E443 Navigating the Bible: Ezekiel

So, now this is what the sovereign Lord So, now this is what the sovereign Lord says. says. says. I will end I will end I will end the captivity of my people. the captivity of my people. the captivity of my people. I will have mercy on all Israel for I I will have mercy on all Israel for I I will have mercy on all Israel for I jealously guard hold my reputation. jealously guard hold my reputation. jealously guard hold my reputation. They will accept responsibility for They will accept responsibility for They will accept responsibility for their past shame and unfaithfulness their past shame and unfaithfulness their past shame and unfaithfulness after they come home to live in peace in after they come home to live in peace in after they come home to live in peace in their own land with no one to bother their own land with no one to bother their own land with no one to bother them. them. them. When I bring them home When I bring them home When I bring them home from the lands of their enemies, I will from the lands of their enemies, I will from the lands of their enemies, I will display my holiness among them for all display my holiness among them for all display my holiness among them for all the nations to see. the nations to see. the nations to see. Then my people will know that I am the Then my people will know that I am the Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God Lord their God Lord their God because I sent them away to exile and because I sent them away to exile and because I sent them away to exile and brought them home again. brought them home again. brought them home again. Ezequiel 39: 25 Ezequiel 39: 25 Ezequiel 39: 25 to 28. to 28. to 28. My guest today has previously started My guest today has previously started My guest today has previously started his teaching on the book of Ezequiel his teaching on the book of Ezequiel his teaching on the book of Ezequiel this week. this week. this week. He says, He says, He says, "Why in the world would anybody want to "Why in the world would anybody want to "Why in the world would anybody want to read Ezequiel, let alone study this read Ezequiel, let alone study this read Ezequiel, let alone study this unbelievable and incomprehensible unbelievable and incomprehensible unbelievable and incomprehensible book?"

book?" book?" When I heard this, I immediately knew he When I heard this, I immediately knew he When I heard this, I immediately knew he was the guy I wanted to help us navigate was the guy I wanted to help us navigate was the guy I wanted to help us navigate the book of Ezequiel. the book of Ezequiel. the book of Ezequiel. Ezequiel is a diamond in the rough in Ezequiel is a diamond in the rough in Ezequiel is a diamond in the rough in the canon of the prophets. the canon of the prophets. the canon of the prophets. Its message is similar to the prophets Its message is similar to the prophets Its message is similar to the prophets we've already Isaiah and Jeremiah going we've already Isaiah and Jeremiah going we've already Isaiah and Jeremiah going into Lamentations. into Lamentations. into Lamentations. But But But Ezequiel has an element that we haven't Ezequiel has an element that we haven't Ezequiel has an element that we haven't quite seen before, right right away in quite seen before, right right away in quite seen before, right right away in chapter one. chapter one. chapter one. Ezequiel says, Ezequiel says, Ezequiel says, "From the center of the cloud came four "From the center of the cloud came four "From the center of the cloud came four living beings that looked human except living beings that looked human except living beings that looked human except that each had four faces and four that each had four faces and four that each had four faces and four wings." wings." wings." Now, again, Now, again, Now, again, this is chapter 1. this is chapter 1. this is chapter 1. We're clearly off to something a little We're clearly off to something a little We're clearly off to something a little different with Ezekiel. different with Ezekiel. different with Ezekiel. And there's nobody better to help us And there's nobody better to help us And there's nobody better to help us navigate this different book navigate this different book navigate this different book than Dr. than Dr. than Dr. Daniel Block. Daniel Block. Daniel Block. Dan is the Dan is the Dan is the A. Gunter H.

A. Gunter H. A. Gunter H. Nodler Professor Emeritus of Old Nodler Professor Emeritus of Old Nodler Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Wheaton College. Testament at Wheaton College. Testament at Wheaton College. And he wrote a commentary on Ezekiel And he wrote a commentary on Ezekiel And he wrote a commentary on Ezekiel back in 1998 back in 1998 back in 1998 that is still widely considered the gold that is still widely considered the gold that is still widely considered the gold standard commentary on Ezekiel. standard commentary on Ezekiel. standard commentary on Ezekiel. And you know what? And you know what? And you know what? Dan is still working on Ezekiel to this Dan is still working on Ezekiel to this Dan is still working on Ezekiel to this day. day. day. It was so fun to talk with him about It was so fun to talk with him about It was so fun to talk with him about this book that he has such a passion for this book that he has such a passion for this book that he has such a passion for that he takes such interest in that, as that he takes such interest in that, as that he takes such interest in that, as I said, I said, I said, even as we were recording, even as we were recording, even as we were recording, he was still working on he was still working on he was still working on new works about the book of Ezekiel. new works about the book of Ezekiel. new works about the book of Ezekiel. My name is Jason Weiland, and this is My name is Jason Weiland, and this is My name is Jason Weiland, and this is Readable Discipleship, navigating the Readable Discipleship, navigating the Readable Discipleship, navigating the Bible, Bible, Bible, Ezekiel. All right, Dr. Dan Block, thank you so All right, Dr. Dan Block, thank you so much for joining us today as we dive much for joining us today as we dive much for joining us today as we dive into the book of Ezekiel. I'm I'm into the book of Ezekiel. I'm I'm into the book of Ezekiel. I'm I'm thrilled to have you here to help us to thrilled to have you here to help us to thrilled to have you here to help us to navigate this navigate this navigate this uh complex, big, deep, fun book. So, uh complex, big, deep, fun book. So, uh complex, big, deep, fun book. So, it's going to be a lot of fun. Thanks it's going to be a lot of fun. Thanks it's going to be a lot of fun. Thanks for being here.

for being here. for being here. Well, it's a joy to be with you and Well, it's a joy to be with you and Well, it's a joy to be with you and anybody who wants to hear about Ezekiel, anybody who wants to hear about Ezekiel, anybody who wants to hear about Ezekiel, there's something wrong with them. there's something wrong with them. there's something wrong with them. People often ask, "Why would you do People often ask, "Why would you do People often ask, "Why would you do that?" But anyhow, it's a joy to be with that?" But anyhow, it's a joy to be with that?" But anyhow, it's a joy to be with you. you. you. I was watching a little bit of a video I was watching a little bit of a video I was watching a little bit of a video that I found of yours on YouTube. that I found of yours on YouTube. that I found of yours on YouTube. And you start the video by saying, "Why And you start the video by saying, "Why And you start the video by saying, "Why would anybody want to read this book?" would anybody want to read this book?" would anybody want to read this book?" And I was like, "This is my guy. I'm so And I was like, "This is my guy. I'm so And I was like, "This is my guy. I'm so excited. This is a perfect. excited. This is a perfect. excited. This is a perfect. Um, so as we want to do with all the Um, so as we want to do with all the Um, so as we want to do with all the books, I find it most helpful to start books, I find it most helpful to start books, I find it most helpful to start with the basics. You know, let's let's with the basics. You know, let's let's with the basics. You know, let's let's assume we don't know a whole lot about assume we don't know a whole lot about assume we don't know a whole lot about Ezekiel. So, do we know who wrote the Ezekiel. So, do we know who wrote the Ezekiel. So, do we know who wrote the book of Ezekiel and when it was written? book of Ezekiel and when it was written? book of Ezekiel and when it was written? And then I like to frame it this way, And then I like to frame it this way, And then I like to frame it this way, too. How does knowing these things or too. How does knowing these things or too. How does knowing these things or not knowing these things affect how we not knowing these things affect how we not knowing these things affect how we read the book? read the book? read the book? Well, I think on that question, Well, I think on that question, Well, I think on that question, with Ezekiel, we are probably closer with Ezekiel, we are probably closer with Ezekiel, we are probably closer than with any of the other prophetic than with any of the other prophetic than with any of the other prophetic books.

books. books. Maybe any other books in the whole First Maybe any other books in the whole First Maybe any other books in the whole First Testament, my word for Hebrew Bible, Testament, my word for Hebrew Bible, Testament, my word for Hebrew Bible, except perhaps the book of Deuteronomy, except perhaps the book of Deuteronomy, except perhaps the book of Deuteronomy, which tells us Moses had a hand in which tells us Moses had a hand in which tells us Moses had a hand in writing his speeches at least, not the writing his speeches at least, not the writing his speeches at least, not the book, but the speeches. book, but the speeches. book, but the speeches. But in any case, this book comes to us But in any case, this book comes to us But in any case, this book comes to us as an autobiographical as an autobiographical as an autobiographical work. work. work. Everywhere Everywhere Everywhere it says, "The word of the Lord came to it says, "The word of the Lord came to it says, "The word of the Lord came to me saying." me saying." me saying." In Jeremiah, it's the word of the Lord In Jeremiah, it's the word of the Lord In Jeremiah, it's the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. came to Jeremiah. came to Jeremiah. The other guy. Yeah. And so, Ezekiel's The other guy. Yeah. And so, Ezekiel's The other guy. Yeah. And so, Ezekiel's name occurs on only in chapter 24 and name occurs on only in chapter 24 and name occurs on only in chapter 24 and there is there is there is chapter 1 verses 1 to 2. It starts out chapter 1 verses 1 to 2. It starts out chapter 1 verses 1 to 2. It starts out with with with in the 30th year. in the 30th year. in the 30th year. And then he doesn't explain what 30th And then he doesn't explain what 30th And then he doesn't explain what 30th year means. It's not the normal way of year means. It's not the normal way of year means. It's not the normal way of dating things and so, dating things and so, dating things and so, somebody, somebody, somebody, a third person, a third person, a third person, clarified that clarified that clarified that this was the the 30th year or this was the the 30th year or this was the the 30th year or the fifth year of the exile of the the fifth year of the exile of the the fifth year of the exile of the Judeans from Jerusalem in Babylon and we Judeans from Jerusalem in Babylon and we Judeans from Jerusalem in Babylon and we are at are at are at by the river Kebar by the river Kebar by the river Kebar Tel Aviv.

Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv. But, But, But, um, um, um, >> all the way through and I I take the >> all the way through and I I take the >> all the way through and I I take the statements, the word of the Lord came to statements, the word of the Lord came to statements, the word of the Lord came to me seriously as Ezekiel, me seriously as Ezekiel, me seriously as Ezekiel, writing down transcripts or whatever, writing down transcripts or whatever, writing down transcripts or whatever, his own texts. his own texts. his own texts. I think as separate documents. Mhm. I think as separate documents. Mhm. I think as separate documents. Mhm. And later on he adds that heading to it, And later on he adds that heading to it, And later on he adds that heading to it, the word of the Lord came to me. the word of the Lord came to me. the word of the Lord came to me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And on a half a dozen or is it eight or And on a half a dozen or is it eight or And on a half a dozen or is it eight or 10 cases he adds a date notice when this 10 cases he adds a date notice when this 10 cases he adds a date notice when this happened. happened. happened. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. And so, uh, it it's an invitation And so, uh, it it's an invitation And so, uh, it it's an invitation into the life of the prophet into the life of the prophet into the life of the prophet who is actually otherwise quite a who is actually otherwise quite a who is actually otherwise quite a mystery. Yeah. But I I I take him to be mystery. Yeah. But I I I take him to be mystery. Yeah. But I I I take him to be the author of the oracles and I think the author of the oracles and I think the author of the oracles and I think he's also the editor of the book. He's a he's also the editor of the book. He's a he's also the editor of the book. He's a priest. priest. priest. This is the most organized book in the This is the most organized book in the This is the most organized book in the entire prophetic corpus that we have.

entire prophetic corpus that we have. entire prophetic corpus that we have. Yeah. Every oracle is signaled its Yeah. Every oracle is signaled its Yeah. Every oracle is signaled its beginning, the word of the Lord, beginning, the word of the Lord, beginning, the word of the Lord, and it's ending, then they will know and it's ending, then they will know and it's ending, then they will know that I am Yahweh. Almost everyone has that I am Yahweh. Almost everyone has that I am Yahweh. Almost everyone has that ending. that ending. that ending. When when I read the book of Jeremiah, I When when I read the book of Jeremiah, I When when I read the book of Jeremiah, I feel sorry for Jeremiah scholars because feel sorry for Jeremiah scholars because feel sorry for Jeremiah scholars because and preachers, because they have to try and preachers, because they have to try and preachers, because they have to try and figure out where one ends and the and figure out where one ends and the and figure out where one ends and the other begins and it's all very confusing other begins and it's all very confusing other begins and it's all very confusing to me. But Ezekiel's clear. to me. But Ezekiel's clear. to me. But Ezekiel's clear. I think that's the mind of the priest I think that's the mind of the priest I think that's the mind of the priest Mhm. who is careful about details and Mhm. who is careful about details and Mhm. who is careful about details and order and, uh, yeah, I think Ezekiel had order and, uh, yeah, I think Ezekiel had order and, uh, yeah, I think Ezekiel had a hand in the arrangement of the book a hand in the arrangement of the book a hand in the arrangement of the book and so on. That's naive in some circles, and so on. That's naive in some circles, and so on. That's naive in some circles, but I I'm sorry. I'll be naive. but I I'm sorry. I'll be naive. but I I'm sorry. I'll be naive. >> That's I'll take it. So, it sounds like >> That's I'll take it. So, it sounds like >> That's I'll take it. So, it sounds like you said that we don't know a whole lot you said that we don't know a whole lot you said that we don't know a whole lot else about Ezekiel. We know he was a else about Ezekiel. We know he was a else about Ezekiel. We know he was a priest, we have the book of Ezekiel. Is priest, we have the book of Ezekiel. Is priest, we have the book of Ezekiel. Is there anything else that we know about there anything else that we know about there anything else that we know about him? him? him? Well, we know he was married Well, we know he was married Well, we know he was married because he loses his wife in chapter 24.

