God Speaks
Prophecies Regarding Egypt and Pharoah; What It Means To Be a Watchman
Verse of the Day: [The LORD advised Ezekiel.] Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’ (Ezekiel 33:11 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 249
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Ezekiel 31-33:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Ezekiel 31
1. In this chapter and the next, God uses poetic imagery to announce that He will bring judgment on the nations who extol themselves.
2. Both nations and individuals should avoid boasting to avoid God’s judgment.
Ezekiel 32
1. God holds the leaders of nations (or people groups) specifically accountable.
2. People who once struck terror in the hearts of others will be slaughtered.
Ezekiel 33
1. God takes no pleasure in the death of wicked people. He only wants them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live.
2. People cannot presume that past righteousness will save them. Those wicked people who heed God’s warning, turn from their sin, and do what is just and right will live.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Ezekiel 31-33?
O firm but loving Father God, in these chapters and in other places in scripture, You use poetic imagery. Here You announce that You will bring judgment on the nations (or individuals) who are extolling themselves. Whether it be nations or individuals, we should avoid boasting to avoid Your judgment. Lord God, You hold the leaders of nations (or people groups) specifically accountable. Those people who once struck terror in the hearts of others will be slaughtered! God, You say that You take no pleasure in the death of wicked people and that You only want them to turn from their wicked ways so they can live. If they will turn to faith in what Jesus did for them in His crucifixion and resurrection, they will live with You for eternity in Heaven. People cannot presume that past righteousness will save them. Wicked people who heed Your warnings, turn from their sin, and do what is just and right, trusting and obeying You, will truly live. Then Jesus will receive all the glory forever, LORD. AMEN
Action (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Ezekiel 31-33? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will pray and ask the LORD to strike terror in the hearts of terrorist organizations and groups who have brutalized His people.
- I will seek ways to offer comfort personally to those who have been victimized.
- I will worship the God who takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but wants them each and all to repent and live.
- I will be careful to put into practice any message I receive from the LORD. Not doing so would be sinning.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.