Ezekiel 45:13-46:24
Ezekiel 45:13-25
As you read this section and make observations, keep in mind that you are learning something about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit here. We tend to think that because we know Jesus, everything is over regarding the plan of salvation, and that after this time of the church comes one big party. After the Lord returns to earthy reality, there will be a thousand years of Israel serving God, and there will be a world trying to grasp worshiping a very visible God. In a way, it will be just like everyone is always saying they wish it was: God will visibly be here, ruling; we will know answers right away. Criminals will be caught immediately; the poor will be fed, etc. And to boot, Satan will be gone. But is that really what everyone wants?
Knowing God, all of what is being played out during the millennium is necessary. Some of these sacrifices might seem crazy to us, especially to those with western sensitivities, but they will be visual aids and memorial reminders of what Jesus did for the human race. It will be so easy for everyone to love and revere Jesus, right?
Vs. 21-25 Notice that the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the Feast of Tabernacles are mentioned as required. These are all very visual reminders of spiritual truth. What is missing from this list is the Day of Atonement with the scapegoat. That won’t be required because atonement has already been accomplished.
Ezekiel 46
Vs. 1-12 A couple of things stand out to me here. First, at least in Israel, the Sabbath will be kept. Second, the prince, who we know is David, will be leading part of the worship.
Vs. 13-18 The part here about the prince and his sons is confusing. So far, the prince has been identified as the resurrected David. I don’t think he’ll have any more kids. But there will be rulers under him who probably will be identified as princes. If so, this would apply to those who are in leadership with David, ruling the peoples.
One interesting note here: In Isaiah 55 it says of David, “Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples.” The next verse talks about foreign nations. David never really ruled any other nations, but apparently in the Millennial Kingdom, he will.
Vs. 19-24 The court will be so big, with so many kitchens, that people will meet and eat right in the temple area. I guess this will be like a millennial food court. It is interesting to me that God is not a vegetarian and that those who are involved in these sacrifices are required to partake of them.
1 Peter 1:13-2:10
1 Peter 1:13-25
Peter is encouraging these people to remain strong and close to the Lord in hardship. Knowing this, you should be able to think your way down through these verses and find principles for strengthening yourself in trials.
V. 13 There is a lot in this verse. What do you see? Do you sense the tense atmosphere of being under stress?
Vs. 14-16 The emphasis here isn’t just being holy (set apart). What is the real point here?
Vs. 17-21 This has to do with having a Father and having an inheritance. How would you explain this? Why is it strengthening and encouraging? Do you think it encouraged them to know they were exiles and that this place isn’t home? Does it encourage you?
Vs. 22-25 So if the Word is the point in this section, how would you describe the impact of the Word? How does this aid a disciple going though trials?
1 Peter 2:1-10
Vs. 1-3 I think this is still connected to talking about the Word. This is one of the only ways we are to remain like babies, desiring the Word. This is not only a good thing, it is a vital thing. Notice too that it is a command to long for the Word. That takes cultivation. It is not automatic. That’s why we’re doing this together, right?
Vs. 4-10 We are reading about the temple in Ezekiel. Here the temple is figurative, but even more fantastic. We are built into Christ. We are a priesthood. How? Notice the privilege that is being spoken of here. Can you see how this is connected to the harvest and our mission following Christ? Isn’t it amazing how Peter is encouraging these people in their trials of faith to keep following Christ? This is what we are supposed to do for others as we make disciples who make disciples who make disciples.
V. 9 is one of the shortest and clearest declarations of our blessing and joy and mission on this planet.
V. 10 And we should never forget this.
You have to admit that Peter had a knack for encouragement. Everything Peter is saying is focusing these people on Christ, their salvation and amazing privilege and the task before us on this earth, following Christ in the harvest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4OWswCFx8A
Psalm 119:33-48
Notice the different words David uses to refer to the Word.
Notice how verses 41-42 hang together. If you only had verse 41, that would be great; but verse 42 gives you the context and lets you see how the Word strengthened David in his trials.
Notice there are mentions of bearing witness, distress, seeking and worship.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGg40zKRvAg&feature=related
Proverbs 28:11
Comfort and money make you seem wise, but the better perspective comes from poorness and dependence on God. Blessed are those who are poor now.
If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.”
I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.
If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.
I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.
Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it. Send comment or feedback to dgkachikis@gmail.com.
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