because he loses his wife in chapter 24. because he loses his wife in chapter 24. And that becomes And that becomes And that becomes it seems cruel to us, but it becomes he it seems cruel to us, but it becomes he it seems cruel to us, but it becomes he becomes an omen. The way God tells him becomes an omen. The way God tells him becomes an omen. The way God tells him to respond to the loss of his wife is an to respond to the loss of his wife is an to respond to the loss of his wife is an omen for how the people will be omen for how the people will be omen for how the people will be responding to that which is precious to responding to that which is precious to responding to that which is precious to them, the temple. Yeah. Not Yahweh, not them, the temple. Yeah. Not Yahweh, not them, the temple. Yeah. Not Yahweh, not God, but the temple. And and so God, but the temple. And and so God, but the temple. And and so we know he was married. We we know he we know he was married. We we know he we know he was married. We we know he was 30 at the time of the opening was 30 at the time of the opening was 30 at the time of the opening vision, I think. Had he been at home, vision, I think. Had he been at home, vision, I think. Had he been at home, that would be have been his year of that would be have been his year of that would be have been his year of ordination. Mhm. And I think he's ordination. Mhm. And I think he's ordination. Mhm. And I think he's probably by the river Kebar stewing over probably by the river Kebar stewing over probably by the river Kebar stewing over why can't I be home now? Yeah. And why can't I be home now? Yeah. And why can't I be home now? Yeah. And getting ready for professional service getting ready for professional service getting ready for professional service in the temple. Mhm. in the temple. Mhm. in the temple. Mhm. Also, Also, Also, I think and and I changed my mind about I think and and I changed my mind about I think and and I changed my mind about this as I was doing my original work now this as I was doing my original work now this as I was doing my original work now almost 40 years ago. Mhm.

almost 40 years ago. Mhm. almost 40 years ago. Mhm. But I think at the beginning of the book But I think at the beginning of the book But I think at the beginning of the book that call narrative is a long and that call narrative is a long and that call narrative is a long and complex one. Mhm. And I asked myself why complex one. Mhm. And I asked myself why complex one. Mhm. And I asked myself why is this one so long and complex? And I is this one so long and complex? And I is this one so long and complex? And I think it's because think it's because think it's because at the moment of his call, Ezekiel was at the moment of his call, Ezekiel was at the moment of his call, Ezekiel was part of the problem. part of the problem. part of the problem. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. And God is grabbing him out and he keeps And God is grabbing him out and he keeps And God is grabbing him out and he keeps saying don't be hard-hearted and saying don't be hard-hearted and saying don't be hard-hearted and hard-headed like your countrymen. Yeah. I've got a job for you. And it takes it I've got a job for you. And it takes it takes a week and more for God to break takes a week and more for God to break takes a week and more for God to break down his will and get him to the point down his will and get him to the point down his will and get him to the point where where he's ready to go. But once where where he's ready to go. But once where where he's ready to go. But once he gets going, he never backs off. He he gets going, he never backs off. He he gets going, he never backs off. He never questions the calling of God. And And and it does stand out in this book, as and it does stand out in this book, as and it does stand out in this book, as you mentioned, that this is you mentioned, that this is you mentioned, that this is an autobiography that he's writing his an autobiography that he's writing his an autobiography that he's writing his own experience, which is not the case own experience, which is not the case own experience, which is not the case that we get in most of any of the other that we get in most of any of the other that we get in most of any of the other books up books up books up up to this point. And that opening up to this point. And that opening up to this point. And that opening vision Yeah.

vision Yeah. vision Yeah. only he saw that. only he saw that. only he saw that. So only he could record it. Yeah. And so So only he could record it. Yeah. And so So only he could record it. Yeah. And so why I mean, if I had been Ezekiel, I why I mean, if I had been Ezekiel, I why I mean, if I had been Ezekiel, I would not have preserved that record would not have preserved that record would not have preserved that record because he doesn't look good in it. because he doesn't look good in it. because he doesn't look good in it. But but he did. But he's being honest But but he did. But he's being honest But but he did. But he's being honest and open, yeah. and open, yeah. and open, yeah. Yes, yes. So So this might be a tricky Yes, yes. So So this might be a tricky Yes, yes. So So this might be a tricky challenge. I have no doubt that you rose challenge. I have no doubt that you rose challenge. I have no doubt that you rose to the occasion with this, but we always to the occasion with this, but we always to the occasion with this, but we always like to ask, how would you like to ask, how would you like to ask, how would you describe the book of Ezekiel in one describe the book of Ezekiel in one describe the book of Ezekiel in one sentence? sentence? sentence? The book is all about The book is all about The book is all about I am Yahweh. I am Yahweh. I am Yahweh. I have spoken. I have spoken. I have spoken. I do what I say. I do what I say. I do what I say. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. >> That refrain comes a half a Well, I am >> That refrain comes a half a Well, I am >> That refrain comes a half a Well, I am Yahweh dozens of times. I have spoken Yahweh dozens of times. I have spoken Yahweh dozens of times. I have spoken 15, 20 times, and I do what I say, 15, 20 times, and I do what I say, 15, 20 times, and I do what I say, that's a half a dozen times. Mhm. And that's a half a dozen times. Mhm. And that's a half a dozen times. Mhm. And it's all about it's all about it's all about God's fidelity to his word. Mhm. This God's fidelity to his word. Mhm. This God's fidelity to his word. Mhm. This book gives us a story of God's fidelity book gives us a story of God's fidelity book gives us a story of God's fidelity to the ancient word to the ancient word to the ancient word that is the covenant that he made with that is the covenant that he made with that is the covenant that he made with his people. Yeah.

his people. Yeah. his people. Yeah. Which included both curses Which included both curses Which included both curses for infidelity for infidelity for infidelity and blessings for infidelity. Mhm. And and blessings for infidelity. Mhm. And and blessings for infidelity. Mhm. And that's why when the that's why when the that's why when the when the judgement comes in the fall of when the judgement comes in the fall of when the judgement comes in the fall of Jerusalem, it happens exactly as Jerusalem, it happens exactly as Jerusalem, it happens exactly as specified in the in the curses. specified in the in the curses. specified in the in the curses. We're not writing a new script here. We're not writing a new script here. We're not writing a new script here. God said it then, God said it then, God said it then, but with those curses, there were also but with those curses, there were also but with those curses, there were also promises. Yeah. Judgement's not the last promises. Yeah. Judgement's not the last promises. Yeah. Judgement's not the last story. story. story. There is hope in the end. Israel will be There is hope in the end. Israel will be There is hope in the end. Israel will be back. Mhm. back. Mhm. back. Mhm. So, let's talk about the narrative Well, So, let's talk about the narrative Well, So, let's talk about the narrative Well, I I I shouldn't say I I I shouldn't say I I I shouldn't say the trajectory of this book. How would the trajectory of this book. How would the trajectory of this book. How would you you you How can you walk us through what kind of How can you walk us through what kind of How can you walk us through what kind of happens through the course of Ezekiel? happens through the course of Ezekiel? happens through the course of Ezekiel? Well, there are two ways of doing this. Well, there are two ways of doing this. Well, there are two ways of doing this. One, we can do it on the basis of shall One, we can do it on the basis of shall One, we can do it on the basis of shall we say chronological signals. we say chronological signals. we say chronological signals. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. Ezekiel has more dated oracles than any Ezekiel has more dated oracles than any Ezekiel has more dated oracles than any other prophet.

other prophet. other prophet. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. The first one comes in his fifth year. The first one comes in his fifth year. The first one comes in his fifth year. Then we have in the sixth year, and then Then we have in the sixth year, and then Then we have in the sixth year, and then in the seventh year. in the seventh year. in the seventh year. So, you can track with him So, you can track with him So, you can track with him until we get to 586, until we get to 586, until we get to 586, and now we're in the 11th year. Mhm. And and now we're in the 11th year. Mhm. And and now we're in the 11th year. Mhm. And so, that's one way of doing it, and and so, that's one way of doing it, and and so, that's one way of doing it, and and recently scholars have realized that recently scholars have realized that recently scholars have realized that that is actually an important aid. When that is actually an important aid. When that is actually an important aid. When I wrote my commentary, I saw those date I wrote my commentary, I saw those date I wrote my commentary, I saw those date signals there, but I didn't make enough signals there, but I didn't make enough signals there, but I didn't make enough of them. Yeah. But now I see that of them. Yeah. But now I see that of them. Yeah. But now I see that they're they're all very very they're they're all very very they're they're all very very significant. significant. significant. So, we could do it on those grounds, and So, we could do it on those grounds, and So, we could do it on those grounds, and so it breaks up into the the first year so it breaks up into the the first year so it breaks up into the the first year of Ezekiel's prophecy, second and third of Ezekiel's prophecy, second and third of Ezekiel's prophecy, second and third year, and then it goes on to the climax year, and then it goes on to the climax year, and then it goes on to the climax around the fall of the city. around the fall of the city. around the fall of the city. And then And then And then after chapter 31 and 33:21, after chapter 31 and 33:21, after chapter 31 and 33:21, where the announcement comes, the city where the announcement comes, the city where the announcement comes, the city has been struck down, Mhm.

has been struck down, Mhm. has been struck down, Mhm. then he can turn around and look ahead then he can turn around and look ahead then he can turn around and look ahead to the restoration. Mhm. to the restoration. Mhm. to the restoration. Mhm. But we can do it also on the basis of But we can do it also on the basis of But we can do it also on the basis of content. content. content. Uh Uh Uh this book this book this book Moshe Greenberg, the foremost Jewish Moshe Greenberg, the foremost Jewish Moshe Greenberg, the foremost Jewish scholar on the book of Ezekiel while he scholar on the book of Ezekiel while he scholar on the book of Ezekiel while he was alive, was alive, was alive, uh he noticed in this book the pattern uh he noticed in this book the pattern uh he noticed in this book the pattern of having, h a l v i n g. of having, h a l v i n g. of having, h a l v i n g. >> Halving. >> Halving. >> Halving. >> Things are cut in half. Okay. The book >> Things are cut in half. Okay. The book >> Things are cut in half. Okay. The book is cut in half. 24 chapters Mhm. of is cut in half. 24 chapters Mhm. of is cut in half. 24 chapters Mhm. of judgments against Israel, judgments against Israel, judgments against Israel, 24 chapters of good news for Israel. 24 chapters of good news for Israel. 24 chapters of good news for Israel. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Now, it's not all good good news. Now, it's not all good good news. Now, it's not all good good news. The first half from chapter 25 through The first half from chapter 25 through The first half from chapter 25 through 32 32 32 is bad good news. is bad good news. is bad good news. It's bad for Israel's enemies, It's bad for Israel's enemies, It's bad for Israel's enemies, but it's good for Israel because he's but it's good for Israel because he's but it's good for Israel because he's take God is taking care of them. Yeah. take God is taking care of them. Yeah. take God is taking care of them. Yeah. That's 25 to 32. But then it is the good That's 25 to 32. But then it is the good That's 25 to 32. But then it is the good good news, the super good news. So, it good news, the super good news. So, it good news, the super good news. So, it divides that way.

