeremiah, they lead away to Egypt a whole remnant of Hebrews, including Jeremiah and Baruch. Egypt is seemingly chosen for two reasons: first of all, there is fear that Nebuchadnezzar will punish the former officers for killing his appointed governor, and they therefore believe that they can find safety under Pharaoh Hophra’s protection. Second, they—and particularly their wives—seem drawn to Egypt’s idolatry and worship of the pagan Queen of Heaven."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

What is remarkable here is how Jeremiah is proven right time and time again with his prophecies yet those in Judah flagrantly disregard God's message as delivered from Jeremiah.  Jeremiah is even called a liar (Jeremiah 43:1-3) by his own people.  The disobedience of the Judean remnant in Egypt is clearly documented in Jeremiah 44:15-19 and Jeremiah's response from God stands in dark contrast to Jeremiah 29.

From God to those in exile in Babylonia:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12

From God to the remnant who fled to Egypt:

For I am watching over them for harm, not for good; the Jews in Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all destroyed. Jeremiah 44:27

At the root of such disobedience lies arrogance.  You seek other Gods when you believe you don't need the One True God. We all sin and need a Savior.

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has humbled me and rescued me - helping me understand the great sin of arrogance.  I know there is work to do but I am grateful for how You have worked in my heart.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving for such love.  I sin as my arrogance continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and ehlp me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Lamentations 3-5

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Day 240 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Lamentations.  As Jeremiah continues to weep and lament over the suffering of Judah over the fall of Jerusalem, we see glimpses of hope:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:22-26

You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:57-58

John Piper looks closely at Lamentations 3:31-33, and uses these verses to describe how God's judgement of Judah is "not His last word" as He point to a New Covenant. Piper also says that our pain is not His heart's delight - it is however a means to the good in which He delights. 

My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - giving me strength during times of difficulty and weakness - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at every street corner.

Lamentations 1-2

Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at every street corner. Lamentations 2:19

Day 239 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I start with a study of the Lamentations.  Both my commentary* and the MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) attribute authorship to Jeremiah and my commentary describes "Jeremiah['s] grie[f] at the loss of Jerusalem and the scattering of God’s people. He is both angry and sad. He is angry at the priests and prophets whose sins made the destruction necessary. He is angry at the nations which have either directly overthrown Judah or failed to come to her rescue. But mostly Jeremiah is sad. This weeping prophet, who so many times lamented his own sufferings, now laments the suffering of his fellow countrymen."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

God wants a relationship with us - He wants us to depend on Him.  He wants us to bring our every care and concern to Him.  

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 

Jeremiah weeps and grieves over the suffering of Judah - we should also weep and grieve to God over the suffering of others.  Tony Merida, author of Ordinary, wants us to go even further.  He seeks to have believers feel compelled act in love for others as a response to the overflowing love God has for us.  Merida describes in his book how God will work in extraordinary ways through us if we simply have courage to act in ordinary ways through kindness, hospitality, etc.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves and who hears my cries and is always with me.  Thank You Jesus - I am not deserving of Your love.  My sin continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa an myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

‘But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear. I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord.’

2 Kings 25, 2 Chronicles 36, and Jeremiah 52, 39-40

‘But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear. I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the Lord.’ Jeremiah 39:17-18

Day 238 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as we actually see the details of actual fall of Jerusalem.  My commentary* describes the details: "the wall is breached in the fourth month of 586 B.C.; when Zedekiah and his troops flee the city by night, they are quickly captured; a month later the glorious temple of Solomon and the royal palace are razed; the remaining noblemen are killed and temple treasures are taken as booty; and, over a period of four years, hundreds of people are taken captive and deported to Babylon."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Just as God promised (as God is faithful), Jeremiah survives the fall and God attributes it to Jeremiah's faithfulness. Time and time again, we see how

Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared.

Jeremiah 37-38

Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared.  Jeremiah 38:20

Day 237 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I go back to Jeremiah as my commentary* describes a period just before Jerusalem's fall and how Jeremiah is imprisoned, then later thrown down a pit then pulled out of the pit. We are led to believe that Zedekiah truly believes in God as he calls on Jeremiah for God's counsel but Zedekiah's entreaties to Jeremiah for God's counsel fail to lead to Zedekiah surrendering his heart to God. 

