Responsibility 09.11.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ezekiel, please read Chapters 33-36 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2033-36&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the destruction of Jerusalem; God's final warning to repent; God's sheep and the false shepherds; the destruction of Edom; and the restoration of Israel foretold. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that it is our own responsibility to turn from our sinful ways. God loves us and wants the best for us, but unless we call on Him HE personally will not answer.

The destruction of Jerusalem was about to take place and through Ezekiel God gave all the people who were still there one final warning. "Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head." (Ezekiel 33:1-4).

God appointed Ezekiel as a watchman, "So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul" (33:7-9).

God tried to assure the people that he had no pleasure in seeing the death of anyone, but wanted them to turn from their wicked ways. "Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, If our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live? Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" (33:10-11).

Yet still, the Israelites that remained in Jerusalem as well as the ones captive in Babylon ignored Ezekiel and refused to repent of their wicked ways and even criticized God, saying that He failed to live by His Covenant promise to keep them safe. "Yet the children of thy people say, The way of the Lord is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall live thereby. Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel, I will judge you every one after his ways." (33:17-20). All this was fulfilled as prophesied by Ezekiel on the day of his wife's death. Ezekiel proclaimed that the Israelites covenant realtionship with God was determined by their own responsibility to live righteously. This was rejected by those unwilling to forsake their sins.

Still today, God faces the same criticism, many want the promises of God, but they do not want to turn from their sinful ways. It is our responsibility to change our ways, God gives us the great gift of free will and allows us the choice, but He will not bless those who continue to live in sin and will not repent. We all live by rules in some way and those who obey them are always rewarded, maybe not when we expect it, but eventually. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (I John 2:15-17).

In today's Jesus Christ is revealed as the Shepherd (Ezekiel 34:23). Jesus is our Shepherd who finds His lost sheep. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I am resolved no longer to crave the world and cling to its alluring delights. Satan’s delights bring only passing pleasure which leave no satisfaction later on. Lord, through the power of Your indwelling Holy Spirit, I can fight against the world who wants to bring me down and keep me tied up. It is by Your strength in me that I will rise up and conquer. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great and blessed day!
God bless you,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net