Ezekiel 33

Message: Ezekiel is Israel's watchman. Ezekiel gives the watchman's message: "Why will you die, Israel?" and then explains Jerusalem's destruction.

Time: The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel.

What the Lord is Saying: The Lord explains the watchman. As enemies come, the people elect a watchman to stand guard. The watchman warns the people. If you hear the warning and do nothing, it is your fault when destruction comes your way. If you listen to the warning, you shall live. But, also, if the watchman does not blow his trumpet when the enemy comes, then the responsibility lies on the watchman if destruction was the result.

The Lord tells Ezekiel he will be the Lord's watchman. When the Lord speaks he is to warn the people. But, their outcome is not Ezekiel's responsibility. Ezekiel is to speak.

Then the watchman gives Israel the Gospel Message:

1. Israel says, "We are sinners and our sin results in death."
2. God says, "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked."
3. God says, "I want the wicked to turn from their way and live."
4. God says, "Righteous living will not save sinners."
5. God says, "Wicked living will not destroy wicked people turning from their sin."
6. God says, "Past righteousness does not save people engaged in present wickedness."
7. God says, "When wicked turn from their sin and live righteously, they are saved and their past wickedness is no longer seen."
8. Israel says, "God isn't doing what is right."
9. Ezekiel says, "No, you are the ones that are not doing right."
10. God says, "Your deeds show who you belong to."

A fugitive or survivor from Jerusalem comes to Ezekiel, no longer mute, to tell him the city has been struck down. The people thought that Abraham as one man got possession, but they are many and should also get possession. But, then the Lord reminds me of their filthiness, their idolatry, murder, adultery, and wonders why he should reward them the land when there ways are far from Him. No, the land must be destroyed, not partially, but completely. They want rewards, but what they really need is to know that the Lord is the Lord.

The Lord shows Ezekiel that the people do listen, but they don't do what he says. His voices is a soothing instrument to their souls, yet their walk does not equal their talk. "They listen, but have no intention of doing what you say."

Promise: The bottom line is the same as previous chapters have shown. We are to be God's people and He is to be our Lord. Our deeds need to mirror our relationship. Yes, God is sovereign and Yes, God sets His chosen people apart, but His people should follow Him. In following, there is great reward. Do what he says.

--------------------------------------------------- Words from Tabletalk reading. I continue to try to read these passages alongside my reading of the Tabletalk devotional series, but I've been getting behind because some days their is a jump from one passage to another. But, i don't like to jump and have enjoyed the study.

Today's reading (actually October 1) was, "God's Mercy Toward the Wicked." And it is a vivid summary of how the people of Israel assumed God would not save his chosen people. Yes, he wanted them to live pure lives and stop their wickedness and there would always be punishment in this life for wicked behavior, but ultimately they were to know that God has chosen them and they will always be His. No matter what. What a great picture this is of who we are in Christ. So many in the world focus on the justice of God, often wondering why it doesn't occur more swiftly, and yet God pledges His mercy to repentant sinners. He looks over sins previously committed and gives us the riches of His position as our Lord. The Lord takes no pleasure in punishing sinners. This grieves Him. But, justice must be performed. His desire is obedience. His desire is people will remember Him and follow His ways.