Daily Reading
Daily Thought
Ezekiel is a prophet, and, in one sense, a prophet of doom, Israel’s doom. The united nation of Israel became divided under the poor leadership following the successful reign of Solomon. Godly leadership is essential, Israel was found lacking, and the nation split and would fall, first Israel to the north, and now, at the time of Ezekiel, Judah in the south. God, nevertheless, remains One and true, and in him must be our allegiance and trust. Israel will someday learn again God is not done with them.
Ezekiel has a vision of the future restoration of Israel. They died in judgment, but God will breathe new life into their old dry bones, “Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live” (Ezekiel 37:9). Three thousand years have passed and on Friday, May 14, 1948, the Israeli Declaration of Independence announced that the State of Israel has been formally established on land where, in antiquity, the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah had once been. The nation of Israel is still on the map.
This, however, is not the final chapter. Ezekiel sees another vision of the evil king Gog, born in the land of Magog, ruler over Meshach and Tubal, who will lead an army from the four corners of the earth against Israel (Ezekiel 38:1-6). Gog represents all of Israel’s enemies attempting to crush God’s people; but God is greater than Gog, “On that day, the day that Gog shall come against the land of Israel, declares the Lord God, my wrath will be roused in my anger. I will show my greatness and my holiness and make myself known in the eyes of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 38:18, 23).
The lesson of history is to trust not in any one nation, but in the one Name, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). The prophet of God is not foremost one of doom, but always one of hope. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). If it is not good yet, God is not done yet.
“And my holy name I will make known in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not let my holy name be profaned anymore. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.” ~Ezekiel 39:7
Daily Prayer
My God, You are the giver of life, both the first time, and then again. You bring us out of the grave, for we are to You the aroma of Christ, the fragrance of life. We have His righteousness.
Thank You for breathing life back in me through Your Holy Spirit. This second time, You are in control, You are on the throne, You are my Lord and Savior. I live my life now in Christ for Your glory and pleasure, taking off the grave clothes and clothing myself in Your love and holiness.
Amen