Hope and Readiness: Lessons from Ezekiel's Prophecy
Summary
The sermon begins with the pastor discussing the prophecy from the Book of Ezekiel, specifically focusing on chapter 37. He explains how the nation of Israel is symbolized as a valley of dry bones, representing their state of desolation and exile after being expelled by the Romans. Despite the blessings and chosen status of Israel as described in the Scriptures, Israel became their own worst enemy, falling into a cycle of sin and repentance, leading to their scattering beginning in AD 70.
The pastor then emphasizes the importance of speaking peace and hope into people's fears, pains, and anxieties. He reassures the congregation that they have been given a spirit not of fear but of power, and that when God is their father, they have nothing to fear. He encourages the congregation to see the current circumstances through spiritual eyes, understanding that it is just a table being set for them to sit with the Father forever.
The pastor then discusses the importance of context and understanding the purpose of Jesus' coming. He reminds the congregation that Jesus came to give life and life abundantly, focusing on the birth of the world rather than the death of the world. He encourages the congregation to live each day as if it could be their last, considering how they would spend their time if they knew they had only 24 hours to live.
The pastor then discusses the concept of "Friendly Fire" and how it relates to God's judgment. He explains that when God shakes things up, he will cause confusion and division among the enemies of Israel, leading them to turn their weapons against each other. This phenomenon is referred to as Friendly Fire. The pastor draws a parallel to the story of Gideon and the 300, where they won a battle despite being outnumbered.
The sermon concludes with the pastor discussing a passage from the book of James and connecting it to a prophecy in the book of Ezekiel. The pastor emphasizes the need for readiness and being on guard for trials and challenges that may come in the latter years. He delves into the interpretation of Ezekiel's prophecy, explaining that when Israel returns to its homeland, its armies will advance like a storm and attack with overwhelming force. The pastor identifies Persia, known as Iran today, as one of the countries mentioned in the prophecy.
Key Takeaways:
- The prophecy from the Book of Ezekiel, specifically chapter 37, symbolizes the nation of Israel as a valley of dry bones, representing their state of desolation and exile after being expelled by the Romans. This prophecy was fulfilled over 2500 years ago, demonstrating the accuracy of biblical prophecies. [12:45]
- Despite the blessings and chosen status of Israel as described in the Scriptures, Israel became their own worst enemy, falling into a cycle of sin and repentance. This serves as a reminder that even those who are blessed can fall into sin if they do not remain obedient to God. [22:30]
- The pastor emphasizes the importance of speaking peace and hope into people's fears, pains, and anxieties. As believers, we have been given a spirit not of fear but of power, and when God is our father, we have nothing to fear. This reassurance can bring comfort in times of uncertainty and fear. [34:15]
- The concept of "Friendly Fire" in God's judgment is a reminder that God can use various means, including confusion and division among enemies, to bring about His justice. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power in all situations. [45:50]
- The pastor emphasizes the need for readiness and being on guard for trials and challenges that may come in the latter years. This serves as a reminder to always be prepared and vigilant, trusting in God's promises and guidance. [58:20]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
```
1. Ezekiel 37:1-14: "The hand of the LORD was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones live?' I said, 'Sovereign LORD, you alone know.' Then he said to me, 'Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'"
2. Judges 7:19-22: "Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the edge of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after they had changed the guard. They blew their trumpets and broke the jars that were in their hands. The three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, 'A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!' While each man held his position around the camp, all the Midianites ran, crying out as they fled. When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords."
3. James 5:7-8: "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."
```
Observation Questions:
1. In Ezekiel 37, what does the valley of dry bones symbolize?
2. In Judges 7, how did Gideon and his men win the battle despite being outnumbered?
3. What is the message conveyed in James 5 about patience and the Lord's coming?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the prophecy in Ezekiel 37 relate to the state of Israel during the time of exile and desolation?
2. What does the story of Gideon and his men tell us about God's power and sovereignty?
3. How does the passage in James 5 encourage believers to be patient and stand firm in their faith?
Application Questions:
1. Reflecting on the prophecy in Ezekiel 37, how can you speak hope and life into situations of desolation and despair in your own life?
