1 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us...God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."

Sunday, November 21, 2010

EZEKIEL - The Long Fall from Grace

Today’s “Bible Pick ‘Ems” lands us in the middle of Ezekiel, a very interesting book.

Ezekiel was one of the Major Prophets in the Old Testament. He had clear and vivid prophecies and visions. However, very little is known about his personal life. He was one of the thousands of young men deported from Judah to Babylon. Up until those tragic days, Ezekiel was being trained for the priesthood.

Like Isaiah, Ezekiel had a shocking encounter with God. He was never the same!

Whereas Isaiah had warned Judah of the coming storm – Ezekiel spoke in the middle of it. He prophesied in the middle of terrible defeat.

God described Ezekiel as a watchman on the walls of the city, capturing the personal nature of his ministry. Dangerous, responsible, crucial…

A central part of Ezekiel’s message was the importance of each person’s accountability before God. He taught the exiles that God expected personal worship and obedience from each of them.

Today’s verses are a reminder of what happens to the disobedient:

“…you sinned. So I banished you in disgrace from the mountain of God. I expelled you, O mighty guardian…Your heart was filled with pride because of your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor. So I threw you to the ground…All who knew you were appalled at your fate. And you have come to a terrible end, and you will exist no more.” (Ezekiel 28:16-17, 19)

Some of the phrases in this passage describe the human king of Tyre. Tyre was the powerful capital of Phoenicia. It was a highly prosperous and beautiful city. However, pride caused its ruin.

At times, though, Ezekiel describes the king in terms that could not apply to a mere human. Therefore, he may have been condemning not only the king of Tyre, but Satan, who had tempted and motivated this king to sin.

And we all know that pride caused his ruin.

I take two messages out of this passage. First of all, there will be an end to prideful ways, and haughty people. There will be an end to Satan’s rule. The long fall from Heaven is only the first judgment of God against our enemy. He has a final judgment day ahead of him. And after that day, he “will exist no more.” I take comfort in that fact.

God cares about justice. Wickedness will not win out in the end.

The second message I take out of this passage is a warning. God exacts punishment against those who proudly set themselves up. He will not tolerate those who do not yield to His Sovereignty. He demands fearful worship, and a heart yielded to His purposes. Pride will cause ruin.

“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

Proud people are rarely aware of their weaknesses. They think they are above the frailties that plague others. However, in this state of mind, they are easily tempted – they are easily tripped up.

Proud people seldom realize that pride is their problem.

So, it’s time to take inventory. It’s time to let Ezekiel speak to us.

Are we proud of our “beauty” – our accomplishments, our success? Do we love splendor and money more than God? Have we sacrificed our wisdom in favor of wealth?

Listen to the warning – return to true worship. Avoid the long fall from grace.

“I will not endure conceit and pride. I will search for faithful people to be my companions.” (Psalm 101:5-6)

Oh Lord, count me among the faithful…count me among the humble.


“When in doubt, search God out!”

6 comments:

  1. I rarely have time on Sunday morning to check online.

    Loved this, Sharon.

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  2. I love when you wrote "When in doubt, check God out!" That's wonderful advice. The answer to every problem can be found within the pages of God's word! Thanks for sharing some "picks" from Ezekiel.

    Living for Him, Joan

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  3. I'm in Isaiah these days and what struck me about it, and reinforced here in Ezekiel, is that if God said something, it happened. He said kingdoms would be destroyed within a short period of time and they were. So if God says he hates something or despises something, we should listen to that and avoid that. And if God says he is going to pour out his wrath in the final days,it will happen. The wonderful thing is for those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, he has chosen not to be angry against us but to look at us with unconditional love, seeing Jesus instead of me when he looks at me (you know what I mean). That continues to blow me away!

    thanks for sharing this Sharon and have a great day!

    betty

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  4. Debbie - Thanks for taking the time today. I'm glad that you liked this. As you and I have talked about before, it is difficult to be aware of all the ways that pride manifests itself in our lives. Sometimes, it can even be the insidious self-focus that says, "I'm no good..."

    Joan - The more I read and understand the Bible, the more I know how much this wonderful Word of God applies to EVERY aspect of life. It is relevant, alive, and wise - a guide that leads us to His feet, and then leads us onward in our faith journey! And yes, thanks Ezekiel!!

    Betty - Yes. Our Sunday School teacher last week said that the Bible is the only holy book that contains prophecy. And like you said, if God said it, it happened. So we can trust His promises for the future. We definitely need to listen to what God hates. I was reminded of Proverbs 6:16-19:

    "There are six things the LORD hates - no, seven things he detests; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family."

    The wrath of God - that concept scares me to death. Do people NOT understand how powerful that is? I'm with you, BIG TIME - so glad that God looks at me through the cross - with unconditional love, and mercy and grace that never ends! BLOWS ME AWAY, TOO!

    Hope everyone had a blessed Sunday - I'll go visiting blogs tomorrow!

    GOD BLESS!

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  5. I really enjoyed reading the posts on your blog. I would like to invite you to come on over to my blog and check it out. God bless, Lloyd

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  6. Lloyd - Thank you for your kind comment. I have been following your blog, and I also enjoy what you have to say. It's so important these days to be spreading the Word of the Lord - reaching out to the world, and also to encourage the Body of Christ. May God continue to equip us to do His work!

    GOD BLESS!

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"So I have been greatly encouraged in the midst of my troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives me new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How I thank God for you!"
(1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!