Ezekiel 46-48 (12th Sept) - Crystal

Ezekiel 46 – 48

Our God is not only a holy and perfect God; He is a God who fills in command so that we will not stray. God is specific on what He has placed in the bible. Just as He has listed down the measurements of the temple, who are to go in and out of the temple, God even designed the kitchen. He commands Every detail is attended to. As God is concern about His temple, He too is concern about us as His children. He knows every detail, every thought that we are going through.

God sets the river to flow from the temple. It signifies how blessing flows from the church body. God anoint first the temple of God to His people and surroundings. If you ever wanted blessing from God, it is available when u ask, especially from the church. It is illustrated that There will be large numbers of fish, it further emphasize on God’s blessings to the people. God did not only bless the prophets but also the fisherman. The fisherman are able to fish many different fishes and of large amount from the river that flows from the temple. The plants that grow near the river not only bear fruits, their leaves are able to use for medication. I believe God intends to bless not only you and the church but people around you too. Make yourself available for God’s kingdom and bless people around you.

After God “refurbished” the land, God divided the land into 12. He did not drive away those who are foreign but He extends His blessings to these people. Just like God, we should also extend our love, care and concern to people who are foreign in this land, people who are of different religions, races or nationalities.

Ezekiel 44 - 45 (11th September) - Joshua

Today's passage reminded me that worship involves the discipline of the whole being. And that discipline changes our lives. As God describes through the garments, lifestyle, haircut, finance and other form of legislations and provisions for the levites, its reveals God's discipline in taking great lengths to describe the blessings and teachings to His followers.


It's no wonder historically the Levites are loyalists in God's kingdom. They are among the first to stay by God's side in times of rebellion. God's discipline in their lives not only teaches but transforms our lives. As we worship and serve, lets not be caught up by the tasks at hand but do them well as worship. Because worship changes our lives.

Ezekiel 42-43 (10th Sept) - Crystal

Ezekiel 42

God is very specific about measurements. Don’t you wonder why God actually take time to keep record of the measurements of the temple in the bible? The whole chapter illustrates the spaces that are to be created to be the rooms for the priests. If God is concern about measurements, what more about the lives that He create? The temple is built on God’s impression. As you read on, you will be able to visualize the majestic presence of the temple. You are His temple too. Will you build your life according to God’s impression, God’s plans for you?

God separate the holy place and the common by a wall. It reveal to me that God is wants us to lead a life which is clearly separate from the common. There should not be any grey areas. Matthew 5:37
Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Ezekiel 43

God’s glory fell and His presence return to the “temple”, to the people who turn away from Him. Ezekiel was to take upon this mission and speak to the Israelites. Though the Israelites sinned against God, God made a way for them to redeem themselves. Not once, not twice but so many a times God provide a U-turn. It might be you or people around you who have turn away from God in one way or another. Yes, our God is a merciful God but do not take His grace for granted. If you ever thought of giving up on your backsliden friends think of what would Jesus do. God did not give up since the day He chooses to deposit this love in them.

Ezekiel 40 - 41 (9th September) - Vivien

There is a transition of the book Ezekiel. Recalling from the beginning of this book, it started with God’s calling for Ezekiel, and God’s preparation for him, then Ezekiel’s warning to the Israelites. After dealing with God’s people, Ezekiel prophesied against Israel’s enemies. Now, in these 2 chapters, God showed Ezekiel the new temple area. Ultimately, God’s desire is still to dwell among His people. So it was God’s initiation to start a fresh in building His relationship with His chosen people. How sweet!

The rest of these 2 chapters are detailed descriptions of what Ezekiel saw. The temple area was seemed very organised. It talked about gates and rooms for different purpose. The he proceeded to the temple itself.

I really wonder how the temple looked like… Just reading the descriptions so far, it seemed majestic and arty, with palm trees and cherubim carved on walls. Of course, that temple would be as glamourous as the one Solomon had built. But it did not matter to God what materials were used to build His temple. At that point of time when Ezekiel saw this vision, the Israelites were already exiled for quite long. The comparison should be relatively. Because Solomon had the resources so it was expected of him more.

