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
To some extent, Ezekiel's earlier messages are repeated: God is ever-willing to show mercy to those who repent. But because one cannot rely on their righteousness for acceptance by him, those who turn from good to evil will be punished. This is God's justice, to be seen in the destruction of Jerusalem. Yet there is hope for the nation in God. He condemns the people's leaders (shepherds), but promises like a good shepherd to bring them back from their exile to the pasture of their land, where he will tend them, and enable them to flourish in all security. But he will also seperate the sheep from the goats and sheep from sheep, setting up a davidic descendant as king over them. It's a striking prediction of Christ who comes as both good shepherd and davidic king, and who taught how he would one day judge in just these ways (Jn 10v11, Mat 25v31-46). So the prophecies urge us to ensure we are right with him, turning from sin, and confident that all who follow him will enjoy the most abundant life in the new creation. As you read note the specifics of what God promises.
Ezekiel 33-34
Ezekiel 33-34
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.