Today’s Tasting: Ezekiel 31-33
Ezekiel 31 –Ezekiel compares Egypt to Assyria, as a great cedar tree. He warns that even Assyria, in all its power and strength, was destroyed due to their wickedness. Ezekiel declares that Egypt is not immune from their wickedness either.
Ezekiel 32 – Soon after the news of Jerusalem’s fall reaches Babylon, Ezekiel laments over the Pharaoh. He exclaims that only God is Sovereign and that judgement will overcome Egypt just like their surrounding nations.
15 When I make Egypt desolate
and strip the land of everything in it,
when I strike down all who live there,
then they will know that I am the Lord.’
16 “This is the lament they will chant for her. The daughters of the nations will chant it; for Egypt and all her hordes they will chant it, declares the Sovereign Lord.” [Ezekiel 32:15-16 NIV]
Ezekiel 33 – Ezekiel’s call to watchman is restored. The Lord went to Ezekiel and told him that he needed to speak to the people of Egypt and warn them of a “sword coming”. If the people hear this warning but rebel against it, they are held accountable. But if he, as the watchman, does not sound the alarm, he will be held accountable for them.
30 “As for you, son of man, your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.’ 31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.
33 “When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them.” [Ezekiel 33:30-33 NIV]
Today’s Nourishment: Ezekiel is such a fantastic example of a faithful watchman. He continues to prophesy of the Lord and the coming destruction. He continues to bring this news to the Lord’s people even though it seems as though he is not being heard. How easy could it have been for him to say, Lord, I’m doing what you’re asking, I’m trying to help them see their evil ways, but the destruction will still come, no one is listening. What difference does it make?
Instead, he faithfully relays the message of the coming sword. Because he knows that he has been appointed their watchman and that he will be held accountable for the things he knows and does not share.
Have you ever gone to someone in a loving, caring way and expressed concern for them and it was received badly? Have you ever shared your testimony and faith with someone and they have mocked you?
Remember, you are not witnessing for them alone but for God as well. Share your comments below.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Ezekiel 34-36
Humbly,
Vanessa Long
Salt Lake City, UT
Vanessa I’ve always said its not about us it’s all about Him. It’s what He’s doing in and through us. We as His messengers must speak the truth of His word. He expects us to be His watchmen and His light!!