Scripture reading – Ezekiel 11
Ezekiel 11
The Foolish and the Wrath of the LORD (Ezekiel 11:1-13)
God’s warning of judgment against Jerusalem’s leaders continued in a vision in Ezekiel 11. Of this vision, Ezekiel wrote, “Moreover the spirit lifted me up, and brought me unto the east gate of the Lord’s house…and behold at the door of the gate five and twenty men; among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azur, and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people” (Ezekiel 11:1).
Jaazaniah and Pelatiah were rulers of the people but were guilty of dismissing the prophecies of God’s judgment. Rather than call on the people to repent of their sins and turn to the LORD, those leaders encouraged them to “build houses” (Ezekiel 11:3). Thus, the LORD commanded Ezekiel, “Prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man” (Ezekiel 11:4).
In his vision, the “Spirit of the LORD” empowered and emboldened the prophet (Ezekiel 11:5), and Ezekiel bravely proclaimed God’s imminent judgment (Ezekiel 11:6-12). Suddenly, the leader named Pelatiah fell dead (Ezekiel 11:13), and Ezekiel cried out to the LORD, saying, “Ah Lord God! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?” (Ezekiel 11:13) In other words, LORD, will you not be merciful?
A Promise of Restoration (Ezekiel 11:14-21)
Because of the people’s sins, Judah eventually became a desolate land, and Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. Some who lived in Jerusalem foolishly boasted they were spared, while those taken captive and scattered among the heathen came to humble themselves and repent of their sins. To them, the LORD promised, “I will give you the land of Israel” (Ezekiel 11:17). Those of the captivity would return someday and purge the land of its sins and abominations (Ezekiel 11:18). The LORD promised, “I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God” (Ezekiel 11:19-20).
The Glory of the LORD is Departed (Ezekiel 11:22-25)
Ezekiel’s vision concluded with the cherubim lifting the heavenly throne of God as His glory ascended from Jerusalem and lingered, almost mournfully it seemed, “upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city” (Ezekiel 11:23). After that, the Spirit of the LORD transported Ezekiel in a vision and placed him among the people “of the captivity” (Ezekiel 11:24). Then, Ezekiel declared to them “all the things that the Lord had shewed [him]” (Ezekiel 11:25).
Closing thoughts –
As I close today, I wonder how many of my readers are members of churches where the glory of the LORD has departed. How many churches are pastored by men whose private sins have brought public disgrace to the Gospel and the ministry? Be sure of this: the glory of the LORD will not grace a congregation whose people tolerate sin.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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