When more is given, more is expected. Relative value is more important than absolute value, so don’t despise and compare with others the things that you have accomplished for God.

Ezekiel 38 - 39 (8th September) - Vivien

In this chapter, the Bible talks about a prophecy against Gog. As I read the first time, it was like many other prophecies. Then when I read it a 2nd time, I saw it in another perspective. It seems like God was not just merely warning Gog, but Satan!

From verse 7 to 9, it is said that the enemy (Satan) will invade a land that has recovered from war and are living in safety. That is us. We’ve gone through battles and when we are safe and untouched, Satan will come and attack (verse 14 to 16). However, God still loves us more than anything. The wrath of God will be upon Satan for trying to take us away from God!

So will we begin with the end in mind, that we have the victory for all the battles in our life. Don’t Give Up! Persevere!

In Chapter 39, there are more details about the destruction of Gog.

“I will make known my holy name among my people Israel. I will no longer let my holy name be profaned, and the nations will know that I the LORD am the Holy One in Israel. It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD. This is the day I have spoken of.” Verse 7 – 8

It is coming! It is in present continuous tense!

In verse 9 and 10, it showed the victory Israel would have. 7 years of supply of fuel from the plundering! Then it continues with the cleaning up process. It is not enough just to “kill” the sin, but to get rid of them in the burial ground. Proper disposal needed, to prevent and remains from “infecting” us again.

In verse 21 to 29 was the “big picture” of the sufferings that the Israelites went through. Sometimes we go through hardship for a reason. In this case, it was due to unfaithfulness. So God punished them. But after the punishment comes restoration. The Israelites were restored to their status.

V26: “They will forget their shame and all the unfaithfulness they showed toward me when they lived in safety in their land with no one to make them afraid”

Over here, is like the Father is telling Satan off in front of His children.

Father: “You think you (Satan) have won the battle? Think again! I’m just disciplining my children for misbehaving, and you have been “cooperative” in carrying out my plan for my kids.”
Satan: “…”
Father: “Now that they have learnt their lessons, do you think I’ll not intervene your nonsense? I’ll punish you even more for all the wicked things you have done!”
Children: “Hehe…”

Ezekiel 35 - 37 (7th September) - Sky

Ezekiel 35
Why is the prophecy against Edom when Ezekiel prophesizes facing Mount Seir? Mount Seir is the country of Edom where the descendants of Esau lived.

The grudge they harbored against Israel was when Jacob tricked his brother Esau out of his birthright. This hostility will cause the nation of his downfall and own desolation.

Ezekiel 36
This chapter shows as GOD punishes it always lead to restoration and renewal. Likewise when Christians undergo trials and challenges, GOD promises eventual deliverance and renewed blessing.

As GOD finally break his people of their addiction to idols by putting them through a time of exile in Babylon. GOD reveals the prophets of the Lord are right eventually, those idols of other gods being impotent.

GOD did not only promise to bring the people back but promise a new heart given to them. These hearts were to be spiritually alive and open to Him, to be set apart.

Through difficult circumstances GOD brought Israel to a place of decision while HE did not coerce or force their obedience. He used hardships to help them see the benefits of obeying and obedience to HIM never brings sorrow and hurt to oneself.

Ezekiel 37
The prophecy is an illustration that GOD will breathe new life into the nation Israel.

Dead bones like Israel were spiritually dead having no hope or spark of faith. Even in the midst of this, GOD has the power to renew his people. This assurance can encourage believers to pray for new life and revival in a church, marketplace or home.

Ezekiel 32 - 34 (6th September) - Weiling

Ezekiel 32
Ezek 29-32 are chapters about God’s judgment on Egypt and its Pharaoh.
Egypt was one of the longtime enemy of God’s people. Ezekiel was speaking of a time then when Egypt would be reduced to a place of insignificance. Captivity would come and the glory of Pharaoh would fade.

