TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Ezekiel 21:1-22:31
Hebrews 10:1-17
Psalm 108:1-13
Proverbs 27:12
Ezekiel 21:27 — No, the three “overturns” (עַוָּ֥ה) do not symbolize the power going from Judah to Queen Elizabeth as UCG.org states. The key to the verse is not overturning – but “until he come whose right it is.” Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers says that it’s referring to Genesis 49:10 “until Shiloh come.” We will read more in Ezekiel 34:23 and in righteous Daniel’s prophecy about He who comes (Daniel 7:14).
Ezekiel 22:3 — Again we see the top commandments of the two tablets. False gods/1st Commandment and murder/6th Commandment. God isn’t focusing on shaving the corner of the beard (Leviticus 21:5) but just the big ones. Perhaps it was the same problem that the Pharisees had (Matthew 7:3, Matthew 23:23), observing the smaller commands of the LORD but neglecting to simply worship Him!
Ezekiel 22:15 — “… thy filthiness …” We’ve just read a list of sins from Ezekiel 22:6-13. Bloodshed, oppression, vexation, lewdness, nakedness, abomination, defilement, fornication, usury, extortion, and dishonest gain. As we justify one sin, it becomes easier to justify another, and at the root of them all is “… thou … hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD (Ezekiel 22:12).”
Ezekiel 22:30 — How can we stand in the gap? Humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face (2 Corinthians 7:14).
Hebrews 10:1 — Compared with what we just read in Ezekiel, God repeated His laws and yet the people were not perfect. The sacrifices did not take away sin (Hebrews 10:4).
Hebrews 10:12 — There were no chairs in the Temple; the work was never done. Yet, Jesus Christ sat down at the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 12:2, Revelation 3:21, Matthew 22:44). Interestingly, there is one time that Jesus is recorded as standing after His resurrection (Acts 7:55) – to welcome Stephen home. Stephen stood for Jesus Who died for him, and Jesus stood to welcome Stephen as he died for Him.
Hebrews 10:17 — The New Covenant doesn’t cover sins. It makes the God who knows everything forget my sins!
Psalm 108:5 — ”Be thou exalted forever and ever!”
Proverbs 27:12 — No, this verse isn’t talking about the economists who have predicted 9 of the last 5 recessions … ha! And the prudent man isn’t just about how to hoard wealth better than the simple. Live holy and let God worry about your finances!
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