Ezekiel 23
When Ezekiel gave this message I'm sure the parents ran for their children, this time to cover their ears. The imagery is purely to rebuke Israel for their idolatry as you'll see in verse 49. Notice again the mentions of blood and offering children.
We don't see sin as God does. This is how He saw the actions of Israel. It is amazing that He was as patient and gracious and guiding as long as He was.
One other note: Jerusalem looked with scorn upon Samaria. After all, Samaria didn't have the temple or the city of God. Yet according to God, Jerusalem was worse. The name "Oholah" means "tent," suggesting that Samaria made their own sanctuary of worship. But "Oholibah" means "my tent," suggesting that Jerusalem was the place of God's sanctuary.
Hebrews 10:18-39
This is the part of Hebrews that will transition from the proofs of Christ's superiority and the warnings against turning their backs on Him, to the practical exhortations to endure and follow Him.
V. 18 should have been included in yesterday's reading.
Vs. 19-25 Notice the structure here. There are two uses of "since" followed by three uses of "let us."
V. 20 Jesus' body was the "veil" that separated us from the holy place of receiving forgiveness and mercy. Remember that when Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn.
V. 21 Jesus is living to intercede for us.
V. 22 Drawing near to God with a clean conscience due to Christ's payment for our sin.
V. 23 Publicly holding fast based on Christ.
Vs. 24-25 Encouraging one another and hanging tight together.
Vs. 26-31 This is a very strong warning that is really a summary of everything that has been said.
Vs. 26-27 This is written to a Christian who strongly and resolutely turns his back on Christ through actions or attitudes and continues in this. The question then is, "what more can God do to awaken this person since Christ will not die again for him."
As for the judgment of believers, you only have to look at Acts 5, 1 Cor. 3:12-15 and 1 Cor. 11:30.
Vs. 28-29 You see the connection between these verses. Just as the law promised judgment when violated, so also the new covenant requires punishment for those who disregard Christ. These people are definitely Christians and saved. Look again at the wording of 1 Cor. 11:28-32 to see that this is possible for believers. Look at 1 Cor. 10 to see more of this. Those believers were dabbling with worshipping demons. These are just a few examples of born again, eternally secure believers, defaming Christ through their lifestyle and decisions.
Vs. 30-31 Would we think that somehow God would not punish His own children if they willfully walk away from Him? The point of God doing this is restoration of the person, and salvation of the lost by not allowing His children to defame Christ's name.
Vs. 32-34 Now we can see this in perspective. When they first came to Christ, in the reality of their salvation and the power of that first love, they were alive, courageous and sacrificial. But now, after these years of routine belief, quietly allowing the flames to die out, they were not willing or able to face persecution. Now it seemed better for them to be quiet, to blend in and to compromise their faith in Christ by returning to the law and Jewish custom.
This song fits here because what we've just read about the Hebrews' loss of that first love. As disciples, this is a danger we all face. There is an importance to following the Lord in the harvest, not only for the lost, but also for us. I'll use this song again in Revelation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDJNF6ys0fk
Psalm 109
As you read this you can imagine David in the middle of his years of running from Saul. He is hunted without having done wrong and his name is constantly lied about to gain the sympathy of the people for Saul and set them against David. In the meantime, David hears of what Saul and his nobles are doing to the people, how they are neglecting them, twisting justice, using everything for their advantage while people suffer.
V. 4 This is something David learned and that Jesus commanded to His disciples.
Vs. 26-27 This is the hallmark of David's life, knowing the steadfast love of the Lord.
Proverbs 27:13
The word "adulteress" is not necessarily here. "Foreigner" might work better. The idea is one we've seen before. God is telling us not to make ourselves responsible for those for whom we should not be associated with. In other words, to not be yoked to unbelievers or to make ourselves liable for the foolish.
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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