The Hope of Restoration

In previous chapters, Ezekiel told the people of punishment, but now he proclaims the hope of restoration. He hopes his message would improve the people's response, but they continued to live as they please.

Ezekiel  Chapter 33

Once again a message came to Ezekiel from the Lord which said that he would bring an army against the country and then the people would choose a watchman. When the watchman sees the army, he would blow the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear it refuse to take action,  it is their own fault if they die. If the watchman sees the army and doesn't sound the alarm, he is responsible for the deaths and the Lord would hold him accountable.

Then the Lord said that he was making Ezekiel the watchman for the people of Israel and he must warn them about changing their ways. But if he warned them and they did not repent,  he would not be held accountable. The Lord further said that the good works of righteous people would not save them if they turn to sin. And if wicked people turn from their wickedness and do what is right and just, they will live.

On January 8, during the twelfth year of captivity, a man who had escaped Jerusalem came to Ezekiel and told of the city falling.The Lord gave Ezekiel the words that the survivors eat meat with blood in it and worship idols and the land does not belong to murderers, and idolaters. Further, those that live in the remnants of Judah would die by the sword and their fields would be eaten by wild animals. Those hiding in the caves would die of disease. And the Lord would destroy the land and then the people would know the Lord. But those who come to hear Ezekiel and pretend to be sincere and hear what he says, but don't follow through and do it. Then all these terrible things will happen to them.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Some folks think that if they do enough good deeds, they can hold on to the sins they don't want to give up. This happens in our times too. But God wants your whole heart and your complete obedience. He tells us that while good deeds will not save us, our salvation must lead to righteous actions. In other words, we cannot earn our way to heaven through good works.

People came to listen to Ezekiel to be entertained. Do you go to church to be entertained? It's okay to enjoy the music, the people, the activities. But we must take the messages to heart. Does your church concentrate on bigger and better stages, amps, reactions from the latest technology from the congregation? Or does your church service have an impact on what is in the hearts of men? I pray you hear God's word often in your church.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:


HEALTH:

Pray for my grandson Hunter who has been brought home, but needs counseling badly.

Pray for Garry 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 Arlene’s niece Denise.

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 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.