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Turn and live…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 33:11 “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’”

Commentary says of verse 11, “God is not sadistic and cruel, making repentance impossible because He loves to see humanity suffer.” I think that’s one of the most foundational understandings I’ve gotten from my three-year reading of the Old Testament. My child’s understanding of the Old Testament was that God was cruel and vengeful. You didn’t cross Him or He’d get you. My adult study has shown me again and again His love, patience, and compassion and man’s utter foolishness.

Ezekiel 33:17 “Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just.”

This revelation brings to mind Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is alive and active.” Why go back and study a text I learned as a child? Because I’m not the same person I was then and my capacity to understand God’s word has grown, too. Why do I need to sit down each morning and spend time in God’s word? Because I’m certain the specious idea of a vengeful God who delights in punishment isn’t the only thing I’ve gotten wrong over the years.

Ezekiel 33:18-19 “If a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, they will die for it. And if a wicked person turns away from their wickedness and does what is just and right, they will live by doing so.”

Precious Savior, Thank You for helping me recognize and correct my misunderstandings of Your character. Thank You for Your word, which is active and alive. Thank You for the opportunity to know You more, to know You better, every day. Amen.

Ezekiel 33:20 “Yet you Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to your own ways.”

Have a blessed day.

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Too big for our britches…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 32:1-2a In the twelfth year, in the twelfth month on the first day, the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, take up a lament concerning Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him:”

Commentary says that this prophecy was delivered “after any hope Judah had in Egypt for help was passed.” I wonder what the attitude of the people was. Was Egypt bragging about their power? Were the Israelites waiting to see if God would call Egypt to task?

Ezekiel 32:2b …“‘You are like a lion among the nations; you are like a monster in the seas thrashing about in your streams, churning the water with your feet and muddying the streams.’”

Would I have been angry, feeling like Egypt got away with something, stewing over the fact that God wasn’t acting on my timetable, that He wasn’t showing them who’s boss? Sadly, I probably would have. I can be like that. But again God is calling me to put away my gavel and leave the judging to Him. I’m not qualified to judge others. And I don’t want others judging me. God’s got the situation firmly in hand.

Ezekiel 32:9 “‘I will trouble the hearts of many peoples when I bring about your destruction among the nations, among lands you have not known.’”

Lord, Thank You for the reminder that I am judge and jury to no one. Thank You for the reminder that You are in control, You see, You know, You give opportunity after opportunity to repent and return, You want us to come back to You so we can enjoy the fruits of Your love. It’s hard to humble ourselves, Lord. It’s hard to admit when we get “too big for our britches.” Help us. Forgive us. Draw us closer. Amen.

Ezekiel 32:10 “‘I will cause many peoples to be appalled at you, and their kings will shudder with horror because of you when I brandish my sword before them. On the day of your downfall each of them will tremble every moment for his life.’”

Have a blessed day. I love you.

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The cycle continues…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 31:10 “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because the great cedar towered over the thick foliage, and because it was proud of its height….’”

Again we have pride rearing its ugly head. In this case, it’s Egypt’s pride. Again we have God giving the proud over to the wicked to be dealt with. We’ve seen this motif over and over (and over) in the Bible. My gut wants to ask “Why are humans so incredibly slow that we haven’t caught on,” but I think the issue goes deeper than that.

Ezekiel 31:11 “‘…I gave it into the hands of the ruler of the nations, for him to deal with according to its wickedness. I cast it aside….’”

When things are bad, it is easy for me to cling to God. There are no other options and life is falling apart anyway. It is when things start going well that the trouble comes. I forget how much I needed God because I’ve found my feet. Then, in true human fashion, I start to feel like my gain is my doing and that I’m owed the good things in life. That’s pride. The cycle continues.

Ezekiel 31:12 “‘…and the most ruthless of foreign nations cut it down and left it. Its boughs fell on the mountains and in all the valleys; its branches lay broken in all the ravines of the land. All the nations of the earth came out from under its shade and left it.’”

Lord, Forgive me for my pride. Forgive me for the times when I forget my deep need for You. Help me cling to You always, every day. Help me remember to keep You at my center, to praise You, to glorify You, always. Draw me closer. Amen.

Ezekiel 31:13 “‘All the birds settled on the fallen tree, and all the wild animals lived among its branches.’”

Have a blessed day.

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Trusting God…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 30:10 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “‘I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.’”