I have recently posted on how God both hardens and softens hearts.  Faith is indeed a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9) and we must be thankful for the faith we have, and pray and snatch others from the fire. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who snatched me from the fire - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.   

Because you think you are wise, as wise as a god, I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom and pierce your shining splendor.

 Ezekiel 26-28

Because you think you are wise, as wise as a god, I am going to bring foreigners against you, the most ruthless of nations; they will draw their swords against your beauty and wisdom and pierce your shining splendor. Ezekiel 28:6-7

Day 236 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with Ezekiel, as God delivers judgement (though Ezekiel) to both Tyre and Sidon both neighbors of Judah who seek to take advantage of a Jerusalem under siege.

Building on my post yesterday, we once again see the reaction from God towards those who seek glory for self vs God and who fail to acknowledge and submit to The Creator. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of mercy and compassion for me - despite the many days when I failed to acknowledge and submit to You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love, mercy and compassion.  My sin continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

 Ezekiel 25, 29-31

You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.  Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Day 235 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I return to Ezekiel, where my commentary* indicates "Ezekiel’s prophecies concentrate on Judah’s many oppressors: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia, Egypt, and the cities of Tyre and Sidon. Particularly singled out are Egypt, Tyre, and Sidon. Like prophets before him, Ezekiel pronounces scathing judgments against these nations for their own wickedness and their many wars against God’s people....On the contrary, they will attempt to take advantage of Judah’s vulnerability....It will be the nations’ self-righteous gloating which will draw God’s wrath. He will not sit idly by when his people are disgraced in the eyes of their haughty neighbors."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Arrogance is a well-covered topic in the Bible as God seeks for us to instead be humble. 

We must all remember that ALL of us have sin and need a savior and it is arrogant to say (even on any given day!) that we don't!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is so full of grace and mercy for me - thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such love, grace, and mercy.  I often don't come to God and acknowledge Him as I should - please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.... I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Jeremiah 23:1-8, 33:14-26, 31:27-40

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel  and with the people of Judah.... I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Jeremiah 31:31,33-34.

Day 234 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Jeremiah where my commentary* indicates "Jeremiah appears to reach beyond the end of the 70-year exile to a kingdom of a different nature and to the Messiah who will save his people from their sins." My commentary* also describes how "[a]ll of this will cause great confusion to future generations of Hebrews who read the restoration promises of Jeremiah, Isaiah, and the other prophets, yet continue to see a hostile world about them. Many of them will keep vigil for the coming of a political Israel which will truly have lasting peace and prosperity. Many will look for a mighty king to bring them deliverance from future oppressors. Many will look for a country whose geographical boundaries are clearly delineated and secure. Yet Jeremiah suggests that their attitude toward the coming kingdom is misguided."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Highlights from this morning's reading:

The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. Jeremiah 23:5-6

The above verses are largely repeated in Jeremiah 33 where God seeks to make it known with certainty that a king will rise from David's line, fulfilling a promise made to David (Davidic Covenant). 

God also promises a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31, 33-34).

Jesus is not only the Messiah prophesied and promised in the Old Testament (based on the Davidic Covenant), but also the Lord and Savior we all need.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who forgives my sin, freeing me from the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  I continue to be harsh with my words and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; his love endures forever.”

Jeremiah 33:10-13, 30-31

“Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; his love endures forever.” Jeremiah 33:11

Day 233 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Jeremiah where God delivers to Jeremiah through a dream a message of hope to Judah in the aftermath of Jerusalem's siege and captivity of its inhabitants. My commentary* indicates "[s]o that all will know that the eventual release of the people of Israel is due not to mere chance or changing political winds, God directs Jeremiah to record God’s promises regarding the restoration. Using the prophetic poetry he often employs, Jeremiah makes it clear that it will be the God of Israel who purposely restores his people—nothing else."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

While God makes it clear that it was Judah's sin that brought about its exile (Jeremiah 30:12-15), the message is overwhelming hopeful and it includes many verses of encouragement all believers can lean on during times of trial (including references to the coming Messiah - see for example (Jeremiah 30:21):

Referring to the exile, God says:

It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it. “‘In that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will break the yoke off their necks and will tear off their bonds; no longer will foreigners enslave them. Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. “‘So do not be afraid, Jacob my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid. I am with you and will save you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only in due measure; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’ Jeremiah 30:7-11

Referring to the restoration, God says:

I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son. Jeremiah 31:9

[Israel] will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. Jeremiah 31:12

I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 31:13-14

Be encouraged!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus You are my hope and great encouragement - I am grateful beyond what my words can describe.  I know You love me and You are full of mercy and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such love, mercy, and compassion.  My sin - particularly harsh words and actions continue.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.

