July 11 – Ezekiel 19-24

Focus before you read. . .

Today’s reading completes Ezekiel’s message of doom to the captives in Babylon, removing all hope that Jerusalem would be saved and they could return to the city.  Just as Jeremiah was prophesying in Jerusalem that the city would soon be overtaken, Ezekiel drives home the message that the captives too would not escape judgment for their sins.  “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it,” the Lord declares through the prophet, “but I found none.  So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger” (22:30-31).  As you read through the various illustrations—including the death of Ezekiel’s own wife—that explain the Lord’s judgment, pay close attention to the overarching theme of justice.  Why does God act in this way?  How do the events of the 6^th century B.C. fit into the larger narrative of God’s plan for our salvation?

Questions to ask as you read. . .

• 1. Focus on the specific illustrations of Ezekiel’s prophecy.  What do the following represent?
     • The lioness and her cubs (Ch. 19)
     • Two adulteress sisters (Ch. 23)
     • The cooking pot (Ch. 24)
     • The death of Ezekiel’s wife (Ch. 24)

2.  What is the Lord’s rationale for His actions?    Where do you see evidence of God’s patience and mercy?

• 1. What aspects of Ezekiel’s character stand out to you?  What specific burdens does he have to carry?

Application to make after you read. . .

At a time of widespread idolatry and unfaithfulness, God looked for individuals to “stand in the gap” of the broken wall around the city of Jerusalem.  Having found the superficial religious rituals of the people inadequate, He searched in vain for faithful individuals who could lead a true spiritual reconstruction.  Where is God calling you to “stand in the gap”?  How is He prompting you to help lead spiritual reconstruction in your family?  In your church?  In your neighborhood?  In your workplace?

Prayer

Lord, purify our hearts and minds so that we might be come agents of spiritual reconstruction in the lives of others.