It occurred to me as I read today’s chapter that I have always read sections such as these as though God is jealous—jealous of Egypt because Israel put its faith in Egypt and not God. And while I can see how my earthly self might read it that way, the God of all creation being jealous of anything does not hold true.

Ezekiel 30:12 “‘I will dry up the waters of the Nile and sell the land to an evil nation; by the hand of foreigners I will lay waste the land and everything in it. I the Lord have spoken.’”

God loves His children. He wants what’s best for them. And what’s best for the Israelites is not putting their trust in Egypt, certainly not trusting Egypt above trusting God.

Ezekiel 30:19 “‘So I will inflict punishment on Egypt, and they will know that I am the Lord.’”

Lord, I don’t like the image of You as a jealous God. That doesn’t square with the understanding I have of who You are and how You function. I also don’t want to be like the Israelites, trusting in earthly strength while turning my back on Your eternal love. Help me to seek You always. Help me to trust You above earthly strength. Help me to be humble in You and to shine Your light for all. Amen.

Ezekiel 30:26 “I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them through the countries. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

Have a blessed day.

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Prideful…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 29:3 “Speak to [Pharaoh king of Egypt] and say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “ ‘I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, you great monster lying among your streams. You say, “The Nile belongs to me; I made it for myself.”

Commentary can be incredibly helpful as I try to make sense of my reading each day. Often it gives me background or insight into history of which I am unaware. For instance, one of the insights commentary gave me on today’s reading is that “Israel…has an impulse to look to Egypt in times of crisis.” The chapter also indicates that Egypt leaned into that role of savior, becoming prideful.

Ezekiel 29:6. Then all who live in Egypt will know that I am the Lord….

The issue here, as I see it, is two-fold: 1. Israel is looking to someone other than God in times of crisis. Psalm 121:2 says, “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” 2. Egypt is getting prideful because of their role as rescuer. Both are issues as both remove God from His right place as center.

Ezekiel 29:6b-7 “‘You have been a staff of reed for the people of Israel. When they grasped you with their hands, you splintered and you tore open their shoulders; when they leaned on you, you broke and their backs were wrenched.’”

Lord, it is so easy sometimes to recognize and analyze what other people are doing wrong. Help me to concentrate instead on the plank in my own eye—being sure my focus is on You, my center is in You—instead of fixating on the speck of sawdust I see in someone else’s eye. Help me to remain humble in You. Amen.

Ezekiel 29:16 “‘Egypt will no longer be a source of confidence for the people of Israel but will be a reminder of their sin in turning to her for help. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.’”

Have a blessed day.

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The insidious, destructive nature of pride…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 28:17 Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.

This chapter is all about the dangers of pride. Interestingly, some think the King of Tyre discussed here is Satan, that this chapter describes his fall from grace. A quick search says that not everyone subscribes to that theory. Regardless, this chapter looks at the insidious, destructive nature of pride.

Ezekiel 28:18 By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries. So I made a fire come out from you, and it consumed you, and I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching.

Unfortunately, pride is part of the human condition. I know I’ve definitely had times where I thought I earned something or deserved something I did not get. I’ve had times where I thought I should be given something just because of who I was. Going down that rabbit hole can lead nowhere good. Sometimes I think not getting those things I thought I’d earned or deserved was the greatest gift. Not getting those things kept me from the sin of pride.

Ezekiel 28:19a All the nations who knew you are appalled at you….

Lord, Thank You for speaking to my heart this morning. I am human. Pride is something I struggle with. Thank You for keeping me humble in You. Help me resist this world’s pull toward pride. Draw me closer. Amen.

Ezekiel 28:19b …you have come to a horrible end and will be no more.

Have a blessed day.