Jeremiah 21-22, 34, 32-33

I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Jeremiah 33:8

Day 232 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as my study returns to Jeremiah where we review prophecies of Jerusalem's siege. About 10 days ago, I posted on how Zedekiah was installed as puppet king when Jehoiakim's son Jehoiachin is taken captive to Babylonia. My commentary* indicates that with "Nebuchadnezzar’s army just outside the walls, Zedekiah realizes that it is time to consult God. But the answer from Jeremiah is to surrender or be destroyed....Zedekiah chooses not to surrender, and the siege continues."  Zedekiah is told that he will be taken captive himself (Jeremiah 34). Yet, Zedekiah's heart was hardened and as an example of Zedekiah's hardened heart (similar to that of Pharaoh when Moses delivered messages from God - starting in Exodus 5), Jeremiah is arrested (Jeremiah 32) and my commentary describes how during this time God tells Jeremiah to deliver a message of all of Israel is to be restored (Jeremiah 32-33).

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

There are number of takeaways from this morning's reading:

Although Judah failed to heed these words at the time, we are to "[d]o what is just and right".

Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. For if you are careful to carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will come through the gates of this palace, riding in chariots and on horses, accompanied by their officials and their people. Jeremiah 22:3-4

God is all powerful, all knowing, and sees all or our sin (and we all sin):

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents’ sins into the laps of their children after them. Great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve. You performed signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, in Israel and among all mankind, and have gained the renown that is still yours. You brought your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror. You gave them this land you had sworn to give their ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey. They came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey you or follow your law; they did not do what you commanded them to do. So you brought all this disaster on them. Jeremiah 32:17-23

God offers restoration for those who repent and turn to Him:

‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. I will bring Judah and Israel back from captivity and will rebuild them as they were before. I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me. Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it; and they will be in awe and will tremble at the abundant prosperity and peace I provide for it.’ Jeremiah 33:6-9

I am reminded of the Parable of the Lost/Prodigal Son.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who adopted me in Your family - knowing everything about me, including my sin.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I am often full of anger rage, and harsh talk and actions.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

 Ezekiel 24

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Romans 12:1

Day 231 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Ezekiel. While Babylonia lays siege to Jerusalem, God shares the news with Ezekiel who is in Tel Aviv at the time (Ezekiel 24:2). Striking this morning is the great sacrifice Ezekiel makes as God takes Ezekiel's wife (she dies) and the same language is used in reference to her as God uses for the city of Jerusalem ("delight of your eyes" - Ezekiel 24:15, 20, 25).

While Judah suffers her just punishment, we can only describe Ezekiel's wife's death as a "sacrifice" - I can view this as nothing else.  My commentary indicates: "Certainly it can be said that Ezekiel is being asked to give up no more than what God himself will give up one day in order to bring a sign to all the world. Perhaps that itself is the very answer: as Creator of the universe God can and does act in ways that confound man. Death undoubtedly has a totally different significance to God than it does to man. But the immediate mystery is how Ezekiel can seemingly take his wife’s death in stride and continue his ministry. What testimony to any man’s faith this would be!"

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

The reality is that all of our existence is from God and we don't deserve anything other than death - for  "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:32) and "the wages of sin are death" (Romans 6:23). 

We must also remember that God wants us to live sacrificially, giving of ourselves first to God and then to others - demonstrating God's love through our lives. Sometimes, the cost is high but God's grace is sufficient.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who grace is MORE than sufficient as You have helped me through many difficult times and I am sure there are difficult times to come - but You will never leave or forsake me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such grace.  My sin continues - I often fail to love You and others as You command of me.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“So I will put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not imitate you. You will suffer the penalty for your lewdness and bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.”

