Bible Reading Reflection from Ezekiel 33-39

 [Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (SSEU), a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

𝔼𝕫𝕖𝕜𝕚𝕖𝕝 𝟛𝟛:𝟙𝟟

"Yet your fellow citizens say, 'The way of the Lord is not right,' when it is their own way that is not right."

Context: Ezekiel was one of the most eccentric, ludicrous prophets of God. Certainly, I would not wish to live like him. God told him to walk naked for 3 years. And God told him to sleep only on his left side for more than a year and another 40 days only on the right side.

Ezekiel was to be an object lesson for the people of his times. He was a living lesson for them, an example, demonstration, prediction. In chapter 3, he was made a watchman, to warn people. And now, in chapter 33, he was reminded of his task: watchman! Well, the majority of the people would not listen to him. Those few who listened to him shall live. And people complained; they were like us.

One of the most common sayings in our life is "that's not fair" maybe, to parents, teachers, friends, everyone. And we dared to think like that of God too. And some people even said, God is not great and that He is not fair. That He is a malevolent bully.

Well, this v17 reminds us that it's we who are not fair. Whatever God does is fair, right, good, actually the best! Nobody can suggest or improve God's ways! Let's remind ourselves every day that "God is God, and I am not God."

 

𝔼𝕫𝕖𝕜𝕚𝕖𝕝 𝟛𝟜:𝟚𝟘

"Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD to them, ‘Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.’"

First, Shepherd and Sheep. God has 3 main indictments against the shepherds:

1. They did not feed them.

2. They didn't strengthen the sick, the diseased, the broken.

3. They did not look out for the lost sheep.

What are those? They have to be Discipleship, Counseling, and Evangelism. That's pastoral ministry! Rather, they eat them, were indifferent, and dominate over them. Unfaithful pastors want money and popularity. They are abusive, immoral, greedy, and indifferent to the state of the soul.

Second, Ezekiel went on to pronounce judgment upon the false sheep and true sheep. They looked like sheep but actually not. Wolves in sheep's clothing. They were starving the true sheep to suffer, to be scattered, and to die.

Third, between the true sheep: the fat ones and the lean ones. The fat ones are selfish and arrogant.

Ezekiel 34 has direct teaching for all of us.

 

𝔼𝕫𝕖𝕜𝕚𝕖𝕝 𝟛𝟝:𝟙𝟝

"As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate, so I will do to you. You will be a desolation, O Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they will know that I am the LORD."

One of the recurring themes, repeated phrases in the book of Ezekiel is "then they will know that I am the LORD." God, indeed, wants to be known. And one day everyone will confess Jesus is Lord. God is going to accomplish this either by the glory of salvation or by the terror of judgment.

Blessed is the one who knows God in His love, not in His wrath!

 

𝔼𝕫𝕖𝕜𝕚𝕖𝕝 𝟛𝟞:𝟛𝟙-𝟛𝟚

“‘Then you 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣 your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you w𝕚𝕝𝕝 l𝕠𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖 yourselves in your own sight for your ɪɴɪǫᴜɪᴛɪᴇs and your ᴀʙᴏᴍɪɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴs. I am not doing this for your sake,’ declares the Lord GOD, ‘let it be known to you. 𝔹𝕖 𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕒𝕞𝕖𝕕  and c𝕠𝕟𝕗𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕕 for your ways, O house of Israel!’”

This is what repentant people do. This is what a true believer does. Those who do not loathe their sins cannot possibly be true converts. And since we sin every day, we must come to God every day in contrite spirit.

True joy thrives in godly sorrow over sin!

 

𝔼𝕫𝕖𝕜𝕚𝕖𝕝 𝟛𝟟:𝟛

“He said to me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ And I answered, ‘O Lord GOD, You know.’”

Also, read v11-14.

Almost every time I set out to preach, I ask this question, "Can the dried bones live?" I am no man of great faith, but I want to believe dried bones can live by the preaching of God's word. I've got to preach to myself so that I believe in the efficacy of preaching.

Every great preacher believes dry bones can live. Every preacher must ask "Can these dry bones live?" when he sets his face towards his hearers.

Yes, my bones were dried, yet he made me alive. Everyone who is alive in Christ now was once a dried bone. So, definitely, these dried bones can live.

 

𝔼𝕫𝕖𝕜𝕚𝕖𝕝 𝟛𝟠:𝟚𝟛

"I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the LORD."

Magnify, Sanctify, Verify.

Let the business of God be our business. To verify among people that our God is God. To sanctify Him that He is not like other gods or like man, that He is distinct. To magnify Him that God is the absolute ruler of all. He is the Potentate, Despot, Lord!

He does everything for Himself and the creatures find their happiness in fulfilling the business of God. If you have complaints, watch Tom Hank's movie series Toy Story, where Sheriff Woody expressed that their purpose, happiness, and fulfillment lie in making Andy happy.

Even Hollywood seems to be more logical than Arminians and Wesleyans. 😎

 

𝔼𝕫𝕖𝕜𝕚𝕖𝕝 𝟛𝟡:𝟚𝟜

"According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I dealt with them, and I hid My face from them."

Sometimes, God seems to be silent, hiding from us. Actually, most probably He is, because He did hide before, and warned to hide again because of sins.

But there's good news for the penitent heart. God will show His face again v29.