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My center…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 27:25 “‘The ships of Tarshish serve as carriers for your wares. You are filled with heavy cargo as you sail the sea.”
Psalm 46:5 comes heavily to mind as I read this chapter: “God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.” Just like yesterday, the issue here is one of sharp contrasts. In the Psalm, because God is in the city, the city cannot be destroyed. In this chapter, the city of Tyre is a powerful, magnificent trading port, yet God is no where within the city. All the riches, all the beauty and craftsmanship, all the money and power come to absolutely nothing without God at its center.
Ezekiel 27:26 “Your oarsmen take you out to the high seas. But the east wind will break you to pieces far out at sea.”
For me, the message is easy to connect to our modern life. There is so much value placed on appearances, on wealth and power and influence. So many are chasing the almighty dollar or pervasive influence over others. But if God isn’t within us, if He’s not our center, we can’t stand. This world is not our home. Our end goal is not here. Our reward is in heaven. Jesus, Help me never forget that.
Ezekiel 27:27 “Your wealth, merchandise and wares, your mariners, sailors and shipwrights, your merchants and all your soldiers, and everyone else on board will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your shipwreck.”
Lord, Thank You for the reminder that this world is not my home, that I am not chasing the things the world deems important. Help me to keep You at my center so that I can stand strong in You. Amen.
Ezekiel 27:28 “The shorelands will quake when your sailors cry out.”
Have a blessed day.
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Pondering the lesson…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 26:19 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When I make you a desolate city, like cities no longer inhabited, and when I bring the ocean depths over you and its vast waters cover you….”
What struck me as I read this chapter this morning was verse 21 and how similar yet utterly different it is from Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” When we seek God, truly seek God with all our heart, we will find Him. Always. Yet in this chapter, Tyre who is profiting from Jerusalem’s destruction, will be dealt with by God, to the point that even those intentionally seeking Tyre will not be able to find it.
Ezekiel 26:20a “…then I will bring you down with those who go down to the pit, to the people of long ago….”
Pondering the lesson here: when we seek God—seek to find Him, to know Him—we will find Him. He wants us to know Him. He knows that we can only find true peace and contentment through Him. Yet when we seek to elevate ourselves—profiting from the misfortune of others like Tyre—God will bring us low because He knows that the way of the world will never bring us a full life and bringing us low will lead us back to Him.
Ezekiel 26:20b “…I will make you dwell in the earth below, as in ancient ruins, with those who go down to the pit, and you will not return or take your place in the land of the living.”
Lord, Thank You for allowing me to hear Your voice each morning. Thank You for the reminder that You are my future, my present, every good thing in my life. Please don’t ever let me lose sight of the need to keep You at my center. Please help me always to seek, to listen, to know Your voice. Amen.
Ezekiel 26:21 “I will bring you to a horrible end and you will be no more. You will be sought, but you will never again be found, declares the Sovereign Lord.”
Have a blessed day.
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Letting go of my gavel…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 25:1-2 The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites and prophesy against them.
There is so much I don’t understand about God and the Bible. But I have learned that if I earnestly seek, if I sit with His word, if I read and study and pay attention, He always speaks to my heart. Always. Today’s lesson seems to be a reminder that I need to let God take care of judgement. That is not my call.
Ezekiel 25:8-9 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because Moab and Seir said, “Look, Judah has become like all the other nations,” therefore I will expose the flank of Moab, beginning at its frontier towns….
I know I’m not the only one who gets indignant when it looks like someone is going to get away with something. God used the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Philistines to bring judgement on His people, but that didn’t mean they got away with their own sins. God is calling them to account, too. He’s got the situation firmly in hand. I can let go of my gavel.
Ezekiel 25:12-13 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because Edom took revenge on Judah and became very guilty by doing so, therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will stretch out my hand against Edom and kill both man and beast. I will lay it waste….
Lord, Thank You for always speaking to my heart—even if, in my confusion, it’s just to tell me that You are with me—sovereign, merciful, loving. Thank You for the reminder that You need me to love Your people, not judge them. Help me to lay down my gavel. Draw me closer daily. Amen.
Ezekiel 25:15-16 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah, therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will wipe out the Kerethites and destroy those remaining along the coast.
Have a blessed day.
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Closer with each breath…. (devo reflection)

Ezekiel 24:15 The word of the Lord came to me: 
Lord, Sometimes life just doesn’t make sense. But You promise to never leave me nor forsake me. Thank You.
Ezekiel 24:16 “Son of man, with one blow I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes. Yet do not lament or weep or shed any tears.”
Lord, You know I like to know the “why” of life, but that’s not always possible or necessary. Help me to trust, even when I don’t understand.
Ezekiel 24:17 “Groan quietly; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover your mustache and beard or eat the customary food of mourners.”
Lord, You know my heart. You know my fears, worries, doubts. Help me to lay them all at Your feet and surround myself instead with Your peace. Draw me closer with each breath. Amen.
Ezekiel 24:18 So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. The next morning I did as I had been commanded.
Have a blessed day.