Ez. 40 [The Message]

1 Cor. 3:16 tells us that WE are the temple of the Holy Ghost. God is more concerned with building people than He is in building new material structures. Rev. 21:3 states that the “tabernacle of God is with (in) men.” You and me are the spiritual buildings God is focused upon primarily. That is why He refines and deals with us in our attitudes, our thought patterns, and value systems. God instructed Ezekiel to tell the details to the people. The New Testament authors likewise extensively give details of how the Christian life is to be lived.

…”Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:” [Eph. 2:19-21]

Ez. 40 [The Message]

Yes, the temple Ezekiel saw has not been built yet. We shall attempt to draw some conclusions about it to assist in our spiritual walk.

If it has never been built yet, will it? Some believe it will be constructed in the Millennial Reign of Christ. Since it has animal sacrifices, it may never be constructed because Jesus’ death ended sin sacrifices. Nevertheless, it takes up several chapters so attention should be given.

ONLY the sons of Zadok served as priests. In Chapter 44, we shall examine the reason they were selected.

Stay tuned.

(Sorry there was no devo yesterday. Patty and I have been under the weather and our sleep has suffered.)

Ez. 37-39 [The Message]

Ezekiel names Gog (Russian leader) and Magog (Russia), and Meshech (Moscow) and Tubal (Siberian city) as components in the army from the north that invades Israel for the great battle of Armageddon. (Definitions taken from an article by Dr. Roger Barrier called “Who are Gog and Magog” on http://www.crosswalk.com) Firstly, God is not frightened by ANY aggressive nation and its war machine, nor any nation’s intent to harm His People. Secondly, we as His People are to keep the watchword Maranatha on our lips. It means, “Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!”

We are to set our affection on things above and not on things of this earth. [Col. 3:1, 2] If your heart is set on houses and lands and cars and money, you’re aiming in the WRONG DIRECTION.

Ez.35-37 [The Message]

Much of what God does in the earth is to uphold the honor of His Name.

Years ago I said, “Speak to me, Lord.” God said, “Sanctify My Name.” I began studying the issue and discovered the following:

• In the “Our Father” prayer, we are instructed to say, “Hallowed by Thy Name.”
• Take off the “H” for the human element and proceed to “Allow God’s Name.”
• All the names of God in the Old Testament describe what God wants to do and be for His People. ie. Jehovah-Shalom, God is our Peace.

God told Moses to “Sanctify My Name” as he stood before the rock at Meribah. God instructed him to speak to the rock. allowing God to produce the water. Instead, he smote the rock with his rod. Yes, water came out, but God was displeased. He did not Sanctify the Lord’s name by allowing God to do it. Instead, the people thought Moses did it with his action of striking the rock. Moses got the glory, not God.

As we allow God to work through us by sanctifying His name, He gets the glory.

Every supernatural ability, divine capability and power is resident in the Name of Jesus. His is the Name we sanctify when we use it to navigate life.

Ez. 34 [The Message]

The prophet reproved the lazy and self–serving shepherds of Israel and prophesied that the Great Shepherd, Jesus, would come and gather His sheep to Himself.

Good shepherds:

• Feed and water their sheep
• gather them
• protect them
• care for their injuries
• comfort them
• lead them into good, safe pastures

Ez. 32, 33 [The Message]

A watchman warns his people of impending danger or attack. All he/she needs to do is “Speak up.”

How many of the people we come in contact with will perish if they don’t come to Christ? 

It’s somewhat delicate business informing people of their fate if they reject Christ. Our tone is critical.

Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. [Jude 22, 23 The Message]

Ez. 30, 31 [The Message]

God examines the conduct of leaders. The more people that are subject, the greater the consequences. Ezekiel had a stiff message for Pharaoh, king of Egypt.

Scripture warns against being the influence that causes people to break God’s commandments. [Matt. 5:19]

Ez. 29 [The Message]

God gave the Prophet Ezekiel messages to deliver to leaders of nations. Who’s to say that He doesn’t still do that?

As we pray for our leaders, imperfect though they are, we can trust that He is communicating with them. Billy Graham served as a spiritual consultant to many presidents during his lifetime. It’s quite possible that Franklin Graham, his son, could also be serving a similar role.

PRAYER; Lord, please forgive me for being critical of our nation’s leaders. Send your messengers to them to give any necessary adjustments to their thinking and decisions.In Jesus’ name for the sake of Your Kingdom.

Ez. 27, 28 [The Message]

Many people have sovereignly been given giftings and abilities that are exceptional. Lucifer was a prime example, but God said it went to his head. He became puffed up and tried to ascend upon God. MISTAKE!

When we us our gifts to serve the Lord and people, we are on point. When we try to draw attention to ourselves and consider ourselves better than others, we are moving towards expulsion. This is a lesson parents must teach children. Use your gift to serve others, not yourself.

Ez. 23-26 [The Message]

To this day, Ezekiel’s prophecies concerning cities are yet fulfilled. God knows the future and has the POWER to enact His decisions eternally.

There is a city, the NEW JERUSALEM, where His eternal kingdom will be set up. Whereas the old Jerusalem was such a disappointment, the new one will shine forever.