An important lesson: As the leadership of a nation goes, so goes the nation. Pharaoh’s pride and false confidence in his army led to the desolation of his once mighty Egypt. Thus, do take time to pray for your leaders today.


Ezekiel 33
The Watchman (v.1 – 11)
Like the prophet Ezekiel, all of us have the role and duty to speak forth God’s word. We are God’s mouth-piece. It may be to witness to a pre-believing friend. It may be to discipline a wayward son. It may be to speak to a brother or sister in Christ whom you know is sinning or is in a dangerous position of falling. Who knows if what you say may or may not jolt a sinning brother in his path to repent and return to God? There is the sin of commission – doing the wrong things eg. Stealing. There is also the sin of omission – not doing what God calls us to do. It may not be easy to rebuke someone; you may risk losing a friend. But what would be the loving thing to do? Speak forth in love. The responsibility to respond lies with the person but we carry the responsibility to speak what God calls us to say.

God is a God of the Now (v.12 – 20)
Do not count on your past righteous “deeds” to save you, thinking you can be complacent because you may fall and sin. Do not live in the past. Even if you have led a life of sinning and rebellion, if you repent and turn to God, God is faithful and will show grace to forgive.

Practise what you hear (v. 31 – 33)
If we hear the words of God but do not practice them, we are like people who are just listening to songs. (v.32) Only when we obey God will we truly know Him. Let His Word transform you from inside out.

In James 1: 22-24 it says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”

Ezekiel 34
The word goes out to the shepherds and leaders of God’s people as a reminder of the great privilege and responsibility they carry. The admonishment went out to the shepherds who had been caring only about themselves instead of the sheep that they are supposed to care for. The sheep were sickly, diseased, broken and scattered. And God said that He would take away the privilege from the shepherds of caring for the sheep and that He Himself, the faithful God, will search for His sheep and seek them out (v.11). He will feed them in a good pasture and lead them to rest (v. 11-16). He will bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick. So tender is our God.

Perhaps the responsibilities of a shepherd sound like a very tall order after we have read the passage. Perhaps it made you think twice about taking on the responsibility now. Perhaps it made you feel guilty about the job you are doing as a shepherd. Perhaps it made you think that it is easier if you had never set out to undertake the assignment of being a shepherd. But I just sense that God is saying it is an assignment that God entrusts to those whom He trusts. And it is only when we learn to shepherd will we ourselves know the Shepherd’s heart, that we will know Him from the fellowship of going through similar experiences, of loving His people. It is also an expression of our love for God. Just like in John 21 when Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” and Jesus then asked him to look after His sheep.

Ezekiel 28 - 31 (5th September) - Sky

Ezekiel 28

This prophecy is specifically to the King of Tyre.

Being complacent with wealth, he proclaims himself as god. GOD has judged him to die of the death of the uncircumcised. This death is to die separated form GOD, cut off from eternity. Ironically the King of Tyre may be circumcised so what does this tell us about our GOD?

Prophecy against Sidon
We know we have a holy righteous GOD. He can show himself holy in many ways like punishing sin and even when we experience his blessings for obedience. So how do you know we have a holy GOD?

Ezekiel 29
This prophecy to another great nation, Egypt.

Like a great monster in the banks of Nile (probably a crocodile) The Pharaoh grew confident and complacent, surrounded by water and desert he feels safe from foreign invaders.

Egypt had failed to deliver military aid to Israel. Like a reed when putting weight upon, it breaks. Either poking your skin or wrenching your back, Israel leaned on Egypt, only to regret later.

Ezekiel 30

V11 He and his army the most ruthless of nations will be brought in to destroy the land. They will draw their swords against Egypt

GOD’s will that wrath should be administered without hesitation or compromise thus using the most ruthless of the nations. Sometimes we forgot that our Lord is a GOD who cares about laws, details and conditions. As we know grace through Christ overrode these factors. But it did not change who our GOD truly is. A GOD of law, justice and righteousness.

