Strength to Carry On

O. T. #1913   "Strength to Carry On"

March 31,2021

Ezekiel 25-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. the LORD is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed. (Psalm 28:7-8)

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. (Ps. 29:2)

The LORD will give strength unto His people; the LORD will bless His people with peace.        (Ps. 29:11)

 

LET IT GROW

Have you noticed that the nations so far were bordered with Israel? The cup of God's wrath was going around, according to Matthew Henry. This was due to them worshiping man-made deities and idols.

Today we will look at the fourth nation to receive God's judgment-Philistia. They located themselves on the southern coast of Canaan, so they were sea people. The Philistines were descendants of Mizraim, the son of Ham, who was Noah's son. (Genesis 10:14)

One commentary said there were 7 battles that the Philistines had in the Old Testament. We will recall that Samson killed many, as well as David and his giant. So, their sin was to take revenge upon Israel(Judah), and had a spiteful heart, held onto old grudges. (Judges 13-16)  Abraham and Isaac had encounters with their King Abimelech. The Philistines constantly harassed and oppressed Israel until David broke their power during Saul's reign. (1Sam. 17) The Promised Land included the land of the Philistines.

They repeatedly rose up and were subdued by Israel. The Assyrians devastated the Philistines' land when they overtook Israel. (2Kings 18:33-35) Then the Babylonians invaded their land. (Jeremiah 47) Finally, the Maccabees exterminated them.

Dagon was the god of the Philistines. It was a grain deity. (Judges 16:23) Therefore, we can understand why God's judgment came upon this nation.

Are you holding onto an old grudge? Has it turned into a spiteful heart? In the same way we forgive others, God will forgive us. Something to consider.

LET IT GO

Be my strength and shield, Jesus.

You alone are worthy of glory, worship, and praise.

Thank You for Your peace as I go through troubled waters.

I trust in You.

Sing While Enemies Are Around

O. T. #1912  "Sing While Enemies Are Around"

March 30, 2021

Ezekiel 25-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. (Ps. 26:7)

The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. (Ps.27:2-3)

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple. (Ps. 27:4)

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. (Ps.27:6)

Teach me Thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. (Ps. 27:11)

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (Ps.27:14)

LET IT GROW

The third nation in God's judgment is that of Edom. It was located south of Moab from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqabah. It was a rouged terrain and mountainous. In order to get to its capital, one had to travel through a narrow canyon guarded by 200-250 feet high mountains.

Who were the Edomites? They were descendants of Esau, Jacob's twin. Therefore, they were blood brothers of the Jews since both descended from Isaac. (Genesis 25) Although, God loved Jacob and hated Esau. Edom's hatred of Israel began with Esau selling his birthright. Edom never forgave and always sought to pay back double; but God must now deal with her, erasing her as a nation.

Why was Edom going to be annihilated?

• They rejected Moses' request to pass through their land. (Numbers 20)
• They opposed King Saul. (1Samuel 14:47)
• They fought against David. (1 Kings 11)
• They opposed Solomon (1 Kings 14) and Jehoshaphat. (2 Chron. 21)
• They rebelled against Jehoram. (2 Chron. 21)
• During the reign of Ahaz, they won back independence.
• They acted like a cheering section for Babylon to conquer Judah.

All three nations, Ammon, Moab, and Edom, have disappeared as separate nations, being absorbed into the Arab peoples. (MacArthur)

We better watch out if we are opposing, rejecting, fighting, or rebelling against one of God's children or anointed? We should leave it to God to handle them, taking revenge for us. 

LET IT GO

I will rejoice, for I am a child of God.

I will sing Your praises, King Jesus, my Risen Savior.

All of my fears like Jericho's walls have to come down.

Different or Like Others?

O. T. #1911  "Different or Like Others?"

March 29, 2021

Ezekiel 25-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. for He hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. (Psalm 24:1-5)

Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. (Psalm 24:8)

Who is this King of glory? The LORD of host, He is the King of glory. (Psalm 24:10)

I needed verse 8 today. I am facing another battle in my body and needed to be reminded that our God always wins battles. He used David to kill the giant Philistine; He used Joshua to bring down the wall of Jericho; He used Elijah to kill the prophets of Baal; He used Moses to defeat the Egyptians; He used Jesus to defeat the power of the grave and Satan. I trust Him for the outcome.

The battle belongs to God. If He is for me, then who can be against me that is victorious? None. I am an overcomer. Nothing can stand against the power of the Lord my God. I needed to hear those words in songs this morning. Please remember me in prayer Wednesday morning as I have a biopsy. Whatever road God has for me to walk on, He will walk it with me. To God be the glory.

