All eyes are on the book of Ezekiel this week. Ezekiel was taken into captivity during the Babylonian invasion and is a prophet. In Chapter 1, we were introduced to him as he sat next to a canal in Babylon with the exiles. He sees a dramatic and detailed vision of the likeness of God’s glory, which also includes God’s chariot with Cherubim, over Babylon. Babylon is 500 miles due East of Jerusalem, but because of going around the desert the trip by land was around 900 miles. Why is God’s presence 500 miles away in Babylon? This is important, because this week in chapters 10 and 11, Ezekiel will look back at God’s presence abandoning the Temple due to the idolatry of the Israelites. Furthermore, Chapter 16 is a long story about Israel being a spouse who gives herself to other lovers. The Lord desires to be in a committed relationship with Israel. How does this reconcile with a Holy God that man cannot approach? The answers to these questions show us the Big Picture this week.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading Links - Week 46
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament, starting with the beginning. How do we understand so many stories and lessons while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Ezekiel, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Ezekiel 8:16. What is another name for the Temple used in this verse? Read Ezekiel 10:4. Where is God at in this verse? Read Ezekiel 10:18-19. At what gate does the Lord position Himself? Which way is Babylon from Jerusalem?
Read Ezekiel 1:1-3 and 10:20-22. Where was God appearing? Where was the Chebar canal?
Read 1 Kings 9:1-9. What does God promise to King Solomon both good and bad? Ezekiel 11:13. What is Ezekiel’s concern?
Read Ezekiel 11:16, 22-25. Why was God in Babylon after all? Read Ezekiel 11:19-20. What is the Lord going to do for His people?
Read Ezekiel 16:5-6, 15, 27, 30, 43, 58. How did Israel take advantage of the Lord’s kindness and love for them? Read Ezekiel 16:60, 62. Why is this verse shocking? What does God say He will do for “all they have done?”
SHARE IT.
Read Ezekiel 18:21-23. How does this challenge you to root out any bitterness or unforgiveness towards others? Who is coming to mind?
Read Ezekiel 18:32. What does this tell us about God’s character? How might we approach those who have offended us?
Read Ezekiel 14:1-3. What does this passage say about how idols affect your relationship with the Lord?
Read Ezekiel 14:7-8. What is dangerous about holding onto your idols and seeking God’s favor? How does this show God’s righteous jealousy for His people?
Read Leviticus 17:11. Read Romans 3:23-26. How does atonement free you from trying to earn your salvation?
FINAL THOUGHT
This section of reading was tough. Judgment has come and it is too late to avoid. Everything Israel had was squandered, and most importantly they have lost God’s presence. Their leaders are blinded by idols and some sit in exile. How can God’s people have atonement or ‘at-one-ment’ with God? The Lord is faithful not only to His justice but also faithful to His covenant. God goes with his people into exile even through the catastrophe of losing the Temple, because God is His people’s sanctuary. Jesus called Himself the Temple of God. Jesus went into exile on the cross so that we could be brought home. Furthermore, God views Israel as His spouse. Scripture references that man and wife will be joined, and the “Two shall be one flesh.” God desires to be one with us, but sin cannot enter His holy presence. Christ is our atonement so that we can be reconciled to God as the bride of Christ. This same holy God that Ezekiel fell before the likeness of His glory in last week’s readings wants to draw you near. Repent and live.
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