2. Considering the story of Gideon, how can you trust in God's power and sovereignty when you feel outnumbered or overwhelmed in your personal circumstances?
3. In light of James 5, what are practical ways you can exercise patience and stand firm in your faith as you await the Lord's coming?
4. How can you apply the concept of "Friendly Fire" in your spiritual battles, trusting that God can use various means to bring about His justice?
5. Reflecting on the prophecy in Ezekiel and the passage in James, how can you prepare yourself for trials and challenges that may come in the future?
Devotional
Day 1: The Reality of Prophecy and History
The prophecy from the Book of Ezekiel, specifically chapter 37, symbolizes the nation of Israel as a valley of dry bones, representing their state of desolation and exile after being expelled by the Romans. This prophecy was fulfilled over 2500 years ago, demonstrating the accuracy of biblical prophecies [12:45]. This serves as a reminder of the divine inspiration of the scriptures and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises.
Ezekiel 37:12 - "Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.'"
Reflection: Reflect on the prophecies in the Bible that have been fulfilled. How does this strengthen your faith in God's promises for your life?
Day 2: The Cycle of Sin and Repentance
Despite the blessings and chosen status of Israel as described in the Scriptures, Israel became their own worst enemy, falling into a cycle of sin and repentance [22:30]. This serves as a reminder that even those who are blessed can fall into sin if they do not remain obedient to God.
Hosea 14:1 - "Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!"
Reflection: Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are falling into a cycle of sin and repentance? What steps can you take to break this cycle?
Day 3: Speaking Peace into Fear
The importance of speaking peace and hope into people's fears, pains, and anxieties is emphasized [34:15]. As believers, we have been given a spirit not of fear but of power, and when God is our father, we have nothing to fear. This reassurance can bring comfort in times of uncertainty and fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."
Reflection: How can you speak peace and hope into your own fears and anxieties today? Can you think of a specific situation where you can apply this?
Day 4: God's Judgment and Friendly Fire
The concept of "Friendly Fire" in God's judgment is a reminder that God can use various means, including confusion and division among enemies, to bring about His justice [45:50]. This serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power in all situations.
Judges 7:22 - "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords."
Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you have seen God's justice prevail. How did this experience strengthen your trust in God's sovereignty?
Day 5: Readiness for Trials and Challenges
The need for readiness and being on guard for trials and challenges that may come in the latter years is emphasized [58:20]. This serves as a reminder to always be prepared and vigilant, trusting in God's promises and guidance.
1 Peter 5:8 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
Reflection: How can you prepare yourself for the trials and challenges that may come in your life? Can you think of a specific area in your life where you need to be more vigilant?
Quotes
"God didn't give us a spirit of fear. We don't need to fear when we read these things, we don't need to be afraid of these things." [33:37]
"I don't have fear because I know Jesus and I know his promises for me. I'm not going to look at the future and be afraid because I know in the end how all of this stuff works." [34:12]
"Jesus says it's about the birth of the world not the death of the world...he has come to give life and life more abundant." [38:50]
"I'll summon a sword against them, and every man's sword will be against his brother. We call this Friendly Fire...they're going to turn weapons on each other because they're going to be so Dazed and Confused at what's going on." [30:57]
"Israel's armies will advance like a storm and they will attack with overwhelming force." [17:20]
"One of the countries that has been named directly here is Iran." [18:00]
"What I want you to see is the prophecies are true because the tables are being set. Israel, this little country surrounded by all these other nations, is where it all started. This is the land that God told the people you will go into, this is the promised land." [27:28]
"Israel is blessed by God, they have been a chosen people, they've been chosen to be his treasured possession... they have been given a land." [09:32]
"Israel was Their Own Worst Enemy just like you and I... Israel does good, does bad, repents, God says you're good, we're bringing you back into folds, and then like two sentences later Israel does bad again." [10:13]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?