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
These are such important chapters. God condemns those who rejoice at his people's downfall. But he is concerned too, that because of Israel's sin his own name is profaned as the nations consider him wicked because his people are, or weak for allowing them to be conquered. He therefore promises not just to show his strength in bringing them back to their land, but his purity in cleansing them from their guilt and renewing their hearts by his Spirit so that they can keep his laws in a way they never could previously, and mourn over their past sin. And because the people will then keep the law, they will finally experience the blessing God promised in Deuteronomy 28-30: The land will flourish like Eden, and so the watching nations will know the Lord's holiness (set-apartedness as the true God) in restoring what Israel lost - and more. But what is striking in what follows, is that Ezekiel reveals that those in his day will only experience this when raised from the dead (37v13-14). Then, people from both the northern and southern kingdoms will live under a davidic king who will unite and shepherd them, as God himself lives amongst them. The vision of the skeletons coming alive stresses that this will be for those of faith who believe God's word through Ezekiel to do all this. And it's fulfilment is already being tasted, as people from Judaism and all nations come to faith in Jesus, and experience the Spirit renewing their hearts (Jn 3v5-10, Rom 2v28-29). The Eden like experience through resurrection is our future too! As you read note what is promised.
Ezekiel 35-37
Ezekiel 35-37
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.