Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
Our God is an awesome God. We learn here that Ezekiel prophesied to the Israelites who were exiled in Babylon. And 1v1 enables us to accurately date his call to July, 593BC. So he must have been taken to Babylon in one of the early wave of exiles, whether in 605 or 597BC. But the vision tells us he is not alone. Its details bring home the majesty, purity and sovereignty of God. However, the striking thing is that he is mobile. He is not confined to Israel. He is still in some sense with his people despite them being so far from their land. And so he commissions Ezekiel to speak his word to them, even though they remain hardened and rebellious, and will refuse to listen. It's a reminder that God is present everywhere by his Spirit, and that this reflects his awesome rule over all things. Through the church, his kingly word is therefore to be proclaimed still, and not just to Christians but to non-Christians too. As Jesus said: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...teaching them to obey everything I have commanded. And surely I am with you always." (Mat 28v18-20). As you read note what we learn about God.
Ezekiel 1:1-3:15
Ezekiel 1:1-3:15
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.