Bible Pathways - September 2, 2005

September 2
Read Ezekiel 5
In Today's
Famine, pestilence, and sword; remnant to be spared; vision of the glory of God; vision of slaying in
Fourteen years after Nebuchadnezzar's initial conquest of the
But Ezekiel continued to warn them: He that is in the field shall die with the sword; and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him (7:15). What a horrifying prophecy!
Fourteen months after his first vision (1:1-2), Ezekiel reported: The Spirit . . . brought me in the visions of God to
Today we face a similar situation with our overemphasis on materialism and self-indulgence. Even worse, we neglect to read the Word of God to learn why He created us, how He expects us to live, and what He expects us to do.
Wealth was never meant to be selfishly accumulated or to be lavished only upon ourselves. God entrusts people with wealth, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (II Corinthians 9:8). Having a right attitude of the heart is all important since both rich and poor can lust after more possessions.
The Holy Spirit warns: They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare (trap), and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (damnation) (I Timothy 6:9).
Christ Portrayed:
By the man clothed in linen (Ezekiel 9:2-11) representing Christ as High Priest, marking His people to be spared from the flaming sword of vengeance. Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession (Hebrews 4:14; also Revelation 7:2-3).
Word Studies:
5:16 staff = supply; 6:4 images = idols; 7:26 ancients = religious elders, supposed spiritual leaders; 8:12 imagery = perverse idol imagination, painted idols on the walls.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Bett Brown · Staff: Letha Hash · Government Officials: Sen. Jim DeMint (SC) and Rep. Earl Pomeroy (ND) · Country: Mauritania (3 million) in western Africa · Major language: Hasaniya Arabic · Islamic state with no mission work allowed · 99+% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray that you will sanctify the Lord God in your heart (I Peter 3:15).
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