Ezekiel 23, 2 Kings 24-25, 2 Chronicles 36, Jeremiah 39 and 52 

“So I will put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not imitate you. You will suffer the penalty for your lewdness and bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 23:48-49

Day 230 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Ezekiel. My commentary* this morning describes what has long been prophesied by Ezekiel and many other prophets regarding the sin of both Judah and Israel.  God gives Ezekiel a message to deliver to both Judah and Israel that my commentary* describes as "probably no more graphic an indictment...in all of Scripture.  Modern readers are almost offended by the candid exposure of two promiscuous sisters, representing Israel and Judah. One gets at least some idea of the degree to which God himself is offended by his people’s infidelity."  My commentary* goes on to describe how "God feels deeply the shame and disgrace that his “bride” has brought him. Her disrespect for his spiritual leadership, her chasing after material satisfaction, and her many adulteries with lesser gods have left him no choice. Israel must be put away until she repents. The time has come. Even now it [siege of Jerusalem] begins."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Yes...God is slow to anger and abounding in love, but God's patience is not unlimited (see also RC Sproul on this).  That is why believers are commanded to snatch others from the fire as this "the fire" will be the destination for those who do not accept Jesus - either when they die or when Jesus returns (whichever comes first). 

Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and You have snatched me from the fire - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom, energy and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign Lord.

 Ezekiel 19-22

And you have forgotten me, declares the Sovereign Lord. Ezekiel 22:12

Day 229 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Ezekiel. My commentary describes today's reading "[a]s a lasting reminder of how the wicked are brought down[.] Ezekiel writes a lament for two of Judah’s kings who were taken by Judah’s oppressors. It has been some 17 years since Pharaoh Necho led King Jehoahaz away to captivity in Egypt, and some six years since Nebuchadnezzar brought a subdued King Jehoiakin to Babylonia. Their capture and exile are witness to Judah’s vulnerability to God’s judgment."

Ezekiel also delivers from God words of judgement on both Israel and Judah. The puppet king Zedekiah is warned as is the Ammonites.

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Sticking out like a sore thumb this morning are God's words how Judah failed to remember all that God had done for Judah, including all of the grace and patience God demonstrates over many generations where sin and disobedience to God continued, albeit with certain periods of obedience and love for God. 

Worship and a heart of gratitude are critical for our journey with God. God has done SO much for us and we must recognize this and praise Him daily.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who has done so much for me my whole life and even today - how You give me life and life to the full.  I am not deserving of how You are so full of love and grace for me.  My sin continues.  Forgive me Father.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!

 Ezekiel 15-18

Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! Ezekiel 18:30-32

Day 228 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Ezekiel. My commentary* describes today's scripture reading: "[u]sing three allegories, God foretells Judah’s imminent destruction. The first allegory shows Judah as a useless vine to be burned. The second is a vitriolic attack against Judah’s unfaithfulness, portraying Judah as an adulterous wife, worse than her two sisters, Israel and Edom, and less moral than a prostitute. The third allegory, using two eagles and a vine, calls specific attention to the personal ruin of King Zedekiah."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Several verses from this morning's reading convict me, including:

But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his. Ezekiel 16:15

Question for consideration: how have we taken what God has provided for us and used it for worldly gain and favor and not for God's glory?

 In all your detestable practices and your prostitution you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, kicking about in your blood. Ezekiel 16:22

Question for consideration: how have we forgotten what God has done for us?  We must remember that everything we have and all that we are is from Him alone and not of our own efforts. (See also Ezekiel 16:43)

Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with them as you have seen. Ezekiel 16:49-50

Question for consideration: where do I demonstrate hypocrisy - espousing love with my words but not with action (see also James 1:22-25).

God is full of grace for Judah just as He is with us as He promises a new covenant based on the blood of Christ:

“‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both those who are older than you and those who are younger. I will give them to you as daughters, but not on the basis of my covenant with you. So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’” Ezekiel 16:59-63 (see also Ezekiel 17:22-24)

Finally, just as God does not allow Judah to exonerate itself claiming God is not just because Judah is being punished for sins of those who came before them, God rightly states that each person is accountable for all of his/her own sin and we ALL sin (Ezekiel 18 and Romans 3:23).

