Ezekiel_30
Scripture
Ezekiel 30:19
“’…So I will inflict punishment on Egypt,
and they will know that I am the Lord.’”
Observation - What does it say?
In this chapter we find twice more God sharing the intentions of his actions. Over and over again throughout this book God makes it clear what he is after: that “they will know that [He is] the Lord.”
Understanding - What does it mean?
God is passionate about being known!
He longs to reveal himself, and is willing to use any means necessary to do so. It’s easy to look back and despise life’s challenges and the years I spent suffering the consequences of my sin. But, if it wasn’t for the hard times where would any of us be in our relationship with God? It was the hardest times that caused me to draw near to God and seek him. And of course, whenever I sought him he revealed himself.
It’s often hard to “consider it pure joy” whenever we face trials of many kinds (James 1:2). But it makes it a bit easier when we realize that every challenge is an opportunity for God to reveal himself to us. Even in discipline, God’s intent is that we come out the other side sharing a deeper intimacy with him.
Life Application
Rather than complaining, develop the habit of asking God, “How are you wanting to reveal yourself to me in this season/situation?
God, thank you that you’re passionate about revealing yourself. We want to know you more! In all that we experience, please help us not to miss what you’re trying to show us. Amen.
- Levi Thompson
Revelation 5
Scripture Revelation 5:4-5
Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” Observation-What does it say? The book with the seven seals is representative of seven plagues, which will be described in chapter six. The only one strong enough to open the book is proclaimed to be the Lion of Judah. This is a Messianic title, which originates in Genesis 49. Judah was Joseph’s brother, the one who thought it would be a great idea to sell him into slavery. Twenty years later, when all of the sons of Jacob travel to Egypt looking for food, Judah becomes the pledge of safety for Benjamin, the son of Rachel and only full brother of Joseph. Joseph, having recognized his brothers, put them to the test to see if they were willing to abandon Benjamin, as they had to him. But, upon seeing how readily Judah was willing to become a slave to save his brother, Joseph lavishes them with gifts, knowing their hearts had changed. In a similar fashion to the relationship of Melchizedek, Jesus is compared to Judah in his willingness to sacrifice himself. Through his sacrifice he is able to overcome the world. Understanding-What does it mean? Ask anyone who knew me when I was a kid and they will tell you I was not a model student. I hated school and I don’t think it liked me much either. I was easily distracted, overly social, fidgety and had way too much energy. I would also daydream and doodle a lot. Not to mention, my teachers didn’t know what to do with me and gave me the impression that I wouldn’t amount to much. I failed classes, barely passed classes and had trouble retaining information. To top it off, my brother was nearly a genius and scored 1460 on his SAT. But, as things go, I changed over time. In my thirties, I learned how to be a student. I learned that discipline and willingness to sacrifice a little of my time and a little of my fun meant I could accomplish something a little better. As I approach the end of my college education at 36 (I’m on the 18 year plan), I am a little closer to the top of my class with a 3.88 GPA. But, it took sacrifice, a lot of sacrifice to get there.Like Judah, we all have the ability to change. Our change, though, requires us to sacrifice. To let go of our old self, and take hold of the new person we can be through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”(2 Corinthians 5:17-19) Furthermore, when we accept this change through the free gift of grace, we have been adopted as sons and daughters of the King (Ephesians 1:3-14). Beyond that, because of His ability to overcome, as displayed in Revelation, we have security for the future, in spite of how bad things get. We have the authority to be bold and courageous like Joshua when he entered the promised land (Joshua 1:7-9). Life ApplicationHoly Spirit, I ask that you help me with my confidence in you. Remind me daily of your ability to overcome the enemy. Thank you for your acceptance of me as your son.
-Tyler Galloway
Psalm_108
Scripture - What stood out?Psalm 108 1 My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.3 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. Observation - What does it say?David figuratively tells his instruments to wake up so that together they can wake up the morning sun. How? By praising and exalting God to start the day. His heart for God was so steady and true. That desire to praise him remained such a constant throughout his day and consequently his life. David knew that it was not humans who gave him victories. It was God. He was able to consistently make this a principle inside his heart. I wonder if he remained so consistent!Understanding - What does it mean?With the emotional ups and down of life, I marvel at King David’s ability to persistently pursue and praise God. No matter what. Not only praise God, but to sing His praises. Maybe it is because I am not much of a musician but I find this so hard to relate to! When I feel dead inside, and I feel dead inside a lot...I think the hardest thing for me to do is have any sort of emotional connection with, anything. It’s so easy to sing to God when I’m happy. Lord, I want to be able to sing to You, no matter what. Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?I want to start my day tomorrow praising God. Just like King David used to. Then I want to praise God. Because God is worthy to be praised. In all things. Under all circumstances. No matter how I feel.Holy Spirit, I ask that you give me the ability to praise God, no matter what I am going through, no matter what I am feeling, no matter how dead I feel inside. Show me how to sing unto the Lord through all and in all. In the name of Jesus do I pray. Amen. -kenneth lee