divides that way. divides that way. Uh I I think that's the Uh I I think that's the Uh I I think that's the that's the dominant that's the dominant that's the dominant It follows the history more or less It follows the history more or less It follows the history more or less um um um in in chronological order in in chronological order in in chronological order uh looking forward to the future and the uh looking forward to the future and the uh looking forward to the future and the restoration. restoration. restoration. How does Ezekiel um play with the other How does Ezekiel um play with the other How does Ezekiel um play with the other major prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah major prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah major prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah and whatnot? and whatnot? and whatnot? What's their relationship? What's their relationship? What's their relationship? Well, it is it's obvious to me, not Well, it is it's obvious to me, not Well, it is it's obvious to me, not everybody everybody everybody Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. it's obvious to me. Some people say the it's obvious to me. Some people say the it's obvious to me. Some people say the influence is the reverse, but it's influence is the reverse, but it's influence is the reverse, but it's obvious to me that the most important obvious to me that the most important obvious to me that the most important prophet underlying the book of prophet underlying the book of prophet underlying the book of Ezekiel is actually Moses in Ezekiel is actually Moses in Ezekiel is actually Moses in Deuteronomy. Mhm. Deuteronomy. Mhm. Deuteronomy. Mhm. Now, Ezekiel is a a Levite, which means Now, Ezekiel is a a Levite, which means Now, Ezekiel is a a Levite, which means that he's very indebted to the book of that he's very indebted to the book of that he's very indebted to the book of Leviticus and the book of Exodus. Leviticus and the book of Exodus. Leviticus and the book of Exodus. So, there's lots of that tone in his, So, there's lots of that tone in his, So, there's lots of that tone in his, especially when you get to the end. And especially when you get to the end. And especially when you get to the end. And and also in the judgment statements are and also in the judgment statements are and also in the judgment statements are copied, right? But, the theology is copied, right? But, the theology is copied, right? But, the theology is driven also by Moses, and I think driven also by Moses, and I think driven also by Moses, and I think Ezekiel views himself to be a prophet in Ezekiel views himself to be a prophet in Ezekiel views himself to be a prophet in the tradition of Moses. Yeah.

the tradition of Moses. Yeah. the tradition of Moses. Yeah. But, he knows there've been others. But, he knows there've been others. But, he knows there've been others. Chapter 28 alludes to This is the king Chapter 28 alludes to This is the king Chapter 28 alludes to This is the king of Tyre text. of Tyre text. of Tyre text. I think he knows I think he knows I think he knows Isaiah 14. Isaiah 14. Isaiah 14. The day of the Lord text, he knows The day of the Lord text, he knows The day of the Lord text, he knows Zephaniah. Yeah. Zephaniah. Yeah. Zephaniah. Yeah. Uh Uh Uh Jeremiah, his colleague, Jeremiah, his colleague, Jeremiah, his colleague, it's apparent that Jeremiah's it's apparent that Jeremiah's it's apparent that Jeremiah's the their times overlap, but Jeremiah's the their times overlap, but Jeremiah's the their times overlap, but Jeremiah's in Jerusalem and he's in exile. Mhm. in Jerusalem and he's in exile. Mhm. in Jerusalem and he's in exile. Mhm. Jeremiah's Jeremiah's Jeremiah's uh uh uh prophecies are reaching him. Mhm. prophecies are reaching him. Mhm. prophecies are reaching him. Mhm. Chapter 34, which I'll mention in Chapter 34, which I'll mention in Chapter 34, which I'll mention in another context in a few minutes. another context in a few minutes. another context in a few minutes. Chapter 34 is an unpacking of Jeremiah Chapter 34 is an unpacking of Jeremiah Chapter 34 is an unpacking of Jeremiah 23:1-2 23:1-2 23:1-2 or or or or or 1-4 or 5, in which he talks about or or 1-4 or 5, in which he talks about or or 1-4 or 5, in which he talks about the shepherd text. the shepherd text. the shepherd text. I will uh set over them one shepherd, my I will uh set over them one shepherd, my I will uh set over them one shepherd, my servant David.

servant David. servant David. And what he's doing here, he's having And what he's doing here, he's having And what he's doing here, he's having his devotions in in Jeremiah's his devotions in in Jeremiah's his devotions in in Jeremiah's the record of Jeremiah's the record of Jeremiah's the record of Jeremiah's prophecy that he must have got a hold prophecy that he must have got a hold prophecy that he must have got a hold of. of. of. Um and then he's unpacking it. Mhm. Um and then he's unpacking it. Mhm. Um and then he's unpacking it. Mhm. Of Of course, Of Of course, Of Of course, uh uh uh the other thing we have to say about the other thing we have to say about the other thing we have to say about that is that is that is who's unpacking it. Yeah. who's unpacking it. Yeah. who's unpacking it. Yeah. Because Because Because this book this book this book tells us very little about what he tells us very little about what he tells us very little about what he actually told the people. Mhm. actually told the people. Mhm. actually told the people. Mhm. It's all It's all It's all almost all of it is about what God said almost all of it is about what God said almost all of it is about what God said to Jeremiah, "Son of man, to Jeremiah, "Son of man, to Jeremiah, "Son of man, I have made you a prophet, a watchman. I have made you a prophet, a watchman. I have made you a prophet, a watchman. Go say to the sons of Israel or the Go say to the sons of Israel or the Go say to the sons of Israel or the house of Israel." And then what's cited house of Israel." And then what's cited house of Israel." And then what's cited is God's word to Ezekiel in first is God's word to Ezekiel in first is God's word to Ezekiel in first person. person. person. So, we actually hear Ezekiel's own So, we actually hear Ezekiel's own So, we actually hear Ezekiel's own personal voice only a few times when he personal voice only a few times when he personal voice only a few times when he interrupts what's going on.

interrupts what's going on. interrupts what's going on. Uh or uh Uh or uh Uh or uh God asks him to go go and eat the food God asks him to go go and eat the food God asks him to go go and eat the food baked on dung. Yeah. And he says, "Oops, baked on dung. Yeah. And he says, "Oops, baked on dung. Yeah. And he says, "Oops, I can't do that. I'm you know." So, you I can't do that. I'm you know." So, you I can't do that. I'm you know." So, you have a few of those places. But other have a few of those places. But other have a few of those places. But other than that, we we don't know what he said than that, we we don't know what he said than that, we we don't know what he said to the people. Mhm. Unless it was always to the people. Mhm. Unless it was always to the people. Mhm. Unless it was always verbatim what God said to him. verbatim what God said to him. verbatim what God said to him. But he But he But he He says in several places, "I did as I He says in several places, "I did as I He says in several places, "I did as I was told." Yeah. was told." Yeah. was told." Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's interesting when you compare and That's interesting when you compare and That's interesting when you compare and contrast with the other books of the contrast with the other books of the contrast with the other books of the prophets. prophets. prophets. Very. Yeah. Very. Yeah. Very. Yeah. That's interesting. So, let's talk about That's interesting. So, let's talk about That's interesting. So, let's talk about the themes that resonate through the the themes that resonate through the the themes that resonate through the book of Ezekiel. What are the major book of Ezekiel. What are the major book of Ezekiel. What are the major themes and how does knowing these themes themes and how does knowing these themes themes and how does knowing these themes in advance, how does that help us to in advance, how does that help us to in advance, how does that help us to read the book? read the book? read the book? Well, I suppose sometimes beauty is in Well, I suppose sometimes beauty is in Well, I suppose sometimes beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Mhm. the eye of the beholder. Mhm. the eye of the beholder. Mhm. But a a major breakthrough in my But a a major breakthrough in my But a a major breakthrough in my grasp of the book grasp of the book grasp of the book and foundational to my enthusiasm for and foundational to my enthusiasm for and foundational to my enthusiasm for the book.

the book. the book. I don't know at what point it hit me as I don't know at what point it hit me as I don't know at what point it hit me as I was writing my commentary 40 years I was writing my commentary 40 years I was writing my commentary 40 years ago. I had no idea ago. I had no idea ago. I had no idea then where it would lead me. then where it would lead me. then where it would lead me. But the reason I was interested in But the reason I was interested in But the reason I was interested in Ezekiel in the first place was Ezekiel in the first place was Ezekiel in the first place was I did my I did my I did my doctoral work under an Assyriologist. doctoral work under an Assyriologist. doctoral work under an Assyriologist. Okay. In in Britain. Okay. In in Britain. Okay. In in Britain. And as I was working with him, it dawned And as I was working with him, it dawned And as I was working with him, it dawned on me that Ezekiel is the only prophet on me that Ezekiel is the only prophet on me that Ezekiel is the only prophet who spends his whole ministry who spends his whole ministry who spends his whole ministry away from home. away from home. away from home. Yeah. And so I started asking myself the Yeah. And so I started asking myself the Yeah. And so I started asking myself the question, how does the Babylonian question, how does the Babylonian question, how does the Babylonian context color the book? Mhm. context color the book? Mhm. context color the book? Mhm. Well, Well, Well, it colors the book at every turn. it colors the book at every turn. it colors the book at every turn. In the ancient world, here's a theme. In In the ancient world, here's a theme. In In the ancient world, here's a theme. In the ancient world, people perceive the the ancient world, people perceive the the ancient world, people perceive the relation their relationships to the relation their relationships to the relation their relationships to the deity deity deity and the land on which they lived and the land on which they lived and the land on which they lived >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. as a triangle. as a triangle. as a triangle. With God at the top, With God at the top, With God at the top, the population the population the population one of the apexes and the land. These one of the apexes and the land. These one of the apexes and the land. These two work two work two work when it's all is well synchronously and when it's all is well synchronously and when it's all is well synchronously and harmoniously. harmoniously. harmoniously. That's a given. That's a given. That's a given. What happens in in the biblical text, What happens in in the biblical text, What happens in in the biblical text, the biblical theology is the biblical theology is the biblical theology is that in that relationship, God's that in that relationship, God's that in that relationship, God's relationship to the people is primary. relationship to the people is primary. relationship to the people is primary. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Not land. Not land. Not land. In the ancient world, In the ancient world, In the ancient world, God God's were land owners. Mhm. God God's were land owners. Mhm. God God's were land owners. Mhm. And it was beside the point to them And it was beside the point to them And it was beside the point to them which people occupied their land so long which people occupied their land so long which people occupied their land so long as when they whoever lives in the land as when they whoever lives in the land as when they whoever lives in the land worships the God of this place. worships the God of this place. worships the God of this place. With Israel, it's quite different. Mhm. With Israel, it's quite different. Mhm. With Israel, it's quite different. Mhm. Now, Now, Now, in that triangle, the people in Israel in that triangle, the people in Israel in that triangle, the people in Israel based their security based their security based their security on the promises of God.

on the promises of God. on the promises of God. And the closer the danger came, And the closer the danger came, And the closer the danger came, the closer Nebuchadnezzar was, the more the closer Nebuchadnezzar was, the more the closer Nebuchadnezzar was, the more they hung on to the promises of God, they hung on to the promises of God, they hung on to the promises of God, even though, even though, even though, you know, personally, they were as pagan you know, personally, they were as pagan you know, personally, they were as pagan as can be. In fact, in in chapters 5 and as can be. In fact, in in chapters 5 and as can be. In fact, in in chapters 5 and 16, he says, "You make the people of 16, he says, "You make the people of 16, he says, "You make the people of Sodom and Samaria look righteous." Sodom and Samaria look righteous." Sodom and Samaria look righteous." You know, so You know, so You know, so uh uh uh their whole lives were out of whack their whole lives were out of whack their whole lives were out of whack spiritually, but theologically, they spiritually, but theologically, they spiritually, but theologically, they were utterly orthodox. Mhm. And it was were utterly orthodox. Mhm. And it was were utterly orthodox. Mhm. And it was based on four based on four based on four covenant promises of God. One, covenant promises of God. One, covenant promises of God. One, I I I am your God, and I have entered into a am your God, and I have entered into a am your God, and I have entered into a covenant with you. covenant with you. covenant with you. A covenant that is irrevocable and from A covenant that is irrevocable and from A covenant that is irrevocable and from which there's no divorce. Mhm. Number which there's no divorce. Mhm. Number which there's no divorce. Mhm. Number one. Two, one. Two, one. Two, I have granted you the land, and that's I have granted you the land, and that's I have granted you the land, and that's an eternal covenant. I have granted you an eternal covenant. I have granted you an eternal covenant. I have granted you eternal title to the land of Israel.

