Bible Pathway - Sept. 1, 2011
Read Ezekiel 1
Highlights:
Ezekiel 1:1 sets the stage: Ezekiel is a captive in Babylon when God calls him! No one can stand in the presence of God (Ezek. 1:26-28). The message to the people of Israel is also hand-fed by God to His watchman (that's also believers today) (2:8 — 3:17). Check our responsibility carefully (3:18-21)! Ezekiel acts out the messages of God (chap. 4).
Ezekiel's opening vision is one of the most remarkable in the Bible and reveals that sovereign over all the events which take place on earth is the administration of the supernatural power of God. Ezekiel beholds the throne of God, who is in control of the affairs of all human government throughout the world. However, all evils, sorrow, and suffering are instigated by Satan. But God has given us the privilege to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. . . . endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (II Tim. 2:1,3). Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day (Eph. 6:13). The wheels of divine government run with lightning-like swiftness at the direction of God: The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning (Ezek. 1:14); they are full of eyes (1:18) which look north, south, east, and west at the same time and see everything in the universe at all times. The four living creatures above the wheels reach up to God Himself: Their wings were stretched upward (1:11).
Our greatest concern in reading the Book of Ezekiel is not to be disturbed over what we cannot understand. God will give us understanding of His Word in direct proportion to our submission to the Light we have received and acted on as we study to shew thyself (ourselves) approved unto God (II Tim. 2:15).
Our eyes can become so preoccupied with the staggering powers of evil that we lose sight of the glory-flashing throne of God. We also lose sense of the divine sovereignty of God and the destiny of His Church. But, Ezekiel's vision reveals that nothing is beyond the immense power of God.
World leaders have staggering powers and weapons that make the international situation fearfully disturbing. It is a fact that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (I John 4:4). To be fearful or discouraged would be to lack faith that God is in control. If we have repented of our sins, we are born again into the family of God, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13). From the one we escape, of the other we partake and, thus, are to be delivered from our old sin nature to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).
Thought for Today:
The Lord make you to increase and abound in love . . . To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God (I Thess. 3:12-13).
Christ Revealed:
In a likeness as the appearance of a man, who sat upon the throne (Ezek. 1:26-28). This foreshadowed God who appears as a Man, the Man Christ Jesus (I Tim. 2:5).
Word Studies:
1:18 dreadful awesome, wonderful; 1:20 up over against close beside; 3:12 rushing tumult, shouting; 3:14 heat anger; 3:26 dumb unable to speak to warn them; 4:16 break the staff but off the supply.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Ander Crenshaw (FL) and Rep. Al Green (TX) • Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela • Major languages: English and Hindi • Religious freedom • 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord for deliverance in times of trouble (Ps. 50:15).
Optional Reading:
NOTE: Bible Pathway co
vers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week:
2 Timothy 3:4-5
