Bible Pathways - September 3, 2005

September 3

Read Ezekiel 10

In Today's Reading:

Glory of the Lord leaves the Temple; judgment upon lying leaders; the promise of Israel's restoration and renewal; captivity near

Ezekiel's vision revealed the dispatching of seven men, one to spare the faithful minority and six to slay the idolatrous majority of Israelites. One man . . . clothed with linen marked the foreheads of all who remained faithful to the Lord (Ezekiel 9:2-7). Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the House, and stood over the cherubims. And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth . . . and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD s House (10:18-19).

Ezekiel observed the leaders of Jerusalem who, it seemed, were being blessed and called upon to remain in charge of the favored people, while many of those taken captive were unfavored. But in reality, some of the deprived captives in Babylon eventually learned, through suffering, to repent of their pagan idolatry and trust in the Lord God of Israel. God promised a great future to those who were loyal to Him. As Ezekiel prepared to leave the Temple, he saw the presence of the Lord, who rested just above the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies, slowly leaving the place where He had once chosen to dwell (Exodus 25:22).

The glory of the LORD went up (Ezekiel 11:23), and (it seemed) reluctantly left the city which the LORD did choose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put His Name there (I Kings 14:21). It appears the Israelites were so involved in their religious traditions and activities they were not aware that God had withdrawn His presence from them.

However, the Lord did not leave His people without hope, but gave Ezekiel another prophecy that reached far into the future: I will put a new Spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in My statutes (decrees), and keep Mine ordinances (commands), and do them: and they shall be My people, and I will be their God (Ezekiel 11:19-20; also 36:26-27; 37:21-28; compare Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 8:6). It is thrilling to know that Ezekiel was also speaking to us today. The Apostle Paul wrote: Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints (Christians), and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone (Ephesians 2:19-20).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who gives a new Spirit (Ezekiel 11:19). This is the promise fulfilled when one accepts Jesus as Savior and Lord. God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts (Galatians 4:4-7).

Word Study:

12:3 stuff for removing = belongings to take into exile; 12:23 effect = fulfillment; 13:9 upon = against; 13:18 women that sew pillows to all armholes = false prophetesses who sew magic charms on divining garments; 13:21 kerchiefs = veils; 13:23 divine divinations = practice witchcraft

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. John Olver (MA) and Rep. Thomas Reynolds (NY) · Country: Mauritius (1 million) 500 miles east of Madagascar · Major languages: English and Creole · Limited religious freedom · 50% Hindu; 27% Roman Catholic; 17% Muslim; 5% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice and consider yourself blessed when you suffer for the Name of Christ (I Peter 4:14).

Optional Reading: Revelation 8

Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Thessalonians 2:12