Ezekiel 31

GOD caused Assyria like a cedar in Lebanon to grow larger and more power than other nations around it.

GOD did not aid Assyria to reward its evil ways but because HE wanted to punish Israel for its sin. Like Babylon, often using nations more wicked than Israel to punish his people when they rejected Him.

Ezekiel 24 - 27 (4th September) - Sky

Ezekiel 24
This chapter perhaps is the saddest among the rest, to me that is

Compare the city to a cooking pot?
The evil leaders of Jerusalem compared themselves to choice meat in a cooking pot and were confident that they would not be charred by the flames of divine judgment. The Lord challenged their false confidence and warned that they would not escape judgment.
The fire under the pot (the Babylonians) would cook the meat and each piece would then be removed (a reference to the exile)

As we know Ezekiel life deciphers GOD’s actions to Israel.
This day, his wife was taken away by the Lord; he was to be silent in morning like what will happen to Israel.

To groan silently, not mourn or weep? Losing the delight of his eyes, Ezekiel perhaps was the strongest man to control himself like that. What’s your delight in your eyes? What if it’s taken away? Will you cry in anguish or sorrow or in silence?

Ezekiel 25
Once again God’s word is for the other nations

As Our Lord describes how HE is going to punish the other nations of what they done? Is this HIS revenge for what they had done?

Think of it as judgment and justice. His holiness requires that he pronounce justice. But even God’s punishment can be considered an expression of his mercy. His OT judgment typically halted the slide into further sin. Left unchecked, sin violates the order God planned for creation and would eventually cause the destruction of the world and humanity.

These nations will learn that our GOD is holy and not tolerate sin. They will learn that his judgment falls on those who violate others, especially God’s own people.

Ezekiel 26

This prophecy is specifically against Tyre.

Once again GOD mentions how he’s using Nebuchadnezzar to destroy a nation. That he will put an end of things by bringing judgment, terror and justice.

Ezekiel 27

As you read this chapter your can tell that Tyre is like Singapore is a large wealthy cosmopolitan center with a significant seaport.

Describing Tyre’s wealth and power enables us to recognize how far it fell and how severely it was judged. As it made other nations wealthy by trade, those who profited because of Tyre will soon feel their vulnerability.

As you see the extent of God’s judgment, being a brilliant general as well HE takes out not just the people, food, hearts and nations but the finances of the nations. Leaving them so crippled that they will know He is LORD.

Ezekiel 22 - 23 (3rd September) - Sky

Ezekiel 22

In this chapter, GOD further elaborates Israel unrighteousness. Further emphasizing His wrath will dawn upon them, like silver melted in a furnace. In Old Testament the Lord always ends every chapter saying that through HIS wrath he be remembered, but now we remember through his Grace. That’s the beauty of Christ.

V26 my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there’s is no difference between the unclean and the clean

I always thought that sin is the opposite of holy. But it is further from the truth, commonness is the opposite of sin.
It’s common to worry, to rely on idols (money, other people etc), to be unrighteousness. The world does it, making it a common thing. Will you not break out and be uncommon, special but more importantly right?

Ezekiel 23

This prophecy is quite special as it was said specifically to 2 prostitutes.
Two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah bother names respectively meant her own ten and my tent is in her.

Both sisters engaged in prostitution with handsome young men, governors and commanders but Oholibah took another step worse engaging with Babylonians.

Both were handed over to their lovers and will be killed. But Oholibah punishment was more detailed and perhaps worse.
In context, Oholah could have represented another nation like Samaria, while Oholibah represent Israel the chosen nation. Yet Israel sin was greater than other nations, which grieves the Lord.

Ezekiel 20 - 21 (2nd September) - Sky

Ezekiel 20
Ezekiel mentions “in the seventh year” this is the Seventh year of King Jehoiachin’s exile. This precise dating gives this message formal quality and special significance.