LET IT GROW

Last time, we read about the nation of Ammonite people, the first of seven nations that God was going to judge by having the Babylonians conquer them. Ammon was the child of the youngest daughter and Lot.

The second nation was Moab, who was the child of the oldest daughter and Lot. Their land was east of the Jordan River, the upper end of the Dead Sea. (Genesis 19)

The reason for the judgment (verse 8) was their gloating over Israel's fall and their scorn in saying Israel was like all other people with no privileged position before God. (MacArthur)

Israel was God's special people with whom He had manifested Himself in great power, and glory in Egypt, the Red Sea, the wilderness experiences, and in the conquering of the land to possess it. (Falwell)

Moab was pleased to see Israel forsake their God and worship idols, and hoped that in a while their religion would be quiet lost and forgotten and the house of Judah would be like all the heathen, perfect idolaters. They hoped in time it would sink and be run down, and quite abandoned.

Both the Ammonites and the Moabites were conquered by the Babylonians in the fifth year after the destruction of Jerusalem. They became absorbed in the Arabian people.

You will recall in the book of Ruth that it began with a famine in Israel and Naomi, her husband, and two sons left for the land of Moab. While there the sons married Moabite women, one of which was Ruth. (Jewish law prohibited intermarriage.) Then their men died and Ruth with Naomi went to Israel. Ruth married Boaz, an Israel kinsman-redeemer of Naomi. A Moabite was admitted to the congregation when Ruth and Boaz had Obed, who had Jesse, who had David. Jesus Christ came through the lineage of King David. (Matthew 1:5-16). (Mary's husband, Joseph, was Jesus' adoptive father.) The book of Luke tells how Jesus came through David's son Nathan (3:31), who was His biological ancestor. Jesus was a person of mixed ancestry, like you and me. We can conclude that Jesus's kingdom identifies with both Jews and Gentiles, including all races of people through His grace and mercy of salvation. Faith in Jesus transcends every culture and race and one to which all nations of people may come to the Savior.

Jesus, our Redeemer, had Gentile blood, yet is the Son of God, who lived a perfect life, thus qualified to meet the requirements of the blood sacrifice for my sins and your sins. Amen! Thank You Jesus for paying the debt we could not pay and the debt You did not owe!

Have you trusted in Jesus as your Savior, dear friend? It is by faith, not by heritage nor by works that we come to Him humbly.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.(Romans 6:23)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1John 1:9)

Jesus said unto her, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he life: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11:25-26)

What will you do with a man called Jesus? 

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus, for dying on the cross in my place as payment for my sins.

Thank You for enduring the cross, the beatings, the ridicules, and the temptations of sin.

Praise be to the Risen Savior!

Comfort, Restoration, Provisions

O. T. #1910  "Comfort, Restoration, Provisions"

March 26, 2021

Ezekiel 25-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Psalm 23 gives us reassurance:

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Is God our Great Shepherd of us sheep? Jesus Christ lays down His life for His sheep. (John 10:11) Through His wounds we are healed. (1Peter 2:24) If we have gone astray, then we can return to Him. (1 Peter 2:25) It is because Jesus knows His sheep. that we are welcomed. (John 10:14)

David, the author of this psalm, had God meet his needs that were:

• spiritual needs-He refreshes and restores;
• directional needs-when we wander off the right path, He brings us back through His Word and Spirit;
• emotional needs-no need to fear, for with His rod and staff, He beats off the enemies and pulls us to safety, as well as giving us grace and mercy as we go through the valleys;
• physical needs-food and healing are provided to the point where God's provisions overflow;
• Then goodness and mercy pursue us so we may eternally dwell in the house of the LORD forever. [Resource: The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

Does He providing for your needs so you lack nothing? If He has saved us for eternity, then He will provide for us, maybe not all we want, but what He sees we need. My greatest comfort is that Jesus is with me sharing His love, mending fences of relationships, healing my broken heart time and time again.

LET IT GROW

There were  7 nations that fell under God's judgment, as Ezekiel prophesied, is found in chapters 25-32. (besides Israel and Judah) They had despised and mistreated Israel. They were bad, nomadic people descended from Lot and his younger daughter. (Gen. 19) In Deuteronomy 23:3, the Ammonites and Moabites hired Baalam to curse God's people after they left Egypt. That is some background about those people.