eternal title to the land of Israel. eternal title to the land of Israel. Three, Three, Three, I have established my residence I have established my residence I have established my residence in Jerusalem, the place called by my in Jerusalem, the place called by my in Jerusalem, the place called by my name, irrevocably. And you have this in name, irrevocably. And you have this in name, irrevocably. And you have this in Psalm 132 and elsewhere. Psalm 132 and elsewhere. Psalm 132 and elsewhere. And then the fourth one, I have given And then the fourth one, I have given And then the fourth one, I have given David David David eternal title to the throne of Israel. eternal title to the throne of Israel. eternal title to the throne of Israel. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. These were the four anchors on which the These were the four anchors on which the These were the four anchors on which the theology rested. Mhm. theology rested. Mhm. theology rested. Mhm. And these were, at this stage of the And these were, at this stage of the And these were, at this stage of the game, the closer the crisis, the more game, the closer the crisis, the more game, the closer the crisis, the more they held on to their rabbits' feet. You they held on to their rabbits' feet. You they held on to their rabbits' feet. You can use plural. can use plural. can use plural. The quartet of them. The quartet of them. The quartet of them. Once I discovered Once I discovered Once I discovered that pattern, that pattern, that pattern, it dawned on me that every one of the it dawned on me that every one of the it dawned on me that every one of the oracles in the book can be related to oracles in the book can be related to oracles in the book can be related to one of those pillars. one of those pillars. one of those pillars. In the first half of the book, he In the first half of the book, he In the first half of the book, he systematically demolishes them. systematically demolishes them. systematically demolishes them. There is no eternal security There is no eternal security There is no eternal security for people for people for people who are simply claiming the promises, who are simply claiming the promises, who are simply claiming the promises, but not living the mission to which but not living the mission to which but not living the mission to which you're called.

you're called. you're called. So, uh you you can go through them all So, uh you you can go through them all So, uh you you can go through them all and and they're either related to the and and they're either related to the and and they're either related to the temple or the land or the people temple or the land or the people temple or the land or the people themselves and their relationship with themselves and their relationship with themselves and their relationship with God. Yeah. Or God. Yeah. Or God. Yeah. Or uh or David. Or David, yeah. uh or David. Or David, yeah. uh or David. Or David, yeah. And so, in the beginning, the first 24 And so, in the beginning, the first 24 And so, in the beginning, the first 24 chapters, they are demolished. chapters, they are demolished. chapters, they are demolished. But the people were right in insisting But the people were right in insisting But the people were right in insisting that these are eternal promises, that these are eternal promises, that these are eternal promises, and God was, too. Yeah. and God was, too. Yeah. and God was, too. Yeah. But they had forgotten that there's But they had forgotten that there's But they had forgotten that there's contingency to the contingency to the contingency to the to experiencing the blessings, the to experiencing the blessings, the to experiencing the blessings, the benefits of covenant relationship. benefits of covenant relationship. benefits of covenant relationship. >> Yeah. That they had forgotten. So, in >> Yeah. That they had forgotten. So, in >> Yeah. That they had forgotten. So, in the end, after the city has fallen and the end, after the city has fallen and the end, after the city has fallen and Ezekiel in exile hears it's it's been Ezekiel in exile hears it's it's been Ezekiel in exile hears it's it's been demolished, then God comes back and demolished, then God comes back and demolished, then God comes back and says, "Yes, says, "Yes, says, "Yes, I keep my word. Way back there, I keep my word. Way back there, I keep my word. Way back there, Leviticus at the end of 26, Deuteronomy Leviticus at the end of 26, Deuteronomy Leviticus at the end of 26, Deuteronomy chapter 30, and you know, a host of chapter 30, and you know, a host of chapter 30, and you know, a host of other texts, I keep my word. It is an other texts, I keep my word. It is an other texts, I keep my word. It is an irrevocable, unconditional irrevocable, unconditional irrevocable, unconditional I I mean, I I I mean, I I I mean, I the the the existence of the covenant is the the the existence of the covenant is the the the existence of the covenant is not conditional. Yeah.

not conditional. Yeah. not conditional. Yeah. It goes on irrespective of human It goes on irrespective of human It goes on irrespective of human response. response. response. Participation in it Participation in it Participation in it is conditional. Mhm. And so, he and then is conditional. Mhm. And so, he and then is conditional. Mhm. And so, he and then so, he looks forward to the day when all so, he looks forward to the day when all so, he looks forward to the day when all of these great theological of these great theological of these great theological pillars will be restored. And what pillars will be restored. And what pillars will be restored. And what happens at the end of the book and happens at the end of the book and happens at the end of the book and that's what I started in my that's what I started in my that's what I started in my review process of my manuscript this review process of my manuscript this review process of my manuscript this morning. What happens there is morning. What happens there is morning. What happens there is systematically these four pillars are systematically these four pillars are systematically these four pillars are reconstructed so at the end you've got reconstructed so at the end you've got reconstructed so at the end you've got this magnificent temple, a holy temple this magnificent temple, a holy temple this magnificent temple, a holy temple in a holy land governed by in a holy land governed by in a holy land governed by holy prince holy prince holy prince and participating in holy rituals and and participating in holy rituals and and participating in holy rituals and whatever else they do. whatever else they do. whatever else they do. I think that's incredibly helpful to put I think that's incredibly helpful to put I think that's incredibly helpful to put in front of the reader right now or the in front of the reader right now or the in front of the reader right now or the listener right now at this point but the listener right now at this point but the listener right now at this point but the but the reader of Ezekiel, right? Is is but the reader of Ezekiel, right? Is is but the reader of Ezekiel, right? Is is these four pillars, these four truths, these four pillars, these four truths, these four pillars, these four truths, these are things that God is saying as these are things that God is saying as these are things that God is saying as you said are irrevocably true. Like you said are irrevocably true. Like you said are irrevocably true. Like these are eternal truths and and you tie these are eternal truths and and you tie these are eternal truths and and you tie that with with God's God standing with that with with God's God standing with that with with God's God standing with his word, God's faithfulness his word, God's faithfulness his word, God's faithfulness right? But that reminder that this is right? But that reminder that this is right? But that reminder that this is true.

true. true. Yes. Yes. Yes. But it doesn't mean that the blessing But it doesn't mean that the blessing But it doesn't mean that the blessing continue of it if you are not holding up continue of it if you are not holding up continue of it if you are not holding up your part of the relationship. And the your part of the relationship. And the your part of the relationship. And the dimension to that is important namely if dimension to that is important namely if dimension to that is important namely if God would not punish God would not punish God would not punish his wicked people Mhm. his wicked people Mhm. his wicked people Mhm. he would have gone back on his word. he would have gone back on his word. he would have gone back on his word. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And he gave that word of warning to them And he gave that word of warning to them And he gave that word of warning to them originally as a magnificent grace. Yes. originally as a magnificent grace. Yes. originally as a magnificent grace. Yes. If his favors can't keep you tied If his favors can't keep you tied If his favors can't keep you tied he lets them know exactly in advance he lets them know exactly in advance he lets them know exactly in advance the consequences the consequences the consequences and this is magnificently pastoral. and this is magnificently pastoral. and this is magnificently pastoral. Yeah. With our kids we do this. We tell Yeah. With our kids we do this. We tell Yeah. With our kids we do this. We tell them look don't do this. Don't touch the them look don't do this. Don't touch the them look don't do this. Don't touch the hot stove. hot stove. hot stove. >> Mhm. And so if they try we slap them. >> Mhm. And so if they try we slap them. >> Mhm. And so if they try we slap them. It's not abuse but you want them to know It's not abuse but you want them to know It's not abuse but you want them to know No, it's in their interest. And so, even No, it's in their interest. And so, even No, it's in their interest. And so, even the curses are it the curses are it the curses are it gracious gifts from God. Well, I think gracious gifts from God. Well, I think gracious gifts from God. Well, I think this helps to tie really well into the this helps to tie really well into the this helps to tie really well into the next question, next question, next question, which is what does this book teach us which is what does this book teach us which is what does this book teach us about God?

about God? about God? Oh, there is so much here. Oh, there is so much here. Oh, there is so much here. Uh I I think the one that strikes me Uh I I think the one that strikes me Uh I I think the one that strikes me more and more and and my roots are in more and more and and my roots are in more and more and and my roots are in Anabaptist Anabaptist Anabaptist with the Mennonites and so on. And they with the Mennonites and so on. And they with the Mennonites and so on. And they are accused all over the place of being are accused all over the place of being are accused all over the place of being Armenians and everything else, but uh Armenians and everything else, but uh Armenians and everything else, but uh they they don't do well with labels. But they they don't do well with labels. But they they don't do well with labels. But reading this book, we learn Ezekiel reading this book, we learn Ezekiel reading this book, we learn Ezekiel turns out to be the most Calvinist of turns out to be the most Calvinist of turns out to be the most Calvinist of all the prophets. all the prophets. all the prophets. He looks at all of life through God's He looks at all of life through God's He looks at all of life through God's eyes. Mhm. eyes. Mhm. eyes. Mhm. And he perceives God And he perceives God And he perceives God as sovereign over everything. That's why as sovereign over everything. That's why as sovereign over everything. That's why the vision in the front it at the front the vision in the front it at the front the vision in the front it at the front end, I mean, this bizarre vision of this end, I mean, this bizarre vision of this end, I mean, this bizarre vision of this throne chariot holding him on the throne throne chariot holding him on the throne throne chariot holding him on the throne and with wheels that can go forward, and with wheels that can go forward, and with wheels that can go forward, backward, left, right, up, and down backward, left, right, up, and down backward, left, right, up, and down without effort. without effort. without effort. All of this speaks to his sovereignty.

All of this speaks to his sovereignty. All of this speaks to his sovereignty. In the ancient world, if you ever In the ancient world, if you ever In the ancient world, if you ever invaded another land, the first target invaded another land, the first target invaded another land, the first target on when you reach the capital is not the on when you reach the capital is not the on when you reach the capital is not the palace of the king. palace of the king. palace of the king. It's the temple of the god. Yeah. And It's the temple of the god. Yeah. And It's the temple of the god. Yeah. And what they would do, the conqueror would what they would do, the conqueror would what they would do, the conqueror would do, they would drag out the god do, they would drag out the god do, they would drag out the god as an insult and symbolic gesture that as an insult and symbolic gesture that as an insult and symbolic gesture that their god had defeated this god. Mhm. their god had defeated this god. Mhm. their god had defeated this god. Mhm. Nebuchadnezzar must have been very Nebuchadnezzar must have been very Nebuchadnezzar must have been very frustrated when his his men when they frustrated when his his men when they frustrated when his his men when they entered the temple and there was no of entered the temple and there was no of entered the temple and there was no of it no no image there. Yeah. it no no image there. Yeah. it no no image there. Yeah. The glory had left. There wasn't even The glory had left. There wasn't even The glory had left. There wasn't even the glory. And so the glory. And so the glory. And so no God left on his own time and his own no God left on his own time and his own no God left on his own time and his own calendar by his own means and he brought calendar by his own means and he brought calendar by his own means and he brought in the agent in the agent in the agent to destroy the temple. to destroy the temple. to destroy the temple. This is This is This is This dominates it. So sovereignty of This dominates it. So sovereignty of This dominates it. So sovereignty of God. God. God. The glory of God. Mhm. The glory of God. Mhm. The glory of God. Mhm. The opening vision, the final vision The opening vision, the final vision The opening vision, the final vision that's framed by these two glorious that's framed by these two glorious that's framed by these two glorious statements.

statements. statements. Um Um Um and then we should also say and then we should also say and then we should also say uh the concern for his holy name. Mhm. uh the concern for his holy name. Mhm. uh the concern for his holy name. Mhm. Holiness of God. Holiness of God. Holiness of God. There is no other. The polemic of the There is no other. The polemic of the There is no other. The polemic of the first vision. Anything that you're first vision. Anything that you're first vision. Anything that you're bowing down to is nothing but manure bowing down to is nothing but manure bowing down to is nothing but manure piles. He uses strong word for this dung piles. He uses strong word for this dung piles. He uses strong word for this dung pellets, sheep droppings. pellets, sheep droppings. pellets, sheep droppings. Um that's what you're worshipping. Um that's what you're worshipping. Um that's what you're worshipping. But there is only one living God and and But there is only one living God and and But there is only one living God and and so uh that's fundamental to the message. so uh that's fundamental to the message. so uh that's fundamental to the message. The thing we have to talk about here is The thing we have to talk about here is The thing we have to talk about here is where is the grace of God in the book? where is the grace of God in the book? where is the grace of God in the book? Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. There are There are There are evangelical scholars who say I cannot evangelical scholars who say I cannot evangelical scholars who say I cannot preach Ezekiel preach Ezekiel preach Ezekiel because there is no grace. When I come because there is no grace. When I come because there is no grace. When I come to this book, I have to be like Abraham to this book, I have to be like Abraham to this book, I have to be like Abraham when God told him, "I'm going to destroy when God told him, "I'm going to destroy when God told him, "I'm going to destroy Sodom." Yeah.

