Ezekiel 31-33 (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

OBSERVATION

• Chapter 31 - A prophecy and judgement against Egypt. Although Egypt was great, it would be destroyed just as Assyria was destroyed.
• Chapter 32 - A warning for the Pharoah (of Egypt) and an expanded description of the destruction of Egypt by Babylon..
• Ezekiel – The Lord speaks to Ezekiel, reminding him that he is still the watchman for the people of Israel and Judah. As a watchman appointed by God, he must give the warning to the people. If he does not speak the warning, he will be held responsible for the peoples’ death. However, if he speaks the Lord’s words, the people themselves will be responsible for their own choices that lead to death.

 
INTERPRETATION
In the New Testament, Jesus says he is not willing that any should perish—that is why he may seem (to us) to be slow in returning to bring justice to the earth (II Peter 3:9).
In these chapters of Ezekiel, God says to the nations, the leaders and the people: Look, you have done evil against me and against each other. You deserve this judgement of death and destruction. Nevertheless, I will give you another chance. I will bring you back to your homeland and you can choose to follow my truth. God says I do not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, I only want you to turn to me and to live (Eze 33:11).
The Lord is not willing that any should perish.
 
QUESTION
Is God asking me to be a watchman/woman? Is there someone God wants me to warn about their walk that is leading them to evil and death?
As hesitant as I am to offend anyone or to be rejected by others, am I also resistant to God’s prompting in my spirit? Will I do as God asks me to do?
 
PRAYER
Dear Lord God, please let me hear your true word to me. Lead me to someone who needs to hear from you. Don’t let me be afraid of someone’s rejection but fill me with your love and compassion.
 
SONG
Jesus Paid It All by Kim Walker