As stated in the title, Israel was still rebellious to the GOD’s spoken word. The elders came to inquire of the Lord But GOD turn away. HE demanded uncompromising allegiance and refused to tolerate pluralism.

How often only through storms GOD seem so needed? But when all is well, we indulge ourselves with complacent and ungratefulness sometimes.

It’s a fact GOD judges; Israel has desecrated commandments and their own faith. As GOD purge and separates his people so will HE restore them to an even greater glory.

V41 I will accept you as fragrant incense when I bring you out from the nations and gather you from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will show myself holy among you in the sight of the nations

Be like fragrant incense by offering him your soul, bodies and offerings.

Ezekiel 21
As I read this chapter, I realize how fiercely GOD judge. Really thank Christ of what he has done, do and will do.

V4 Because I am going to cut off the righteous and the wicked, my sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north.

Punishing the righteous along with the wicked emphasizes the degree of GOD’s anger, as well as the corporate solidarity of the covenant community in GOD’s sight. Sin has adverse consequences, and frequently the innocent suffer because of misdeeds of the wicked.

As GOD judges not only Israel but the Ammonites. GOD used Babylon as his decree of judgment. The exalted will be brought down but the lowly will be exalted. The dynasty of David would not be restored until the rightful ruler arrived on the scene.

Why punish the ammonites now?
God exacts judgment and he acts on HIS time not outs. Often he waits for us to be totally dependent on his grace and provision before he chooses to act, even to sweep away the wicked.

Ezekiel 18 - 19 (1st September) - Kelvin

Chapter 18 touches on the prophesy of Ezekiel where God uses him to warn the people in the land of Israel. Ezekiel defined what it means to have our souls saved and have our souls lost to death. He quoted from Ezekiel 18: 5-13 all of it. Of which something that raised my eyebrows was when Ezekiel compared between those who did evil and turn to righteousness and those who were righteous turned to sins.

He said those who did evil and turn back to righteousness will surely enter the Kingdom and while those who were righteous and succumbed to the things which the Lord detests would surely lose their souls. I guess the Lord's focus of this chapter is really on these 2 comparisons.

In the same chapter, Ezekiel did mentioned that the Lord is not unjust to have said that as he who turned from his wicked ways know/consider the offenses he had committed and he would turn away from them. One of the righteous ways quoted in the chapter captured my thoughts for a moment. It says "He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungary" - Ezekiel 18:7.

During one of my lectures in school, my professor actually mentioned about this chap back in his nation who was poor and committed robberies but gave away whatever he had robbed to the poor as well. Sadly, in the end he was shot dead in one of his attempts. The moral of the story he gave us was that it is a pity that he died because he was committing crime due to the harsh and unfair environment he was placed in and most importantly he was helping others. After the lecture, i was thinking, maybe we all should have some compassion for this kind of people. Well, after reading that verse, i suddenly feel that sometimes people misunderstand the value of righteousness in today's world, including myself. In another words, my prof was saying "its okie to sin because you are helping others".

Above all, i feel that regardless of the situations you're put in, whether you are in need or others are asking you of a small favour ( it can be a favour such as asking you to lie about something), we must not give in to sins because the Lord has mentioned through that verse that He does not consider it righteous to help others when you choose to sin. Stay firm!

Ezekiel 16 - 17 (31st August) - Weiling

Ezekiel 16

In this chapter, Ezekiel used the allegory and image of an unfaithful wife to illustrate the sins of Judah. Like a wife who made use of what the husband gave her to prostitute herself, and turns her back against her husband, Judah betrays the Lord by going after other gods. And spiritual adultery would lead to judgment.

But note that the judgment was also so that Judah would stop playing the harlot (temple prostitute) [v.41, 43] and stop her sinning and to remember the days of her youth. Similarly, we should always try to recall the days of our “youth” – our first love for God, when our heart was tender, and we delighted simply in God’s love. Remember God’s covenant.