Sodom." Yeah. Sodom." Yeah. Abraham says, "You can't do that." Abraham says, "You can't do that." Abraham says, "You can't do that." "What if there are righteous people "What if there are righteous people "What if there are righteous people there?" And so God negotiates that one. there?" And so God negotiates that one. there?" And so God negotiates that one. Yeah. And and so her response to this Yeah. And and so her response to this Yeah. And and so her response to this book is when I read this book, I said, book is when I read this book, I said, book is when I read this book, I said, "Mhm, you can't do this. "Mhm, you can't do this. "Mhm, you can't do this. This is not who God really is. This is not who God really is. This is not who God really is. >> Mhm. He can't be like this." But of >> Mhm. He can't be like this." But of >> Mhm. He can't be like this." But of course part of that is creating God the course part of that is creating God the course part of that is creating God the way we think he should be. way we think he should be. way we think he should be. So, he rarely uses expressions like my So, he rarely uses expressions like my So, he rarely uses expressions like my compassion, my grace. And I don't know compassion, my grace. And I don't know compassion, my grace. And I don't know that the word grace ever appears. that the word grace ever appears. that the word grace ever appears. On the other hand, he does things for On the other hand, he does things for On the other hand, he does things for the sake of my name. Yeah. the sake of my name. Yeah. the sake of my name. Yeah. And people interpret to me that to mean And people interpret to me that to mean And people interpret to me that to mean he's simply an egotist. he's simply an egotist. he's simply an egotist. All he's concerned about No. All he's concerned about No. All he's concerned about No. He's concerned that people get the right He's concerned that people get the right He's concerned that people get the right picture of him. When they behave picture of him. When they behave picture of him. When they behave wickedly, the people who are branded wickedly, the people who are branded wickedly, the people who are branded with his name, when they behave with his name, when they behave with his name, when they behave wickedly, they get the wrong picture of wickedly, they get the wrong picture of wickedly, they get the wrong picture of him. Mhm. When they're in exile, they him. Mhm. When they're in exile, they him. Mhm. When they're in exile, they get the wrong picture of him. So, he get the wrong picture of him. So, he get the wrong picture of him. So, he brings them back so that people will brings them back so that people will brings them back so that people will know know know that that that he is committed to his people and his he is committed to his people and his he is committed to his people and his word.

word. word. So, uh that's an aspect of the theology So, uh that's an aspect of the theology So, uh that's an aspect of the theology that is there. You see the grace in that is there. You see the grace in that is there. You see the grace in chapter 16, which is probably the most chapter 16, which is probably the most chapter 16, which is probably the most difficult chapter in the whole book. difficult chapter in the whole book. difficult chapter in the whole book. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. About Jerusalem being his his wife, About Jerusalem being his his wife, About Jerusalem being his his wife, unfaithful wife. But it starts out the unfaithful wife. But it starts out the unfaithful wife. But it starts out the first 14 of 63 verses, first 14 is all first 14 of 63 verses, first 14 is all first 14 of 63 verses, first 14 is all of grace. of grace. of grace. By grace, God rescued her twice. By By grace, God rescued her twice. By By grace, God rescued her twice. By grace, he called her to covenant grace, he called her to covenant grace, he called her to covenant relationship and made her queen. relationship and made her queen. relationship and made her queen. That's what the people are saying, "Wow, That's what the people are saying, "Wow, That's what the people are saying, "Wow, what what what What What does God accomplish? What can What What does God accomplish? What can What What does God accomplish? What can God accomplish?" And Jerusalem was God accomplish?" And Jerusalem was God accomplish?" And Jerusalem was exhibit A of that. But of course, the exhibit A of that. But of course, the exhibit A of that. But of course, the rest of that chapter is all about what rest of that chapter is all about what rest of that chapter is all about what happens when you trample under foot that happens when you trample under foot that happens when you trample under foot that grace. Yeah. And of course, it's it's it grace. Yeah. And of course, it's it's it grace. Yeah. And of course, it's it's it it it it is a tough text. it it it is a tough text. it it it is a tough text. I think it's, you know, again, if you I think it's, you know, again, if you I think it's, you know, again, if you take Ezekiel on its own take Ezekiel on its own take Ezekiel on its own without the context of the rest of of without the context of the rest of of without the context of the rest of of the Hebrew scriptures up to this point, the Hebrew scriptures up to this point, the Hebrew scriptures up to this point, then it may look harsh and it may look then it may look harsh and it may look then it may look harsh and it may look but but what you see if you take the but but what you see if you take the but but what you see if you take the whole context of the whole history of whole context of the whole history of whole context of the whole history of God and his people, it it is a story of God and his people, it it is a story of God and his people, it it is a story of God's love, his grace, his faithfulness.

God's love, his grace, his faithfulness. God's love, his grace, his faithfulness. And if And if people who continued to And if And if people who continued to And if And if people who continued to fall short, who you know, to mis- you fall short, who you know, to mis- you fall short, who you know, to mis- you know, to to know, to to know, to to leave it behind, to step away or leave it behind, to step away or leave it behind, to step away or whatnot, and God's grace is so prevalent whatnot, and God's grace is so prevalent whatnot, and God's grace is so prevalent through the whole thing. And and And through the whole thing. And and And through the whole thing. And and And what it's what it's what it's So if you read Ezekiel as this reminder So if you read Ezekiel as this reminder So if you read Ezekiel as this reminder of the graciousness of God, even though of the graciousness of God, even though of the graciousness of God, even though you may not see it so clearly in the you may not see it so clearly in the you may not see it so clearly in the book, but when you tie it to everything book, but when you tie it to everything book, but when you tie it to everything else that you've known about God and his else that you've known about God and his else that you've known about God and his people up to this point, people up to this point, people up to this point, then this reminder is a reminder of my then this reminder is a reminder of my then this reminder is a reminder of my grace is here for you. But if you do not grace is here for you. But if you do not grace is here for you. But if you do not follow me, then that grace did you know, follow me, then that grace did you know, follow me, then that grace did you know, it's like stepping out of a spotlight. it's like stepping out of a spotlight. it's like stepping out of a spotlight. It's like saying, you've stepped over It's like saying, you've stepped over It's like saying, you've stepped over here. My grace is right here. here. My grace is right here. here. My grace is right here. Well, and and when I read this book, I Well, and and when I read this book, I Well, and and when I read this book, I ask myself, why did God wait till 586? ask myself, why did God wait till 586? ask myself, why did God wait till 586? Sure. Sure. Sure. So long. Yeah. And there were only a So long. Yeah. And there were only a So long. Yeah. And there were only a couple of decent kings in the whole couple of decent kings in the whole couple of decent kings in the whole business.

business. business. And the people who were faithful to God And the people who were faithful to God And the people who were faithful to God were never more were never more were never more than a minority. than a minority. than a minority. Perhaps at the time of David when he was Perhaps at the time of David when he was Perhaps at the time of David when he was the Lord was just bringing to a climax the Lord was just bringing to a climax the Lord was just bringing to a climax all that he had promised. Perhaps under all that he had promised. Perhaps under all that he had promised. Perhaps under David, but of course Solomon destroyed David, but of course Solomon destroyed David, but of course Solomon destroyed that in a in in a hurry. that in a in in a hurry. that in a in in a hurry. >> Yeah. Once he finished David's project. >> Yeah. Once he finished David's project. >> Yeah. Once he finished David's project. But you know, the patience of God is But you know, the patience of God is But you know, the patience of God is what amazes me. Yeah. what amazes me. Yeah. what amazes me. Yeah. Why did he wait this long? Yeah. Yeah, Why did he wait this long? Yeah. Yeah, Why did he wait this long? Yeah. Yeah, don't take that for granted. Don't take don't take that for granted. Don't take don't take that for granted. Don't take it for granted. Don't So, on the other it for granted. Don't So, on the other it for granted. Don't So, on the other side of the coin then, what does Ezekiel side of the coin then, what does Ezekiel side of the coin then, what does Ezekiel teach us about us, about people? teach us about us, about people? teach us about us, about people? Well, I think Well, I think Well, I think for our for our for our post-Christian post-Christian post-Christian world with people who still have their roots with people who still have their roots in Christianity, but they're no longer in Christianity, but they're no longer in Christianity, but they're no longer there. Mhm.

They can in a pinch claim those roots, They can in a pinch claim those roots, but on the other hand, they live like but on the other hand, they live like but on the other hand, they live like the world. the world. the world. This book was written for people This book was written for people This book was written for people who claim to be the people of God but live but live like they are the people of Marduk and like they are the people of Marduk and like they are the people of Marduk and Baal. Mhm. Baal. Mhm. Baal. Mhm. And so, what you see in this book is the And so, what you see in this book is the And so, what you see in this book is the propensity of the human propensity of the human propensity of the human to create to create to create stupid stupid stupid deadly idols Mhm. out of anything deadly idols Mhm. out of anything deadly idols Mhm. out of anything that that that and and displace the one true and living and and displace the one true and living and and displace the one true and living God who has done everything for you. God who has done everything for you. God who has done everything for you. Mhm. The the propensity of humans to Mhm. The the propensity of humans to Mhm. The the propensity of humans to forget where we came from where we came from and God's grace in our lives. and God's grace in our lives. and God's grace in our lives. That's what this teaches us. That's what this teaches us. That's what this teaches us. Of course, closely connected to that is Of course, closely connected to that is Of course, closely connected to that is the hardness of the human heart. Yeah.

the hardness of the human heart. Yeah. the hardness of the human heart. Yeah. Ezekiel several times talks about the Ezekiel several times talks about the Ezekiel several times talks about the need for a heart transplant. In chapter need for a heart transplant. In chapter need for a heart transplant. In chapter 14, he says, "Get yourself a new heart." 14, he says, "Get yourself a new heart." 14, he says, "Get yourself a new heart." And then, uh in chapter And then, uh in chapter And then, uh in chapter 36, the Lord will perform a heart for 36, the Lord will perform a heart for 36, the Lord will perform a heart for the whole nation. Finally, in that great the whole nation. Finally, in that great the whole nation. Finally, in that great future, you will have an entire nation future, you will have an entire nation future, you will have an entire nation that has a a heart of flesh rather than that has a a heart of flesh rather than that has a a heart of flesh rather than a heart of stone. a heart of stone. a heart of stone. And I think this is it is for people And I think this is it is for people And I think this is it is for people who have who have who have tasted tasted tasted of the gospel. of the gospel. of the gospel. And repudiated it, that this is uh And repudiated it, that this is uh And repudiated it, that this is uh this is a very important book for us to this is a very important book for us to this is a very important book for us to read. Mhm. read. Mhm. read. Mhm. In chapter 30 in chapter 37, In chapter 30 in chapter 37, In chapter 30 in chapter 37, can these bones live? Yeah. can these bones live? Yeah. can these bones live? Yeah. And yes, that's about Israel primarily And yes, that's about Israel primarily And yes, that's about Israel primarily if in the first place. But Israel is a if in the first place. But Israel is a if in the first place. But Israel is a microcosm of the world.

microcosm of the world. microcosm of the world. Can the human can humanity live? Can the human can humanity live? Can the human can humanity live? But more particularly, Israel, we are But more particularly, Israel, we are But more particularly, Israel, we are grafted into that one and the church grafted into that one and the church grafted into that one and the church Israel is is Israel. And so as I ask Israel is is Israel. And so as I ask Israel is is Israel. And so as I ask myself, can the church live again? myself, can the church live again? myself, can the church live again? But then even more personally, I ask But then even more personally, I ask But then even more personally, I ask this temple of God. this temple of God. this temple of God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Can this temple of God be cleansed Can this temple of God be cleansed Can this temple of God be cleansed again? Can I live? again? Can I live? again? Can I live? And of course, the answer to that is And of course, the answer to that is And of course, the answer to that is breathe on me, breath of God. Yeah. Only breathe on me, breath of God. Yeah. Only breathe on me, breath of God. Yeah. Only the divine breath can do it. Mhm. the divine breath can do it. Mhm. the divine breath can do it. Mhm. I mean, you look at a place called like I mean, you look at a place called like I mean, you look at a place called like our big cities, your downtown Chicago, our big cities, your downtown Chicago, our big cities, your downtown Chicago, it's a mess. LA's not much better. it's a mess. LA's not much better. it's a mess. LA's not much better. If anything. If anything. If anything. And And And we don't realize that any human we don't realize that any human we don't realize that any human solutions to these problems will not solutions to these problems will not solutions to these problems will not work. work. work. Education won't fix it, jobs won't fix Education won't fix it, jobs won't fix Education won't fix it, jobs won't fix it, it, it, uh more pouring more money the problem uh more pouring more money the problem uh more pouring more money the problem is is is and and you can't you don't have enough and and you can't you don't have enough and and you can't you don't have enough paper in the world to create all the paper in the world to create all the paper in the world to create all the laws you need need to create laws you need need to create laws you need need to create uh to specify every conceivable crime uh to specify every conceivable crime uh to specify every conceivable crime you'll commit against each other. The you'll commit against each other. The you'll commit against each other. The problem is the heart. Yeah.

