Get Ready for Things to Come

O. T. #1857 "Get Ready for Things to Come"

January 11, 2021

Ezekiel 4-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Previously, we read of the unusual illustrations which God told Ezekiel to provide as prophecies against Judah and Jerusalem. He take a brick and draw the walls of Jerusalem on it; then put an iron pan between himself and the city (symbolized God put a wall between Himself and Jerusalem) whenever he lay on his left side facing northern Israel 390 days (showing punishment for Israel's idolatry); and lay on his right side facing Judah for 40 days (punishment of Judah). His eating a small amount of bread, cooked over human dung (showing how they will eat in captivity); and drinking a quart of water a day. (Ezekiel had a problem with doing this, for it was against Levitical law and he was a priest.) Famine was coming to Jerusalem as the Babylonians surrounded the city. This drawn fort was to be connected with 2 battering rams or ramps, showing then enemy's army would break down the wall of protection and siege Jerusalem.  

The people saw all of this take place as these illustrated what was to come. Disease, famine, and an army were predictions from Isaiah and Jeremiah for God's people to repent of their immorality and worshiping false gods, idols. Ezekiel was faithful in obeying the Lord, so the people were without excuse. However, God told him they were hardhearted and hardheaded, thus not turning from their sins. Could America be heading down the same path? Is evil attacking us, striving to overtake us, and usher in the antichrist? Are we ready for the rapture of Jesus' believers, the church?

LET IT GROW

 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

When God speaks, nothing remains the same. God spoke and it was so, it was good. (Gen. 1:3-4) Whenever God revealed His plans, things happened just as He said, and God considered the result "good". (Phil. 2:13) God doesn't make suggestions. He speaks with the full determination to see that what He has said will come to fruition.

Whenever Jesus spoke, what He said came to pass. Have you been reading the words of Jesus in your Bible without experiencing His word that transforms everything around you? The Pharisees were satisfied with having the words instead of experiencing the person who spoke the words. (John 5:39) As you read your Bible and pray, listen to what God has to say to you about His will for your life.

[Resource: Experiencing God Day-By-Day, Henry and Richard Blackaby]

In chapter 5, there is another symbolic sign, the shaving of Ezekiel's head and beard. We will discuss this next time.

 

LET IT GO

Prepare for the rapture; get my house in order, look for the signs; for our redemption will draw night soon.