Reading the Signs

EZEKIEL   CHAPTER 12

As Ezekiel was spirited away to the rebels in Babylonia, he was given another message from the Lord. God knew many of the captives wouldn't listen or see the truth, so he asked Ezekiel to put on a demonstration to show them what it would be like to go off into exile. He told Ezekiel to pack his belongings on his back in broad daylight, then bring his baggage outside during the day so the captives could watch him. Then he said to leave the house in the evening, dig a hole through the wall and carry possessions out through it. And walk away into the night with face covered. These actions would be a sign for the people of Israel.

So Ezekiel did as told and the next morning the Lord wanted him to give further messages to the rebels. He want him to explain that his actions were a demonstration, for they will be driven from their homes and sent away. Even Zedekiah would leave Jerusalem at night through a hole in the wall. And the Lord would capture him in a snare and bring him to Babylon.

The Lord also told Ezekiel to tremble as he ate and drink his water as if it were his last. The people would get the message and do the same because their land would be stripped bare and the cities destroyed and land deserted.

The Lord gave Ezekiel a proverb "Time passes, making a liar of every prophet". Then God told him he would put an end to this proverb and Ezekiel would no longer quote it. And God promised there would be no more delay.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Zedekiah would be Judah's last king. He would join the exiles in Babylon where Nebuchadnezzar would have his eyes gouged out.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? How can we read about so much violence and anger and compare it to our world today? We have much of the same in some parts of the world. And in our own country we have millions of people who turn their backs on sin. So I would hope that this chapter helps someone to see that God's patience can be tested too far. There are warning signs for us - even in today's society. We stray far from the teachings of our Lord. Yet he asks so little of us. Just to help him spread the word and to follow his commandments. How simple is that?

Yours in Christ,
Mary


Prayer Requests are needed for:

HEALTH:

Pray for my grandson, new baby Gunar who was born with kidney problems.

Pray for my grandson Hunter who is lost and afraid and far away from home.

Pray for Gary and Steve my insurance men who have prostate cancer.

Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.

Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer and who recently underwent major surgery.

Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with a form of MS.

Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.

Pray for Gary Summers, my friend from church, who has cancer.

Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who has been undergoing chemo. Pray also for Charly who longs to be 100 percent again and walk without an aid.

Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.

SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary

RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John

LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian

SUPPORT: Pray for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom. Pray for our farmers and those who raise livestock during this terrible drought. Pray for us consumers who will face higher grocery prices and the poor who won’t be able to adjust what little budget they have.