problem is the heart. Yeah. problem is the heart. Yeah. But that's one thing we can't talk But that's one thing we can't talk But that's one thing we can't talk about. In our day, we're talking about mental In our day, we're talking about mental illness. illness. illness. I'm glad we're doing that. Yeah. I'm glad we're doing that. Yeah. I'm glad we're doing that. Yeah. But there's a deeper thing. But there's a deeper thing. But there's a deeper thing. And that behind a lot of the mental And that behind a lot of the mental And that behind a lot of the mental illness that is ex- illness that is ex- illness that is ex- exhibiting itself these days in ethical exhibiting itself these days in ethical exhibiting itself these days in ethical misbehavior, it's it's it's the misbehavior, it's it's it's the misbehavior, it's it's it's the spiritual Sure. hardness of our hearts spiritual Sure. hardness of our hearts spiritual Sure. hardness of our hearts that need to be replaced. Mhm. that need to be replaced. Mhm. that need to be replaced. Mhm. But we can't talk about that, can we? But we can't talk about that, can we? But we can't talk about that, can we? Mhm. That's the That's the one answer. Mhm. That's the That's the one answer. Mhm. That's the That's the one answer. >> Ezequiel's not afraid to. >> Ezequiel's not afraid to. >> Ezequiel's not afraid to. What's that? What's that? What's that? Ezequiel's not afraid to. Ezequiel, Ezequiel's not afraid to. Ezequiel, Ezequiel's not afraid to. Ezequiel, people need Jesus. people need Jesus. people need Jesus. The incarnate Yahweh, that's what they The incarnate Yahweh, that's what they The incarnate Yahweh, that's what they need. Yeah. need. Yeah. need. Yeah. Yeah. Um Yeah. Um Yeah. Um you have mentioned so many parts of this you have mentioned so many parts of this you have mentioned so many parts of this book. You've mentioned lots of different book. You've mentioned lots of different book. You've mentioned lots of different passages, lots of chapters. I wanted to passages, lots of chapters. I wanted to passages, lots of chapters. I wanted to ask if you would highlight ask if you would highlight ask if you would highlight two or three, it could be a verse, a two or three, it could be a verse, a two or three, it could be a verse, a passage, a chapter, whatever it is, that passage, a chapter, whatever it is, that passage, a chapter, whatever it is, that really stand out so that as people, really stand out so that as people, really stand out so that as people, maybe they've never read this book maybe they've never read this book maybe they've never read this book before, maybe they've kind of skipped before, maybe they've kind of skipped before, maybe they've kind of skipped skipped over it for whatever reason, but skipped over it for whatever reason, but skipped over it for whatever reason, but they want to dive into it now. What are they want to dive into it now. What are they want to dive into it now. What are some like some like flag points that you some like some like flag points that you some like some like flag points that you just want to highlight for them of be on just want to highlight for them of be on just want to highlight for them of be on the lookout for for these passages.

the lookout for for these passages. the lookout for for these passages. Well, it it shouldn't come as a surprise Well, it it shouldn't come as a surprise Well, it it shouldn't come as a surprise that the ones that I think are key to that the ones that I think are key to that the ones that I think are key to the book the book the book are also are also are also the most familiar. Sure. the most familiar. Sure. the most familiar. Sure. >> It doesn't mean they are familiar, but >> It doesn't mean they are familiar, but >> It doesn't mean they are familiar, but the most familiar. Sure. the most familiar. Sure. the most familiar. Sure. And so I would start with chapter 34, And so I would start with chapter 34, And so I would start with chapter 34, which is a great which is a great which is a great pastoral text. In this chapter, he talks pastoral text. In this chapter, he talks pastoral text. In this chapter, he talks about three different shepherds. He about three different shepherds. He about three different shepherds. He starts out with "Woe to the shepherds of starts out with "Woe to the shepherds of starts out with "Woe to the shepherds of Israel." That's the kings Israel." That's the kings Israel." That's the kings who have exploited the sheep and fleeced who have exploited the sheep and fleeced who have exploited the sheep and fleeced the flock in self-interest. the flock in self-interest. the flock in self-interest. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, those are the human shepherds. Then So, those are the human shepherds. Then So, those are the human shepherds. Then you have I am the shepherd. I will call you have I am the shepherd. I will call you have I am the shepherd. I will call you back. You are my flock. I will bring you back. You are my flock. I will bring you back. You are my flock. I will bring and I will heal your problems and I will and I will heal your problems and I will and I will heal your problems and I will I I will gather the scattered and and I I will gather the scattered and and I I will gather the scattered and and rescue those that are in danger. I'll rescue those that are in danger. I'll rescue those that are in danger. I'll bring them home. Mhm. bring them home. Mhm. bring them home. Mhm. So, that's God as shepherd.

So, that's God as shepherd. So, that's God as shepherd. >> Yeah. But then the climax is after God >> Yeah. But then the climax is after God >> Yeah. But then the climax is after God has brought them home, has brought them home, has brought them home, I will set over them I will set over them I will set over them one shepherd, one shepherd, one shepherd, my servant David. my servant David. my servant David. >> Mhm. The interesting thing about that one The interesting thing about that one you've got these three shepherds. you've got these three shepherds. you've got these three shepherds. The interesting thing is that that's The interesting thing is that that's The interesting thing is that that's Messianic shepherd there is not the one Messianic shepherd there is not the one Messianic shepherd there is not the one who brings them home. Like David, Like David, David didn't bring them to the promised David didn't bring them to the promised David didn't bring them to the promised land. land. land. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Like David, once the triangle has been Like David, once the triangle has been Like David, once the triangle has been reconstructed, the kingpin the kingpin is installed as the divine signet, Mhm. is installed as the divine signet, Mhm. is installed as the divine signet, Mhm. God's declaration, this is my people, God's declaration, this is my people, God's declaration, this is my people, and the guarantee and the guarantee and the guarantee of the shalom that comes with that of the shalom that comes with that of the shalom that comes with that relationship. Mhm. You know, so that relationship. Mhm. You know, so that relationship. Mhm. You know, so that when we come to the New Testament and we when we come to the New Testament and we when we come to the New Testament and we look at where look at where look at where does David, God, and Messiah fit in does David, God, and Messiah fit in does David, God, and Messiah fit in this?

this? this? It's interesting in John 10, It's interesting in John 10, It's interesting in John 10, when Jesus says, "I am the good when Jesus says, "I am the good when Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his shepherd. The good shepherd gives his shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep." life for the sheep." life for the sheep." Uh and that and I will gather my sheep Uh and that and I will gather my sheep Uh and that and I will gather my sheep and eye and eye and eye I know them and then I'll uh I know them and then I'll uh I know them and then I'll uh They want to They want to stone him. They want to They want to stone him. They want to They want to stone him. Yeah. Their problem with him at that point is Their problem with him at that point is not that he's claiming to be the not that he's claiming to be the not that he's claiming to be the Messiah. Messiah. Messiah. He's claiming to be God. Mhm. He's claiming to be God. Mhm. He's claiming to be God. Mhm. And that's why they want to stone him. And that's why they want to stone him. And that's why they want to stone him. That's blasphemy. That's blasphemy. That's blasphemy. The uh The uh The uh but he is in fact though the good but he is in fact though the good but he is in fact though the good shepherd shepherd shepherd who gives his life for the sheep and who gives his life for the sheep and who gives his life for the sheep and that is Jesus who is Yahweh incarnate. that is Jesus who is Yahweh incarnate. that is Jesus who is Yahweh incarnate. Mhm. That the the only text in the First Mhm. That the the only text in the First Mhm. That the the only text in the First Testament which has that picture is Testament which has that picture is Testament which has that picture is Isaiah 53. Mhm. Isaiah 53. Mhm. Isaiah 53. Mhm. But there he is the shep- the the sheep But there he is the shep- the the sheep But there he is the shep- the the sheep who becomes the shepherd and gives his who becomes the shepherd and gives his who becomes the shepherd and gives his life for the rest of the sheep.

life for the rest of the sheep. life for the rest of the sheep. But But But that's the only place where you get that's the only place where you get that's the only place where you get that. But the reason for wanting to that. But the reason for wanting to that. But the reason for wanting to kill Jesus kill Jesus kill Jesus is he claims to be God. is he claims to be God. is he claims to be God. And in that metaphor of the three in And in that metaphor of the three in And in that metaphor of the three in Ezekiel 34 Ezekiel 34 Ezekiel 34 that's that's the one that they reject. that's that's the one that they reject. that's that's the one that they reject. Mhm. Mhm. Mhm. Uh so that's that's that's a great text. Uh so that's that's that's a great text. Uh so that's that's that's a great text. Uh chapter 36 I think is a magnificent Uh chapter 36 I think is a magnificent Uh chapter 36 I think is a magnificent text this uh verses what would it be text this uh verses what would it be text this uh verses what would it be about 15 16 on to the end. This is the about 15 16 on to the end. This is the about 15 16 on to the end. This is the heart transplant text. heart transplant text. heart transplant text. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. And we need to marinate in that one. And we need to marinate in that one. And we need to marinate in that one. If God rescues us at the front end, I'm If God rescues us at the front end, I'm If God rescues us at the front end, I'm not doing this for your sake. not doing this for your sake. not doing this for your sake. You've disqualified yourself at every You've disqualified yourself at every You've disqualified yourself at every turn. turn. turn. And right at the end, I'm not doing this And right at the end, I'm not doing this And right at the end, I'm not doing this for your sake for your sake for your sake but for his name that has been defiled. but for his name that has been defiled. but for his name that has been defiled. You see Israel was called to a mission You see Israel was called to a mission You see Israel was called to a mission from the very beginning.

from the very beginning. from the very beginning. Deuteronomy 26, I set you high above the Deuteronomy 26, I set you high above the Deuteronomy 26, I set you high above the nations for praise, honor, and glory. nations for praise, honor, and glory. nations for praise, honor, and glory. That when the nations see you That when the nations see you That when the nations see you flourishing, flourishing, flourishing, they will know you're stamped with the they will know you're stamped with the they will know you're stamped with the name of the Lord. Mhm. name of the Lord. Mhm. name of the Lord. Mhm. They've blown that one. They've blown that one. They've blown that one. But But But But in chapter 36, But in chapter 36, But in chapter 36, the people are remade and they're the people are remade and they're the people are remade and they're reconstituted his people through God's reconstituted his people through God's reconstituted his people through God's miraculous work. miraculous work. miraculous work. We can't heal ourselves. That's the We can't heal ourselves. That's the We can't heal ourselves. That's the message there. Yeah. You can't pick up message there. Yeah. You can't pick up message there. Yeah. You can't pick up yourself with by your own bootstraps. It yourself with by your own bootstraps. It yourself with by your own bootstraps. It won't work. won't work. won't work. So okay, so So okay, so So okay, so So we've highlighted 34 and 36. So So So we've highlighted 34 and 36. So So So we've highlighted 34 and 36. So So what you're saying is the whole first what you're saying is the whole first what you're saying is the whole first half half half you're going to want to get through cuz you're going to want to get through cuz you're going to want to get through cuz that might be a little bit on the that might be a little bit on the that might be a little bit on the tougher side, but there's good stuff tougher side, but there's good stuff tougher side, but there's good stuff coming in the second half. coming in the second half. coming in the second half. And there are hints of this in chapter And there are hints of this in chapter And there are hints of this in chapter five, at the beginning of chapter five, five, at the beginning of chapter five, five, at the beginning of chapter five, where he shaves himself and divides his where he shaves himself and divides his where he shaves himself and divides his hair into three bits. And after he's cut hair into three bits. And after he's cut hair into three bits. And after he's cut them up, oh, before he lights the fire them up, oh, before he lights the fire them up, oh, before he lights the fire to 1/3 of them, he takes a few to 1/3 of them, he takes a few to 1/3 of them, he takes a few and he puts them in the hem of his and he puts them in the hem of his and he puts them in the hem of his garment.

