To Ezekiel was given the task of calling out the leaders of his day for their hypocrisy and damaging example to God’s people.

James echoes a warning to leaders as he says, “Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly]. -James 3:1

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, give us the grace to be solid leaders who set an acceptable example to Your followers. It’s only by Your ability and Spirit within us that we stand.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 21,22

When God judged Israel, they became aware of what He liked and what He didn’t like. The same principle is true in the home, the school, and the workplace. When constituents are judged and given corrective measures, all the other constituents get a quick lesson on survival.

Leaders are wise to carefully consider their punitive actions as each are an opportunity to communicate to their followers the desired behavior.

“He that has My commands and keeps them, he it is that loves Me.” Jn. 14:21

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, help me to be a good leader.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 17-20

Ezekiel described God’s relationship with His people as that of a lover whose faithfulness had been spurned. “Lewd and detestable practices” learned by associating with ungodly neighbors seems to be the primary objectionable practice by Israel.

In our culture, Christians are bombarded by innumerable “lewd and detestable” influences which can lure our devotions away from a faithful God whose unconditional, constant love has been set upon us.

Amazing love. He deserves our fidelity.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You showed us what real love is. Grace us to return that love and show it to others around us.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 16

As Ezekiel addressed the elders of Israel, God directed him to identify unseen idols they were keeping/worshiping in their hearts.

These are often undetected by general observation. God, however, looks primarily at the heart of men. He sees all. Particularly noticeable to Him is when other life focuses have displaced Him.

As the commandment states, “Thou shalt have no other god BEFORE Me.”

DAILY PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me clearly see the idols that have displaced You. I repent and ask for deliverance.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 12-15

Ezekiel had a visitation from God that showed him a man dressed in linen who took him around on a spiritual tour of Israel. Pointed out were the detestable things God’s children were involved in. However, those that grieved and lamented the sin around them were marked to be spared the judgement to come.

As contemporary Christians, we live in a culture so full of detestable things that we become immune. This passage calls us to spend the time necessary with God to again become sensitized to what pleases God and what displeases Him.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, forgive us for our apathy. We want to be salt and light to this generation.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 8-11

A recurring theme in the beginning of Ezekiel’s prophecy is the judgements God inflicted so “That they might know that I am the Lord.” It’s as if God wants everyone to know that you don’t really get away with it when you mock Him by serving idols and disregarding His laws.

Our lives are precious opportunities to sow seeds of righteousness. We and our offspring will be blessed by doing so. Instilling the knowledge and fear of the Lord in our children is vital.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, we know and trust You. Spare our loved ones the grief of the penalty of rebellion. May our testimony be that God has been faithful to us.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 4-7

As a watchman, Ezekiel was given the task of issuing a warning to those violating God’s laws and ways. It was an unpopular job, but God indicated He would hold the prophet responsible if they were not warned and died from their sin.

As New Testament Christians, we are instructed to lovingly and forthrightly instruct those whose behavior is clearly on a path of destruction. These admonitions must be heavily bathed in prayer, because God is the One who can turn them.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, give me a consuming love for those around me who are on a path of destruction. Only You have the Words of Life.

DAILY READING: Ezekiel 1-3

Upon reading Jeremiah’s lament, we rejoice that the punishment of sin and the anguish of unforgiveness have been dealt with by Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

He took our penalties and carried them to the cross. After paying sin’s due bill, he died and arose to conquer it all. He ascended to His Heavenly Father and there sits constantly making intercession for us.

Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, today we rejoice in the resurrection life You have given to us. We are seated with You in Heavenly places.

DAILY READING: Lamentations 3-5

David and Jeremiah had quite contrasting things to say about Jerusalem. She went from “The perfection of beauty; Joy of the whole earth,” to being rejected and abandoned. The reason: the sins of her people.

Similar things can be said about the United States. Although there are many godly and good people still in her, she has polluted the world with her Hollywood morality and her Wall Street greed.

“If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and prayer … I will heal their land.” 2 Chron. 7:14

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, hear our prayer and heal our land. Forgive us of our sins. Cleanse us with a great sweeping revival.

DAILY READING: Lamentations 1,2

Around 587 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar’s army seized Jerusalem and burned it, also tearing down the wall around it.

In 33 A.D., another king marched into the city. Jesus came to be murdered as He had prophesied to His disciples. “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” [Jn. 2:19]

Today is Good Friday. We are mindful of the sacrifice Christ made, but that in 3 days, He would raise up.

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, You submitted Yourself for destruction that we could be constructed … made without sin like You through Your sacrifice.

DAILY READING:  Jeremiah 52, John 2