Promises Kept

O. T. #1952  "Promises Kept"

May 31, 2021

Ezekiel 48

LET IT GLOW

Let us be sure to remember those who have given their lives to preserve our free nation. Others gave limbs, like my father in WWII. Be sure to pray for those in our military currently, also.

In Psalm 79, Asaph wrote a song for worship. In it, he spoke of Jerusalem in ruins, heathen ruling, and believers killed.

We are become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us. How long, LORD? (verse 4, 5a)

In the end, God's glory will be evident to all people, but in the meantime, we must endure suffering with patience and allow God to strengthen our character through it. We don't know why God allows pagan people to scoff at believers. We should be prepared for criticism, jokes, and unkind remarks because God does not place us beyond the attacks of scoffers. (Life Application Study Bible)

Then Asaph prays for the Lord to restore His reputation by bringing a worse destruction upon the enemies of Israel some 7 fold. (verse 12)

So we Thy people and sheep of Thy pasture will give Thee thanks for ever: we will show forth Thy praise to all generations. (verse 13)

Isn't that what we people of God and believers were created to do-give thanks always, in everything, for this is His will. Do we praise our loving God enough?

 

LET IT GROW

Can you believe it, we are in the last chapter of this prophets words and visions? On December 28 we began studying together the Words God gave to Ezekiel. Thank you for your faithfulness to persevere with me. this is actually the first time I have gone through an in-depth study of Ezekiel.

It starts out showing the fulfillment of God's promises to actually restore Israel's people form around the world to the Promised Land during the Millennial reign of King Jesus Christ.

First mentioned are the northern tribes of Israel to be restored: Dan (restored by grace, for they became idolaters), Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah. The 3 most northern tribes were the farthest from the Temple are the sons of Jacob's concubines. Dan and Naphtali were born to Bilhah, Rachel's maid; Asher was born to Zilpah, Leah's maid. Gag is the fourth son by concubinage, among the southern group. He is the farthest south.

Judah is the closest to the sanctuary. This tribe was the inheritor of the messianic promise through the blessing of Jacob. (Genesis 49) He superseded Reuben, the first-born, who was in the next closest position on the north side. Manasseh and Ephraim were the grandsons of Rachel, children of Joseph.

Southern land is to be given to the 5 remaining tribes of Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad. Keep in mind that this is the future allotted inheritance for those blessed tribes of Jacob.

Do we keep our promises?

LET IT GO

I am chosen, not forsaken, I am who You say I am. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! In my Father's house, there's a place for me, I'm a child of God, yes I am. (What a song!)

Thank You Heavenly Father that You keep Your promises.