garment. garment. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. And we wonder, what's that about? what's that about? >> Yeah. And there are a few at the end of >> Yeah. And there are a few at the end of >> Yeah. And there are a few at the end of chapter 16, you've got another one. At chapter 16, you've got another one. At chapter 16, you've got another one. At the end of chapter 20, you've got hints the end of chapter 20, you've got hints the end of chapter 20, you've got hints of that good news coming there. of that good news coming there. of that good news coming there. But But But it is very dark all the way through. it is very dark all the way through. it is very dark all the way through. Mhm. And for Ezekiel, it must have been Mhm. And for Ezekiel, it must have been Mhm. And for Ezekiel, it must have been dark preaching it. There isn't a hint in dark preaching it. There isn't a hint in dark preaching it. There isn't a hint in the book of any friends, Yeah. let alone the book of any friends, Yeah. let alone the book of any friends, Yeah. let alone converts. Mhm. converts. Mhm. converts. Mhm. Jeremiah had Baruch. Yeah. Jeremiah had Baruch. Yeah. Jeremiah had Baruch. Yeah. Jeremiah was a friend of Josiah. He Jeremiah was a friend of Josiah. He Jeremiah was a friend of Josiah. He wrote his obituary. wrote his obituary. wrote his obituary. Jeremiah Jeremiah Jeremiah had the Ethiopian. Mhm. had the Ethiopian. Mhm. had the Ethiopian. Mhm. And Seraiah, Ezekiel had nobody. Mhm. And Seraiah, Ezekiel had nobody. Mhm. And Seraiah, Ezekiel had nobody. Mhm. And in the end he lost his wife. Yeah. And in the end he lost his wife. Yeah. And in the end he lost his wife. Yeah. That's dark. Mhm. That's dark. Mhm. That's dark. Mhm. And so, yeah, it's it's it's And so, yeah, it's it's it's And so, yeah, it's it's it's It's a long if as you talk about it it It's a long if as you talk about it it It's a long if as you talk about it it you can feel his loneliness but also his you can feel his loneliness but also his you can feel his loneliness but also his burden. He's an exile, he's not in his burden. He's an exile, he's not in his burden. He's an exile, he's not in his home. He's he has this yearning to be home. He's he has this yearning to be home. He's he has this yearning to be there. As you said he has this yearning there. As you said he has this yearning there. As you said he has this yearning to fulfill his ministry calling.

to fulfill his ministry calling. to fulfill his ministry calling. And instead what calling God has put on And instead what calling God has put on And instead what calling God has put on him is this vision and he's given this him is this vision and he's given this him is this vision and he's given this task. And it's as you said it's lonely. task. And it's as you said it's lonely. task. And it's as you said it's lonely. He doesn't have He doesn't have He doesn't have He doesn't have He doesn't have He doesn't have friends or partners or or or a family in friends or partners or or or a family in friends or partners or or or a family in this mission. this mission. this mission. And he has this burden for these people And he has this burden for these people And he has this burden for these people who ultimately as you said there's no who ultimately as you said there's no who ultimately as you said there's no story of converts in it. So that that's story of converts in it. So that that's story of converts in it. So that that's a difficult place. And God tells him in a difficult place. And God tells him in a difficult place. And God tells him in advance advance advance >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. there will be no fruit for your labor. there will be no fruit for your labor. there will be no fruit for your labor. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. But when these events happen and they But when these events happen and they But when these events happen and they surely will surely will surely will >> Yeah. they will know that a prophet has >> Yeah. they will know that a prophet has >> Yeah. they will know that a prophet has been in their midst. Mhm. been in their midst. Mhm. been in their midst. Mhm. That the proof Normally the proof of a That the proof Normally the proof of a That the proof Normally the proof of a prophet's message was the change it prophet's message was the change it prophet's message was the change it effects in life. effects in life. effects in life. >> So the real proof of of God's >> So the real proof of of God's >> So the real proof of of God's fulfillment of a call for repentance fulfillment of a call for repentance fulfillment of a call for repentance typically is the repentant person. Yeah.

typically is the repentant person. Yeah. typically is the repentant person. Yeah. He comes to life you know, graciously by He comes to life you know, graciously by He comes to life you know, graciously by God God God putting his spirit into that person and putting his spirit into that person and putting his spirit into that person and transforming him. That's the transforming him. That's the transforming him. That's the immediate proof but in the absence of immediate proof but in the absence of immediate proof but in the absence of immediate proof Ezekiel has to keep immediate proof Ezekiel has to keep immediate proof Ezekiel has to keep saying or God keeps reminding Ezekiel saying or God keeps reminding Ezekiel saying or God keeps reminding Ezekiel when this happens they will know that when this happens they will know that when this happens they will know that you were a true prophet. you were a true prophet. you were a true prophet. >> Yeah. And he will be vindicated. >> Yeah. And he will be vindicated. >> Yeah. And he will be vindicated. So it's it's an interesting if for his So it's it's an interesting if for his So it's it's an interesting if for his experience it's a legacy. It's saying experience it's a legacy. It's saying experience it's a legacy. It's saying after the fact it's saying that that after the fact it's saying that that after the fact it's saying that that this work, his words, and ultimately his this work, his words, and ultimately his this work, his words, and ultimately his writings will continue on and the effect writings will continue on and the effect writings will continue on and the effect will be post-use almost. It'll it'll will be post-use almost. It'll it'll will be post-use almost. It'll it'll live on for the people and for us today. live on for the people and for us today. live on for the people and for us today. Yeah. Well, well, the interesting thing Yeah. Well, well, the interesting thing Yeah. Well, well, the interesting thing is we have no hint of any positive is we have no hint of any positive is we have no hint of any positive response. They response. They response. They to it to them at the end of chapter 33, to it to them at the end of chapter 33, to it to them at the end of chapter 33, he's an entertainer, a crooner. And they he's an entertainer, a crooner. And they he's an entertainer, a crooner. And they all flock to his house for all flock to his house for all flock to his house for entertainment. They love it when he entertainment. They love it when he entertainment. They love it when he sings and and when he performs his sings and and when he performs his sings and and when he performs his antics and he gives his message. There's antics and he gives his message. There's antics and he gives his message. There's another word from the Lord today. Let's another word from the Lord today. Let's another word from the Lord today. Let's all go. And they come.

all go. And they come. all go. And they come. But they don't care about the message at But they don't care about the message at But they don't care about the message at all. Mhm. The interesting thing is all. Mhm. The interesting thing is all. Mhm. The interesting thing is within the book, no hint. within the book, no hint. within the book, no hint. 539 Cyrus issues the Persians are now in Cyrus issues the Persians are now in power. He issues the decree, you can go power. He issues the decree, you can go power. He issues the decree, you can go home and rebuild the temple. home and rebuild the temple. home and rebuild the temple. What happened? What happened? What happened? Most of them didn't go home, but the Most of them didn't go home, but the Most of them didn't go home, but the fact is thousands of them did. Yeah. fact is thousands of them did. Yeah. fact is thousands of them did. Yeah. And they went home to rebuild the And they went home to rebuild the And they went home to rebuild the spiritual community. Where did they come spiritual community. Where did they come spiritual community. Where did they come from? from? from? Where did they come from? Where did they come from? Where did they come from? They are the fulfillment of that promise They are the fulfillment of that promise They are the fulfillment of that promise to Ezekiel. Mhm. to Ezekiel. Mhm. to Ezekiel. Mhm. They got the point after all that whole They got the point after all that whole They got the point after all that whole story is written, the generation of the story is written, the generation of the story is written, the generation of the exiles' kids exiles' kids exiles' kids got it. Yeah. got it. Yeah. got it. Yeah. And that's that's an amazing story. It And that's that's an amazing story. It And that's that's an amazing story. It is.

is. is. So, are there any So, are there any So, are there any I call them sticky parts in the book of I call them sticky parts in the book of I call them sticky parts in the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel. Ezekiel. Parts that are particularly confusing, Parts that are particularly confusing, Parts that are particularly confusing, hard to read, uh parts that it would hard to read, uh parts that it would hard to read, uh parts that it would help a new reader of the book to be help a new reader of the book to be help a new reader of the book to be aware of in advance. aware of in advance. aware of in advance. Well, a part of the problem here is our Well, a part of the problem here is our Well, a part of the problem here is our translation theories. Mhm. translation theories. Mhm. translation theories. Mhm. We have the We have the We have the idea that a translation should be clear. And so we make Ezekiel sound a lot And so we make Ezekiel sound a lot clearer than he is. clearer than he is. clearer than he is. There are texts, chapter 1 is the worst. There are texts, chapter 1 is the worst. There are texts, chapter 1 is the worst. Where there are more grammatical, Where there are more grammatical, Where there are more grammatical, syntactical mistakes per square inch syntactical mistakes per square inch syntactical mistakes per square inch than anywhere else in the book. Mhm. than anywhere else in the book. Mhm. than anywhere else in the book. Mhm. Things that are feminine should be Things that are feminine should be Things that are feminine should be masculine and things that are singular masculine and things that are singular masculine and things that are singular should be plural and all the rest. And should be plural and all the rest. And should be plural and all the rest. And and he jumps back and forth in topics and he jumps back and forth in topics and he jumps back and forth in topics and he doesn't finish his sentences.

and he doesn't finish his sentences. and he doesn't finish his sentences. Mhm. But you read the translations we Mhm. But you read the translations we Mhm. But you read the translations we produce and and they try and make it produce and and they try and make it produce and and they try and make it look flow smoothly. Sure. look flow smoothly. Sure. look flow smoothly. Sure. But when you do that, you've lost the But when you do that, you've lost the But when you do that, you've lost the message. Mhm. message. Mhm. message. Mhm. The point of this is The point of this is The point of this is Ezekiel has seen something that is Ezekiel has seen something that is Ezekiel has seen something that is beyond description. Yeah. There's no beyond description. Yeah. There's no beyond description. Yeah. There's no vocabulary for It's like a vocabulary for It's like a vocabulary for It's like a jumble of thought. Yeah, yeah. jumble of thought. Yeah, yeah. jumble of thought. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. He can't find words. Mhm. He can't find words. Mhm. He can't find words. Mhm. He's grasping. But our translations He's grasping. But our translations He's grasping. But our translations camouflage that. Mhm. camouflage that. Mhm. camouflage that. Mhm. Which means that we don't get the point Which means that we don't get the point Which means that we don't get the point either. Yeah. There are there are other either. Yeah. There are there are other either. Yeah. There are there are other sticky parts and some sticky parts and some sticky parts and some Ezekiel, especially chapters 16 and 23, Ezekiel, especially chapters 16 and 23, Ezekiel, especially chapters 16 and 23, they border on por- pornography. Mhm. they border on por- pornography. Mhm. they border on por- pornography. Mhm. You know, Ezekiel uses very crude You know, Ezekiel uses very crude You know, Ezekiel uses very crude language. I said before, his favorite language. I said before, his favorite language. I said before, his favorite word for idols, dozens of times, is word for idols, dozens of times, is word for idols, dozens of times, is gillulim, round things.

gillulim, round things. gillulim, round things. Sheep droppings or ibex droppings or Sheep droppings or ibex droppings or Sheep droppings or ibex droppings or goat there in the shape of peanuts. goat there in the shape of peanuts. goat there in the shape of peanuts. That's what you are worshipping. That's what you are worshipping. That's what you are worshipping. But in chapters 23 and chapter 24 where But in chapters 23 and chapter 24 where But in chapters 23 and chapter 24 where he is using the metaphor of the he is using the metaphor of the he is using the metaphor of the marriage, God and his wife, marriage, God and his wife, marriage, God and his wife, the language is crude, it is explicit. the language is crude, it is explicit. the language is crude, it is explicit. When I was preaching chapter 23, When I was preaching chapter 23, When I was preaching chapter 23, I told people in advance if you got I told people in advance if you got I told people in advance if you got kids, you may want to leave them at home kids, you may want to leave them at home kids, you may want to leave them at home for this one. for this one. for this one. And then when I read the whole text, And then when I read the whole text, And then when I read the whole text, I went behind the black curtain in the I went behind the black curtain in the I went behind the black curtain in the back. I didn't want them to see my face back. I didn't want them to see my face back. I didn't want them to see my face as I was reading. as I was reading. as I was reading. Uh I wanted them to hear the words. Uh I wanted them to hear the words. Uh I wanted them to hear the words. And then when I came back out, then we And then when I came back out, then we And then when I came back out, then we could talk about it. But I read the could talk about it. But I read the could talk about it. But I read the whole thing and I I asked I I asked the whole thing and I I asked I I asked the whole thing and I I asked I I asked the people gathered. I said, "What What did people gathered. I said, "What What did people gathered. I said, "What What did you learn?" you learn?" you learn?" And and it it is amazing if you just And and it it is amazing if you just And and it it is amazing if you just hear it.

hear it. hear it. What people get. What people get. What people get. We We simplify and homogenize with our We We simplify and homogenize with our We We simplify and homogenize with our preaching. preaching. preaching. Sometimes it's good, Sometimes it's good, Sometimes it's good, but sometimes it's not but sometimes it's not but sometimes it's not because the impact of the text is different from what So, of the text is different from what So, this is this is not romance. this is this is not romance. this is this is not romance. In the most positive In the most positive In the most positive It is It is a romantic story, It is It is a romantic story, It is It is a romantic story, but it's it's a sad romance. but it's it's a sad romance. but it's it's a sad romance. Tragic, really. Well, then, as we start to Well, then, as we start to wrap up our time together today, wrap up our time together today, wrap up our time together today, as you said, you've spent as you said, you've spent as you said, you've spent you wrote your commentary on this 40 you wrote your commentary on this 40 you wrote your commentary on this 40 years ago and it still appears as like years ago and it still appears as like years ago and it still appears as like the as as the best commentary on the the as as the best commentary on the the as as the best commentary on the book of Ezekiel. On all every list I book of Ezekiel. On all every list I book of Ezekiel. On all every list I looked at, it's still looked at, it's still looked at, it's still >> I'm just a I'm just a poor farm boy from >> I'm just a I'm just a poor farm boy from >> I'm just a I'm just a poor farm boy from northern Saskatchewan.

