TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Ezekiel 12:1-14:11
Hebrews 7:1-17
Psalm 105:37-45
Proverbs 27:3
Ezekiel 12:28 — Interesting to compare this to Peter’s words in 2 Peter 3:4.
Ezekiel 13:6 — The sin of presumption to speak on God’s behalf is quite serious. I was reading a book on Christian ministry leadership, and it shared that leaders need to be careful in saying “God told me that we need to do this” because when presenting an opportunity to your trusted counselors (Proverbs 15:22), it’s hard to argue with God. And if God didn’t tell you this – “But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die” (Deuteronomy 18:20).
Ezekiel 13:18 – What’s all this about pillows? From the Pulpit Commentary:
Ezekiel’s minute description, though it is from a different standpoint, reminds us of that in Isaiah 3:18-26. In both cases there are the difficulties inseparable from the fact that he had seen what he describes, and that we have not; and that he uses words which were familiar enough then, but are now found nowhere else. so that (as in the case of the ἐξουσία of 1 Corinthians 11:10) we have to guess their meaning. The picture which he draws of a false prophetess is obviously taken from the life, and the dress, we can scarcely doubt, was one that belonged to her calling.
Ezekiel 14:1 — Just what every religious leader wants: high ranking political figures to schmooze with … right!? This isn’t a group of religious leaders with the President, but a group of political leaders sitting before one religious leader.
Ezekiel 14:6 — No warm platitudes for the political figures of ancient Israel! They are idolaters (Ezekiel 14:3), they were warned by God (Ezekiel 14:4) Who called for their repentance (Ezekiel 14:6) and threatened them with divine excommunication (Ezekiel 14:8).
Ezekiel 14:11 — Why does God judge His people? So that they may be His people, and He can be their God. God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14). He will not share His glory (Isaiah 42:8).
Hebrews 7:3 — Was Melchizedek a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ? Or … was he shown to be a type of Christ because his lineage wasn’t recorded? Hard to say.
Hebrews 7:8 — The Israelite priests were mortal (Hebrews 7:8), “better” than the people (Hebrews 7:7), and they received the tithes (Hebrews 7:5). But there is Someone greater than the Levitical Priests because Abraham paid tithes to this person (Hebrews 7:9). In effect, the Jews were paying tithes to the priests in exchange for a blessing. But the priests (through great Father Abraham) paid someone else for a blessing. Because Jesus was the King, He must be of the tribe of Judah. To be the Priest, though, He did not have to be from the tribe of Levi; He only needed to be from the tribe of Melchizedek.
Psalm 105:37 — Notice God’s abundant provision for those who lack:
- money – silver and gold (Psalm 105:37)
- light – fire in the night (Psalm 105:39)
- food – quails and bread (Psalm 105:40)
- water – gushing from the rock (Psalm 105:41)
- property – lands of the heathen (Psalm 105:44)
Let’s join with the psalmist and shout, “Hallelujah! Praise ye the LORD!”
Proverbs 27:3 — Got the idea that Solomon did not suffer fools? Don’t let your “mentorees” grow up to be fools!
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