The first mentioned are the Ammonites:

• They dwelt on the other side of the Jordan River, in the northeast of Jerusalem.
• They gloated over the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple.
• They were happy when the land of Israel lay desolate and the people were taken into captivity. (verse3)
• After the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria, the Ammonites seized their land.(Jeremiah 49:1)
• They grabbed whatever possessions they could after the Babylonians had victory in Judah. (verse 4)
• Their own land would be invaded as God directed and they would perish. (verses 5, 7, 28-32)
• Thou shalt know that I am the LORD. (verse 7)

Jeremiah 49:6 tells us that a remnant returned to their land, as the Lord restored their fortunes.

Later, they obstructed Nehemiah's work in restoring all in the Judean land.(Neh. 4:1)

Are we happy or judgmental when someone falls into sin or bad things happen to them because of their sins? Do we take advantage of a brother or sister that is knocked down? We should be careful in thinking someone deserves what they got after mistreating us. We are told to pray for our enemies. One day we might be in a similar situation.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for being my Good Shepherd.

For restoring me when I fail You or leave Your will, I praise You.

You are with me when I fear, comfort me in my valleys, and bless me with my cup overflowing.

Thank You for goodness and mercy.

I know that I will dwell in Your house eternally.

Such love undeserved!

 

Why He Did What He Did

O. T. #1909  "Why He Did What He Did"

March 25, 2021

Ezekiel 25

LET IT GLOW

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7)

We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfill all thy petitions. (Ps. 20:5)

Now know I that the LORD saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. (Ps. 20:6)

In what are we placing our trust? Is it God or things? In what are we rejoicing? Is it the salvation through Jesus Christ? From what are we needing rescued? Is Jesus holding us with His righteous right hand? Are we willing to release our prized possession into His care?

"This is a time in your life when you must learn to let go: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you need to rest in My Presence, where you are complete." (Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young)

Sometimes we just need to be reminded of those things, don't we? At least I do.

LET IT GROW

Now we are entering a new section concerning the prophecies against 7 foreign nations, in chapters 25-32. It was God's judgment against the enemies of the Jews because they failed to acknowledge the One True God and fulfill the good purposes He intended for them. Those Gentile nations despised and mistreated God's people, Israel. Also, the judgment was due to their actions and attitudes towards Israel, as well as their self-deification (deifying) and ungodly pride.

I will bless those who bless you, I will curse anyone who treats you with contempt. (Genesis 12:3)

God is speaking about Israel, His beloved. So this is why God did what He did to those seven.

Those nations include the people:

1. Ammonites
2. Moabites
3. Edomites
4. Philistines
5. Tyrians
6. Sidon
7. Egypt

We will be studying about each nation and why God did what He did to each.

LET IT GO

You have been so kind and good to me, my God.

I don't deserve it.

Thank You for Your grace and Mercy.

Keep me as the apple of Thine eye.

Bless all who continue to study with me.

Dearest Treasures Removed

O. T. #1908  "Dearest Treasures Remove"

March 24, 2021

Ezekiel 24-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork. (Psalm 19:1)

The statues of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (Psalm 19: 8,10)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Ps. 19:14)

LET IT GROW

Ezekiel told the exiled Jews in Babylon of the coming destruction of their city, Jerusalem. A messenger that escaped would come a couple of years later to Ezekiel to report this happened. (33:21) The prophet was to remain silent until the new captives arrived, for judgment had come. Then he could speak of Judah. (3:26,27) That would be hard enough to swallow, the sad news, but a personal sorrow was coming to Ezekiel.

J. Vernon McGee had this to say about the rest of this chapter:

Apparently, the prophet had married a lovely, young Israelite girl, and they loved each other. But down there in captivity, she became sick and died. I imagine it was a heartbreak to Ezekiel, but again he must act a part.

With one blow I will take away your dearest treasure. Yet you must not show any sorrow at her death. do not weep; let there be no tears. (verse 16, NLT)

Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men. (verse 17)

What were the instructions from God to Ezekiel, which was a visual aide for the other captives?

• As Ezekiel's wife died, he was to groan silently, but not wail at her grave.
• He was not to uncover his head nor take off his sandals.
• Ezekiel was told to not perform the usual rituals of mourning or accept any food brought to him by consoling friends. (verse 17)
• He was to bind the tire (an embellishment; fancy headdress) upon his head. (Jews would cover themselves in dust and ashes to show their mourning state.

What an extremely difficult command from God for the prophet to obey wholeheartedly! He was to act like he was not mourning at all. Well, you know Ezekiel obeyed such an unusual instruction.

The people came to Ezekiel and asked what in the world it mean. His wife was dead and the prophet was not even mourning. What kind of man was he? What was he trying to tell them?