northern Saskatchewan. northern Saskatchewan. But what I love is that even even as But what I love is that even even as But what I love is that even even as we're talking today, there's still we're talking today, there's still we're talking today, there's still things that you are processing. There's things that you are processing. There's things that you are processing. There's still things that you are learning and still things that you are learning and still things that you are learning and discovering and rethinking and reshaping discovering and rethinking and reshaping discovering and rethinking and reshaping cuz it is a living book. cuz it is a living book. cuz it is a living book. And and you are still as deeply engaged And and you are still as deeply engaged And and you are still as deeply engaged in it as ever. in it as ever. in it as ever. And so I wanted to close by asking And so I wanted to close by asking And so I wanted to close by asking as you've spent so much time in this as you've spent so much time in this as you've spent so much time in this book, what is something that you wish book, what is something that you wish book, what is something that you wish everybody would know about this book but everybody would know about this book but everybody would know about this book but probably doesn't? I wish everybody would know I wish everybody would know how interesting a character this guy is. how interesting a character this guy is. how interesting a character this guy is. And how interesting his rhetoric And how interesting his rhetoric And how interesting his rhetoric is. Mhm. is. Mhm. is. Mhm. I I I used to teach undergraduate used to teach undergraduate used to teach undergraduate speech and homiletics. Mhm. speech and homiletics. Mhm. speech and homiletics. Mhm. If I were doing that, I I never had the If I were doing that, I I never had the If I were doing that, I I never had the chance to do that after I wrote my chance to do that after I wrote my chance to do that after I wrote my commentary. We got bogged down with commentary. We got bogged down with commentary. We got bogged down with other things.

other things. other things. But But But if I had a chance to do that, I would if I had a chance to do that, I would if I had a chance to do that, I would require reading the book of Ezekiel require reading the book of Ezekiel require reading the book of Ezekiel aloud aloud aloud >> Yeah. as part of the assignment for >> Yeah. as part of the assignment for >> Yeah. as part of the assignment for homiletics. Mhm. I mean I mean people need to read this to know how people need to read this to know how people need to read this to know how seriously God takes communication. And how the attention we pay to getting And how the attention we pay to getting the point across. Yeah. the point across. Yeah. the point across. Yeah. After living with Ezekiel, I mean, when After living with Ezekiel, I mean, when After living with Ezekiel, I mean, when my kids hear my hear me preach, they say my kids hear my hear me preach, they say my kids hear my hear me preach, they say sometimes, "Dad, why can't you just be sometimes, "Dad, why can't you just be sometimes, "Dad, why can't you just be normal?" Well, Well, Ezequiel wasn't normal. Yeah. Ezequiel wasn't normal. Yeah. Ezequiel wasn't normal. Yeah. But But But but he was so interesting and but he was so interesting and but he was so interesting and and when I was growing up on the farm, and when I was growing up on the farm, and when I was growing up on the farm, we'd have to pick rocks every spring and we'd have to pick rocks every spring and we'd have to pick rocks every spring and you pick you roll over a rock and you you pick you roll over a rock and you you pick you roll over a rock and you see all these see all these see all these crawlies under there and you wonder crawlies under there and you wonder crawlies under there and you wonder what's going to be mice or whatever.

what's going to be mice or whatever. what's going to be mice or whatever. Uh when I was working on Ezequiel the Uh when I was working on Ezequiel the Uh when I was working on Ezequiel the first round, first round, first round, every page I turned, every verse I every page I turned, every verse I every page I turned, every verse I opened opened opened was like that rock. Mhm. was like that rock. Mhm. was like that rock. Mhm. And I was shocked and surprised. And I was shocked and surprised. And I was shocked and surprised. And in a 15-year project, I never lost And in a 15-year project, I never lost And in a 15-year project, I never lost motivation. Mhm. motivation. Mhm. motivation. Mhm. Because there's always something new, Because there's always something new, Because there's always something new, something different, something something different, something something different, something surprising, something people don't get surprising, something people don't get surprising, something people don't get until the aha moment. Yeah. until the aha moment. Yeah. until the aha moment. Yeah. And so Ezequiel's And so Ezequiel's And so Ezequiel's it's a the first half is a dark book, it's a the first half is a dark book, it's a the first half is a dark book, but in but in but in if if you're into you know, the technology of you know, the technology of of Spielberg and all the other guys who of Spielberg and all the other guys who of Spielberg and all the other guys who are doing everything and and are doing everything and and are doing everything and and and and the gadgets that you if you're and and the gadgets that you if you're and and the gadgets that you if you're entered the into that Ezequiel, my entered the into that Ezequiel, my entered the into that Ezequiel, my goodness, he was way ahead of the game. goodness, he was way ahead of the game. goodness, he was way ahead of the game. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. Using every Of course, God inspires. God Using every Of course, God inspires. God Using every Of course, God inspires. God tells him everything. God's the script tells him everything. God's the script tells him everything. God's the script writer.

writer. writer. Uh God asks him to do all of these Uh God asks him to do all of these Uh God asks him to do all of these things because his audience is so hard. things because his audience is so hard. things because his audience is so hard. Yeah. We've got to get through to them. Yeah. We've got to get through to them. Yeah. We've got to get through to them. And in the end, if the judgment comes, And in the end, if the judgment comes, And in the end, if the judgment comes, it's not because we didn't warn them. it's not because we didn't warn them. it's not because we didn't warn them. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, it's it's been a fun book for me. So, it's it's been a fun book for me. So, it's it's been a fun book for me. Well, you do such a beautiful job of Well, you do such a beautiful job of Well, you do such a beautiful job of communicating communicating communicating Yeah. of the book. As you said Yeah. of the book. As you said Yeah. of the book. As you said at the very start of the conversation, at the very start of the conversation, at the very start of the conversation, why would anybody wants to read this why would anybody wants to read this why would anybody wants to read this book? book? book? But, I think everybody's going to want But, I think everybody's going to want But, I think everybody's going to want to read it now after the way that you to read it now after the way that you to read it now after the way that you have talked about it. And again, it's have talked about it. And again, it's have talked about it. And again, it's you know, I think you know, I think you know, I think Ezequiel gets a rap of being, you know, Ezequiel gets a rap of being, you know, Ezequiel gets a rap of being, you know, wheels in the sky or valley of dry bones wheels in the sky or valley of dry bones wheels in the sky or valley of dry bones and things like that. But, what you've and things like that. But, what you've and things like that. But, what you've brought to life is there's so much more brought to life is there's so much more brought to life is there's so much more in this book that we barely even touched in this book that we barely even touched in this book that we barely even touched on those couple things. That's right. on those couple things. That's right. on those couple things. That's right. >> Because because there's so much more in >> Because because there's so much more in >> Because because there's so much more in store for store for store for of learning about who God is, of of learning about who God is, of of learning about who God is, of learning about about why God cares so learning about about why God cares so learning about about why God cares so much much much and why he would go to such an effort, and why he would go to such an effort, and why he would go to such an effort, as you said, to try to get this message as you said, to try to get this message as you said, to try to get this message to his people who God already knows that to his people who God already knows that to his people who God already knows that Jerusalem's going to fall. God already Jerusalem's going to fall. God already Jerusalem's going to fall. God already knows that the people are not going to knows that the people are not going to knows that the people are not going to repent in that time. Um but, he still repent in that time. Um but, he still repent in that time. Um but, he still says, but this is still worth it. I want says, but this is still worth it. I want says, but this is still worth it. I want them to see how much I love them. Even them to see how much I love them. Even them to see how much I love them. Even later on, even as they go back and read later on, even as they go back and read later on, even as they go back and read these scripts later, I want them to see these scripts later, I want them to see these scripts later, I want them to see that I've been a God who has been after that I've been a God who has been after that I've been a God who has been after them and searching for their heart and them and searching for their heart and them and searching for their heart and doing everything I can to reach them, doing everything I can to reach them, doing everything I can to reach them, reach them, reach them. And I am here

reach them, reach them. And I am here reach them, reach them. And I am here for them at any and all times. That's for them at any and all times. That's for them at any and all times. That's it. And that's the beauty of this book it. And that's the beauty of this book it. And that's the beauty of this book in particular. in particular. in particular. Magnificent. Yes. Magnificent. Yes. Magnificent. Yes. Well, then, thank you thank you so much Well, then, thank you thank you so much Well, then, thank you thank you so much for navigating through the book of for navigating through the book of for navigating through the book of Ezekiel for us. I so appreciate it. Ezekiel for us. I so appreciate it. Ezekiel for us. I so appreciate it. Would you mind closing us in prayer? Would you mind closing us in prayer? Would you mind closing us in prayer? Specifically praying for people who, as Specifically praying for people who, as Specifically praying for people who, as they dive into E- they dive into E- they dive into E- Ezequiel, maybe they've never read it Ezequiel, maybe they've never read it Ezequiel, maybe they've never read it before. Maybe they want to dive into it before. Maybe they want to dive into it before. Maybe they want to dive into it again now with a refreshed vision for again now with a refreshed vision for again now with a refreshed vision for it. But, would you close us in prayer it. But, would you close us in prayer it. But, would you close us in prayer for for um for for um for for um our readers today? our readers today? our readers today? Our gracious God and heavenly Father, Our gracious God and heavenly Father, Our gracious God and heavenly Father, incarnate in Jesus Christ, our Lord. incarnate in Jesus Christ, our Lord. incarnate in Jesus Christ, our Lord. We are grateful for the word made flesh We are grateful for the word made flesh We are grateful for the word made flesh in him. in him. in him. But we're grateful also for the printed But we're grateful also for the printed But we're grateful also for the printed word that comes alive through your word that comes alive through your word that comes alive through your agents of revelation, the prophets. agents of revelation, the prophets. agents of revelation, the prophets. Thank you for the message and the person Thank you for the message and the person Thank you for the message and the person of Ezekiel. Thank you for his of Ezekiel. Thank you for his of Ezekiel. Thank you for his faithfulness to his calling. May we who faithfulness to his calling. May we who faithfulness to his calling. May we who are in the ministry are in the ministry are in the ministry be inspired by that be inspired by that be inspired by that especially in dark days.

especially in dark days. especially in dark days. May we never lose the sight of the glory May we never lose the sight of the glory May we never lose the sight of the glory of the one in whose service, for whose of the one in whose service, for whose of the one in whose service, for whose service we've been conscripted and service we've been conscripted and service we've been conscripted and called. called. called. We pray, O Lord, that this book would We pray, O Lord, that this book would We pray, O Lord, that this book would come alive for people, that they might come alive for people, that they might come alive for people, that they might see your persistence in running after see your persistence in running after see your persistence in running after people who are always running away. people who are always running away. people who are always running away. Help us to recognize Help us to recognize Help us to recognize the mirror images as we read this book. the mirror images as we read this book. the mirror images as we read this book. There There There is where we are, or there but for the is where we are, or there but for the is where we are, or there but for the grace of God go we all. grace of God go we all. grace of God go we all. So, we pray that the message of our own So, we pray that the message of our own So, we pray that the message of our own sinfulness would grip us sinfulness would grip us sinfulness would grip us and cause us to repent, to turn around, and cause us to repent, to turn around, and cause us to repent, to turn around, and pursue a life of godliness and and pursue a life of godliness and and pursue a life of godliness and righteousness and compassion toward all. righteousness and compassion toward all. righteousness and compassion toward all. But we pray also that you would inspire But we pray also that you would inspire But we pray also that you would inspire us with new visions of yourself.

us with new visions of yourself. us with new visions of yourself. What a great God we serve. What a great God we serve. What a great God we serve. We're We're We're branded with the name of the King of branded with the name of the King of branded with the name of the King of kings and Lord of lords. kings and Lord of lords. kings and Lord of lords. May all our lives in every aspect bring May all our lives in every aspect bring May all our lives in every aspect bring great honor and glory to him and praise great honor and glory to him and praise great honor and glory to him and praise to the name of Jesus, our savior. to the name of Jesus, our savior. to the name of Jesus, our savior. We ask in his name. We ask in his name. We ask in his name. Amen.