Ezekiel 17

The riddle:
“great eagle”(v.3) = Nebuchadnezzar
“highest branch of the cedar” (v.3) = house of David
“the top of his young twigs” (v.4) = Jehoiachin
“land of merchants” (v.4) = Babylon
“seed of the land” (v.5) = Zedekiah
“another great eagle” (v.7) = king of Egypt

We see actually the interpretation of the riddle from v.12-15
The house of David was taken captive into Babylon but it was like placed in fertile soil and abundant water. Importantly, they made a covenant. We see in v.19 that oaths and covenants are important to God. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. But the house of David tried to rebel and seek help from Egypt instead. However, in v.24 we see hope. The worthless dead vine will be replaced by a productive cedar and God’s people will be restored to proper relationship with Him.

Ezekiel 13 - 15 (30th August) - Andrew

Ezekiel 13
These chapter talked about God’s judgement against false prophets.

“Now, son of man, also speak out against the women who prophesy from their own imaginations.” – verse 17

Let us pray against all those who are into fortune telling in Singapore. Pray that God’s power will come against these things and that He will remove these things from Singapore so that people will not fall into believing about what those fortune tellers say.

“But you will no longer talk of seeing visions that you never saw, nor will you practice your magic. For I will rescue my people from your grasp. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
- verse 23

Ezekiel 14
“I, the Lord, will punish all those, both Israelites and foreigners, who reject me and set up idols in their hearts so they fall into sin, and who then come to a prophet asking for my advice.” - verse 7

“……and set up idols IN THEIR HEARTS...”

It does not mean physically setting up the idols but rather its those idols that we “worship” secretly in our hearts. Those sins that we secretly been committing without people knowing it. Confess it.

Follow on, the Lord revealed to Ezekiel that even if Noah, Daniel and Job (3 righteous men) were in Jerusalem, He would still carried out His anger on the land by causing war, famine, plague to the land or unleash beasts to the land. It really showed how angry the Lord is with the people of Jerusalem.

“Yet there will be survivors, and they will come here to join you as exiles in Babylon. You will see with your own eyes how wicked they are, and then you will feel better about what I have done to Jerusalem.” - verse 22

Yet despite all these destructions on Jerusalem, God still love the people in the land. He punished them just so that the people will confess their sins and repent and turn back towards the Lord.

Ezekiel 15
The Lord compared the people of Jerusalem as grapevines growing among the trees of the forest. They will be burned and like forest fire which spreads quickly, if the people escape from one fire (the Lord’s anger), they will fall quickly into another one.

Let us not test our Lord. When we think that we have escape God’s punishment, there will be another one coming. All so, because God want us to learn from our mistakes.

Ezekiel 9 - 12 (29th August) - Andrew

Ezekiel 9
“He said to him, “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all those who weep and sigh because of the sins they see around them.”
Then I heard the Lord say to the other men, “Follow him through the city and kill everyone whose forehead is not marked. Show no mercy; have no pity!
- Verses 4 – 5

Before I started reading today’s words, I prayed to God that I will learn more about Him, about His character and indeed through the above verses we can learn something about Him and that we too have to be like Him – to have compassion for the people out there (“…mark on the foreheads of all those who WEEP AND SIGH BECAUSE OF THE SINS THEY SEE AROUND THEM.”).

Ezekiel 11 – Judgment on Israel’s Leaders
“Then the Spirit said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who are responsible for the wicked counsel being given in this city. They say to the people, ‘Is it not a good time to build houses? Our city is like an iron pot. Inside it we will be like meat – safe from all harm.’ Therefore, son of man, prophesy against them loudly and clearly.” - verses 2 – 4

“No, this city will not be an iron pot for you, and you will not be the meat, safe inside. I will judge you even to the borders of Israel, and you will know that I am the Lord. For you have refused to obey me; instead, you have copied the sins of the nations around you” – verses 11 – 12

Yes, do not follow the ways of the nations around you – do not fall into the hands of the world, do not follow their ways because our homes are not on earth but in heaven. If you have anyone that are accountable to you, you have to be someone who does not follow the ways of man but rather be someone that the person whom is accountable to you will see you as a role model to follow.