Ezekiel explained in verse 20:

• The Lord God told me to give this message to the people of Israel.
• God will defile His Temple, the source of your security and pride, the place of your heart delights in.
• Your sons and daughters whom you left behind in Judea will be slaughtered by the sword.
• Then you will do as Ezekiel has done.
• You will not mourn or weep, but you will waste away because of your sins.
• You will mourn privately for all the evil you have done.
• Ezekiel is your example for you; you will do just as he has done.
• And when the time comes, you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD. (NLT)

Lastly, God told Ezekiel that He takes away their stronghold-their joy and glory, their heat's desire, their dearest treasure, and their children. When the messenger comes to report about Jerusalem's fall, then the prophet would be able to speak. He would be a symbol to the people.

Jerusalem was God's beloved city and the Temple was His house. The Jews were to be His witness to the world, but Israel failed. There was no use in the weeping and howling to Him now. God took responsibility for all of this happening to His people. If the people had an argument with Ezekiel's messages, they were to take it to the Lord. However, God's ways are right and their ways were wrong.

The people got the message; the remnant had to repent of their sins and surrender to God, loving Him above all, including idols. He would use them to rebuild all in Israel, later on. Is God first place in our life? Or does He have to remove something dear to us in order for Him to be?D

LET IT GO

What or whom is our dearest treasure? Is it God?

Are we willing to serve God as completely as Ezekiel did?

Do we speak of God's message of redemption in Jesus Christ to unbelievers?

Are we faithfully worshiping and serving, loving and praising, thanking and surrendering to the will of God in our lives?

Hot Pots

O. T. #1907  "Hot Pots"

March 23, 2021

Ezekiel 24

LET IT GLOW

I enjoy reading the Psalms. I find encouragement there. How about you? I am glad that folks have put them to music for me to remember the promises God has made to His children.

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the show of Thy wings. (Psalm 17:8)

I will love Thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. (Ps. 18:1-3)

As for God, His way is perfect: the Word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him. (Ps. 18:30)

The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. (Ps. 18:46)

On whom are you relying? Who is your rock, strength, fortress, high tower, and salvation? I hope we can all say that God is ours.

LET IT GROW

One last parable is given to Ezekiel to tell to those in exile with him in Babylon. He was told to write down a specific and important day when he received the Word from God. (verse 1) It is recorded in 2 Kings 25:1, when the king of Babylon began the final siege upon Jerusalem (January 15, 588 B.C.). So the parable was extremely timely. (King Zedekiah reigned in Jerusalem at the time it occurred.)Although, the prophet was some 300 miles away from the city.

What was the message of the pot with scum (rust), using the New Living Translation?

• Put a pot on the fire, and pour in some water. (verse 3)
• Fill it with choice pieces of meat-rump, shoulder, and all the most tender cuts. (verse 4)
• Fuse only the best sheep from the flock, and heap fuel on the fire beneath the pot.
• Bring the pot to a boil, and cook the bones along with the meat. (verse 5)
• Take the meat out in random order, for no piece is better than another. (verse 6c)
• Heap on the wood. Let the fire roar to make the pot boil. (verse 10)
• Cook the meat with many spices, and afterward burn the bones. (verse 10)
• Now set the empty pot on the coals. Heat it red hot. Burn away the filth and corruption. (verse 11)

What was the meaning of this parable? Judah's people had frustrated God's every effort to purify them of their uncleanness, so He had no recourse but to bring judgment. (verses 12-14) It was an 18 month siege in which Jews died from famine. When this happened that Jerusalem and its people, along with the Temple were destroyed, then they would know that the LORD is God.

Then word came to the exiles that this happened. There were 71 priests and leaders, along with Ezra that were taken exile to Babylon, along with the treasures in the Temple. Sadly, the other people were killed. Jerusalem was a smoking ruin.

Is God trying to purify us through difficulties and troubles? When we face tough times, all Him to burn the sin from our life. Allow problems to be opportunities for our faith to grow. May we take time to reexamine our lives so that we will do what really counts.

A person who escaped the destruction of Jerusalem came to Ezekiel in Babylon and report the story. Ezekiel was to be silent until the captives arrived where he was. Then he could speak of Judah (3:26-27) this took about 2 years.(33:21) (There was no need to preach judgment for it had come.) Ezekiel did speak to other nations, beginning with chapter 25.

LET IT GO

Purify our heart of its sins, O Lord.

Give strength to the hurting.

May Your peace flow through us as we trust in You, Jesus.

May Your presence give us songs in our hearts as we journey to heaven.