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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Your people were wringing their hands in despair, saying, “‘Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we rot away because of them. How then can we live?’” (Ezek 33:10). Your answer came loud and clear: “Turn back, turn back from your evil ways” and live! Praise the Lord! You are a God who calls the wicked to repentance, and you offer the unrighteous eternal life. Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me Ezekiel’s final prophecy in response to the news of Jerusalem’s fall. Previously, Ezekiel explained that Israel’s loss of the promised land was because of their persistent rebellion against you. However, Israel’s exile among the nations would not last forever. One day they would be regathered to the land, and Israel and Judah would again become a single nation. The Messiah would shepherd them and rule over them as a prince. They would live securely and be at peace. Now, Ezekiel spoke of a future attempt to invade the land and destroy Israel. Your message was clear: “Gog of the land of Magog” would not be able to triumph over your people. You would destroy him and his army completely, and in so doing, you would sanctify your name among the nations. This prophecy of a future invasion that would be defeated showed the people that Israel’s true security lay in its commitment and loyalty to you. When they were rebellious and wicked, you gave them into the hand of other nations, but in the last days, when they honored and obeyed you, no army would be able to conquer them. This prophecy teaches me that when I follow you with my whole heart, no power on earth can harm me. I can rest securely in your love. Two months later, Ezekiel prophesied about the nation of Egypt. So far, Egypt had been spared the destruction that had befallen Judah, but it was living on borrowed time. You had Ezekiel sing a funeral dirge over Pharaoh Hophra, and then you took Egypt on a guided tour of the “afterlife” with which they were so obsessed. Instead of good times with plenty of food and servants, the only thing waiting for the hordes of Egypt were the nations who had gone before: Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, Edom and Sidon. This shows me that the only thing waiting for those who rebel against you is eternal punishment in hell. The reading concluded with a warning to Ezekiel of the great responsibility he had to communicate your message to the people of Israel. If Ezekiel did not warn the wicked from their way, you would require their blood from Ezekiel! This teaches me the importance of faithfully preaching your word. Reflection You said, “Though I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, yet if he trusts in his righteousness and does injustice, none of his righteous deeds shall be remembered, but in his injustice that he has done he shall die” (Ezek 33:13). This is a sobering reminder that saving faith is not the act of a moment but the attitude of a lifetime. I must have a present, living faith! Request Father, help me to stand firm in the faith and walk daily in the Spirit. I know that as long as I keep striving to enter the Kingdom (Luke 13:24), you will be faithful to guard me by your power (1 Pet 1:5). Thanksgiving Thank you for your saving grace! Truly, you have “no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezek 33:11). Hallelujah, what a Savior! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Hold Fast” — Barney E. Warren. Meditation Verse: Ezekiel 33:13.