Remember, we are to be a disciplemaker – In order to be one, we would have to follow the ways of the Lord and not the ways of man and the people under us would then follow the ways of the Lord because we do first.

Ezekiel 5 - 8 (28th August) - Sylvia

Ezekiel 5

God uses the example of a man's shaven hair and him dividing it into three parts with their different outcomes to signify the punishments He is going to inflict upon Jerusalem.

one third will die by plagues and famines, one third will die by war/battles/fights, and the other third will be exiled or running away from enemies of Jerusalem but they will be pursued.

As God has spoken, the disasters are so scary and so unimaginable of a God who loves His people such that He sent His only son Jesus to die for our sins.
Do not ever incur God's wrath.

Ezekiel 6

God has to go to such drastic measures to make the people of Israel realise that He is the Lord Almighty.

Dear family, understand that sometimes when undesirable things happen to us, it happens for a reason. Perhaps we have taken God for granted or strayed. God wants to bring us back to Him and that is the only way to go about it.

Ezekiel 7

Ezekiel speaks further about the inflictions and punishments that God will bring upon Israel - a faboured land of God. Imagine the pain God went through - having to make your beloved suffer. On top of that, ignorance and merciless blow after blow.

Ezekiel 8

The children of Israel turn to false gods and speak against God. They defile the temple of Jerusalem and worship different idols in place that was meant to be holy and set apart for God.

It is such a shame to see generations being punished for the sins of thier fathers. it is also a shame that generations take on the curses and sins of their fathers that it becomes a never ending cycle of unrepentance till God has to step in and bring down punishment.

Ezekiel 1 - 4 (27th August) - Sky

Ezekiel 1

Ezekiel is filled with bizarre visions and puzzling revelations. If you dig beneath the relationships with the surface of the book, you’ll find timeless lessons about GOD and his relationship with his people. He’d rather forgive than judge us; remains faithful even if we don’t

GOD reveals his will in many ways, whether its through prophetic words, parables analogies and poetry. In this case, GOD caused Ezekiel to see vivid mental pictures of visions of what HE is going to do.

This “weird” vision was seen as GOD reveals his will. The 4 faces of the creatures were man declared ruler over creation; the lion, “king of beasts”; thx ox, most powerful of the domesticated animals; the eagle, greatest of the birds. It all ended beautifully that “the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And one voice spoke”

Ezekiel 2
Ezekiel was called to the Israelites to be GOD’s speaker among them. This chapter shows words of encouragement and commission.

Ezekiel 3
This chapter shows a very graphic way of saying things. Ezekiel was to preach the words GOD gave him nothing else thus eating the scroll GOD told him shows he could not fulfill GOD’s commission in his own strength, only His.

Once again, GOD’s mercy precedes judgment.
Warning to Israel has been a repetition procedure but as they fail to listen, there be no excuse when judgment comes.

In V11 “this is what the Sovereign LORD says, whether they listen or fail to listen”

Been pondering, how often we obey GOD’s commands knowing the outcome, but what if we don’t know the outcome?
Once again, we won’t know the future, but we can trust.

Ezekiel 4
This is the start of “bizarre behavior” that my first impression was SIAO! But looking deeper, each of these actions and prophecies were designed to make the most forceful impact possible on the people.

Ezekiel was to lie on his left side and to bear their sin for the number of days he did so for the house of Judah and Israel.

The numbers of days are of great significance, a total of 430 days. This was the total number of years the Israelites been enslaved in Egypt.

Although the strange drama of Ezekiel failed to win his audience but the lessons taught are still appropriate for us. We must not underestimate our sin or GOD’s holiness. HE will not be mocked by sin.

