Ezekiel 40-42

Your Duty As Believers - Ezekiel 40-42

Good Morning! Chapter 33 is the start of a new tone in the book. The tone changes from doom to hope and restoration. Chapter 33 and 34 give us, what I believe, is good insight on our accountability if you are a follower of Christ.Chapters 35 & 36 are more prophecies. Chapter 37 is a well known story that I am sure you have you have heard sermons on this chapter before; The Valley of Dry Bones.
Chapter 40 is a great turning point for the people of Israel. After being scattered and living in poverty GOD is going to bring HIS people together. GOD is going to breath life into the temple and gives Ezekiel dimension and instructions. Notice how GOD is a god of detail as you read chapters 40 and on.
The other verse worth noting is 33:11 GOD has said twice that he cares for the wicked in this book. He gives us a good example.

Ezekiel 33:7-9 NIV
7 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman
for the house of Israel; so hear the word I
speak and give them warning from me.
8 When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man,
you will surely die,' and you do not speak
out to dissuade him from his ways, that
wicked man will die for his sin, and I will
hold you accountable for his blood.
9 But if you do warn the wicked man
to turn from his ways and he does not do
so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.

Thought for the Day
These are some pretty strong words spoken by GOD. GOD will hold us accountable for others around us who are non-believers that are a part of our lives. I am not GOD and I do not know on what level of accountability we are going to be held, but I do know what it says in the Bible. We are told to GO and make disciples.

To be honest this really should come naturally. Once anyone has had an encounter with Jesus Christ, it is hard not to tell others what amazing things He has done in your life. If you are not there yet, I would encourage you to move into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Once you start to seek Him, He will meet you there and amazing things will start to take place in your life.

In sharing Jesus with others remember that everyone has their own style. For a long time I used to feel bad that I did not have a BOLD faith where I could just walk up to a stranger and preach fire and brimstone.

We have a person in our church plant that has this gift, and I really admire him for it. But that is not me, I have come to learn that I have other gifts and other ways of reaching people for Christ.

Jesus knows this, and He knows you. He will use you and your personality for His glory. Jesus needs all types, the bold and the shy. The important thing is that you are making a effort and allowing Jesus' love to shine through you.

In Closing.... September 13th and 14th is Rosh Hashanah or The Feast of Trumpets. I believe as Christians we need to be aware of the 7 "Holidays" or "Feasts" that GOD appointed with our ancestors. You can read more about the Jewish holiday in the link, be sure to click on the Shofar to hear it blow.
Rosh Hashanah is a day of no work and solemn rest. In searching for links of Rosh Hashanah I found this one minute video worth watching; never give up fighting!

Bible Trivia
What river divided when the prophet Elisha struck it with Elijah's cloak?
Hint: 2 Kings 2:12-14

Have a Blessed Day!