Yet we have a God who, through the shedding of His own blood, atones for our sins and gives us freedom from the sting of sin and death.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who sent His Son to the cross so that I would have life - to the full!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time. I am not deserving because I know my sin continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem my four dreadful judgments—sword and famine and wild beasts and plague—to kill its men and their animals! Yet there will be some survivors—sons and daughters who will be brought out of it. They will come to you, and when you see their conduct and their actions, you will be consoled regarding the disaster I have brought on Jerusalem—every disaster I have brought on it. You will be consoled when you see their conduct and their actions, for you will know that I have done nothing in it without cause, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

 Ezekiel 12-14

“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem my four dreadful judgments—sword and famine and wild beasts and plague—to kill its men and their animals! Yet there will be some survivors—sons and daughters who will be brought out of it. They will come to you, and when you see their conduct and their actions, you will be consoled regarding the disaster I have brought on Jerusalem—every disaster I have brought on it. You will be consoled when you see their conduct and their actions, for you will know that I have done nothing in it without cause, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 14:21-23

Day 227 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Ezekiel.  After Ezekiel's vision from God (see yesterday), God directs Ezekiel to portray via enactment both the exile to Babylonia and the anxiety stemming from the destruction of Judah and the resulting desolation and famine (Ezekiel 12:1-20).  God then directs Ezekiel to communicate the certainty and immediacy of the prophecy (Ezekiel 12:21-28). Ezekiel then admonishes false prophets (Ezekiel 13) who proclaim peace and that Judah's exile will be over quickly. Even elders of Israel fall prey to idolatry and Ezekiel admonishes this group as well (Ezekiel 14:1-11). 

Near the end of this morning's reading, my commentary poses a question: "[h]ow many righteous people does it take to save a nation? It has been 1500 years since Abraham asked that same question concerning Sodom and Gomorrah. Surely at this time there are righteous believers among both the captives and their Jerusalem kinsmen who are asking this same question themselves. God’s answer to Ezekiel is that there comes a time when a nation’s sins so completely condemn it that not even a remnant of righteous citizens can stop the destruction inherent in evil. God uses as his illustration of a righteous remnant a trio of faithful believers: Noah, who saw all of mankind (except his own family) destroyed by the great flood; Job, the patient patriarch; and Daniel (possibly the Daniel who is one of the chosen captives serving in Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, who will distinguish himself among God’s exiles even more than he already has)."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Today's reading regarding God's harsh judgement of Judah recalls to mind John Piper's post Why Was God So Harsh in the Old Testament but More Forgiving in the New? In the post, Piper describes the current times as a window of mercy where we should take advantage of God's mercy before God's judgement and wrath unfolds during the End Times.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God full of love and mercy for me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of Your grace - Your amazing grace.  I sin...daily, failing to love You and others as You love me.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply YOur message for me today and every day. 

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 8-11

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. Ezekiel 11:19-20

Day 226 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with my study of Ezekiel.  My commentary* indicates that during the period "591 to 586 B.C., Ezekiel brings a number of denunciations against Judah for its idolatry, its false prophets, its corrupt leaders, its rebellious spirit, its religious infidelity, and its sins. Ezekiel says that God took him to Jerusalem to show him the idolatry in the temple and the punishment of idolaters and corrupt leaders, and then returned him to his house in Tel Aviv. It all happens somehow while Ezekiel is sitting in his house in the presence of a group of elders."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

As part of Ezekiel's vision, God puts "a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things that are done in [Jerusalem]" (Ezekiel 9:4).  Those with the mark are spared slaughter (Ezekiel 9:6).  John MacArthur explains that "since God's departure [Ezekiel 9:3] removed all protection and gave the people over to destruction, it was necessary for the angelic scribe to mark for God's preservation the righteous who had been faithful to Him...[.]"

Yet, because God is faithful (based on the Davidic covenant that Judah will survive and a king will rise from her), and He protects those who are faithful, Ezekiel's (God's) message to the exiles in Babylonia includes a message of restoration.  God's message that He will give those whom He restores an "undivided heart and put a new spirit in them" emphasizes His role in our salvation.  God saves - while it is undeniable that God gives us the