Lamentations 3:37 - 5 (26th August) - Vivien

Lamentations 3:37 – 3:51
We live in a more and more selfish world. The world is teaching us to focus on ourselves and take care of yourself. The fittest survives. So keep fighting in life, when we are in school, at work and even at home. We have learnt to complain and grumble about life when things don’t go our way, making us impatient people.

Verse 38-40: “Doesn't the High God speak everything, good things and hard things alike, into being? And why would anyone gifted with life complain when punished for sin?”

Let's take a good look at the way we're living and reorder our lives under God.

There is room for complaining, but if it is a sin that has been committed, then complaining just makes you look like a fool, especially in front of Satan. I believe we all don’t want to be a fool that entertains Satan. So before complaining, let’s us check on ourselves and reorder our lives under God and repent of our sin.

Lamentations 3:52 – 3:66
This part of the poem reflected sufferings of the poet, and his cry for God’s help. He was very transparent towards his feelings, and even told God to make those who have plotted against him for no cause repay for the harm that was inflicted unto him.

Lamentations 4
As I read this chapter, it shocked me how God’s chosen people had turned so evil. I believe that saddened God a lot. Being a God of Justice, He had to punish them. Although that brought joy to the enemies, it was temporary. God’s a professional in turning things around! Amen!

Verse 22: “And that's it for you, Zion. The punishment's complete. You won't have to go through this exile again. But Edom, your time is coming: He'll punish your evil life, put all your sins on display.”

God will not let the enemies laugh too long. He will definitely get them! So believe that justice prevails! Feeling unjustified? Nobody knows that you are being taken advantage of? Remember, God knows, and He will give you justice.

Lamentations 5
In this last poem of Lamentations, The people of God seemed to have realized so the seriousness of the consequences of their sins. It affected them so badly that they can no longer be joyful. So they asked for a new start. Our God is a god of 2nd chances. Nothing makes God happier than to see His children returning back to Him. He is always waiting…

Lamentations 1:1 - 3:36 (25th August) - Li Juan

Lamentations was written by Jeremiah for the mourning of Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s intense burden of sympathy for Jerusalem discloses the love and sorrow of the Lord for the very people whom He is chastening. It is a similar burden to that which the Lord Jesus Christ expressed in His lament over Jerusalem (Matt 23:37-39).

Lam 3:22-39 is a recount of God’s faithfulness. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love, for He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.

Jeremiah 51-52 (24th August) - Crystal

Jeremiah 51

Babylon will come to an end. This chapter elaborates the details of the disaster that God is going to bring about. Babylon will be destroyed entirely. Not a single living thing will live. God will accomplish what He says. If God says that He will not tempt you beyond what you can bear, he will not because he knows you best and he will bring you through anything that he has placed to test you. Our God is holy, He will not give way or allow anything that falls short of His standard. Are you living up to His standard?

One of the reasons that God wants to destroy Babylon is because of the idols that the people had worship. In the month of the ghost festival, let us be vigilant and guard our heart in the things we see, we do and we say to pre-believers. This is a time when the devil wants to use to attack us and the pre-believers around us. Do not let Singapore become a land like Babylon.

Jeremiah 52

The fall of Jerusalem came to past as they too did evil in the eyes of the Lord. It is recorded that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon and the king build a siege to surround Jerusalem. There was a famine that came upon Jerusalem, it was so bad that the army broke through the gate and fled. Zedekiah was then captured. Soon after that, the commander of Babylon king came and set fire to all the royal buildings in Jerusalem which includes the temple of the Lord. Everything was torn down and valuables were taken away. The kingdom of Jerusalem which God had built on came to an end. Nothing last, not the king, not even the temple of the Lord because the presence of God had left. As you strive hard for your career, your studies, do not neglect your time for the Lord. The things on earth will not last. If God wants to take them away, He will and He can.

1 Corinthians 9:25
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Is your crown a paper one?