Ezekiel 34 (résumé): Shepherds & Sheep

This chapter focuses on Israel's false shepherds (kings, rulers and spiritual leaders) as God promises to be their true shepherd. God said: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel... woe to the shepherds... who only take care of themselves... you have ruled harshly... so I will hold them responsible for the flock... and I myself will search for the sheep... and look after them... I will rescue them.. I will tend them in good pasture... and I will judge between the fat and lean sheep... and I will save my flock and they will no longer be plundered... and I will rid the land of wild beasts... and they will live in safety... then they will know that I am the Lord their God... you my sheep are my people and I am your God declares the Sovereign Lord".

Ezekiel 33 (résumé): Ezekiel a watchman

This chapter is the beginning of a shift in focus from judgement to hope and restoration. Initially God renews Ezekiel's calling as a watchmen for Israel and if people ignore the warnings then "his blood will be on their own head". On the other hand if Ezekiel the watchman fails to worn then it will be his responsibility. God then makes a call to repentance making it clear: "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live". Then a wicked person who repents will receive life, and God reacts to man's current response to him. Then news arrives that the city of Jerusalem had fallen as Ezekiel had predicted. And the text says: "Then they will know that I am the Lord when I have made the land a desolate waste, because of all the detestable things they have done". But the people hear Ezekiel's message and just treat it as a show never putting his message into practice. Only when everything comes true "they will know that a prophet has been among them".

God's compassion

I led the main service of the week in Patos yesterday and Missionary Sacha preached on "God's compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is God's faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). It was a lovely service and an excellent sermon.

Pastors Rafael and Murilo went to Imaculada yesterday where Rafael preached.

I watched the World Cup final with the first half very boring with Spain better including 65% possession. I didn't watch the interval's Americanism with Madonna and Shakira. I hope FIFA will never hold the World Cup in the USA again. The second half and extra time were equally boring and Argentina were a disgrace from beginning to end. Well done Spain! 🏆But it was a terrible final thanks to Argentina's negativism and dirt. 

Green Pastures

Last night I led and preached at the Green Pastures church with the local farming folk. I preached on John 9:1-12. It was a lovely service. I saw 2 Pigmy Nightjars on the way and 2 Tree-Frogs there.

I have now completed the résumés of 30 chapters of Ezekiel so that leaves 18 chapters to go. 

I see that England beat France by the unlikely margin of 6 x 4 to take 3rd spot in the World Cup. I didn't watch the game but Brazilian pundits say it was a really good game. Well done England!

Ezekiel 32 (résumé): A lament for Pharoah

Ezekiel 32 presents 2 laments for Pharoah and Egypt declaring its downfall to be a result of its pride. Pharoah is compared to a lion and sea monster... "but I will throw you on the land... and beasts will gorge on you... I will drench the land with your flowing blood... snuffing you out will darken the stars, sun and moon... when I bring about your destruction among the nations... the sword of Babylon will come against you... I will make Egypt desolate and all will know that I am the Lord". Then comes the second lament which points to how Egypt lies in Sheol with other nations judged by God... like Assyria, Elam, Meshech and Tubal, Edom, Sidon... so you too Pharoah will be broken and lie among the uncircumcised, and with those killed by the sword".   

Ezekiel 31 (résumé): A Cedar in Lebanon

Ezekiel 31 prophesies against Egypt using a Lebanese cedar as an example. The text points to Assyria, "once a cedar in Lebanon... majestic... with beautiful branches... nourished by abundant water... and it towered higher than all the other trees... no tree in the garden of God could rival it... but it was filled with pride because of its height and splendour and foreign nations came and cut it down... and I made the nations tremble at the sound of its fall when I brought it down to the grave... you too Egypt will be brought down as was the cedar of Lebanon... you will lie with the uncircumcised... this is what will happen to Pharoah and all his hordes, declares the Sovereign Lord".

Ezekiel 30 (résumé): A lament for Egypt

 Ezekiel 30 continues the theme of God's judgement on Egypt and surrounding nations. "Wail... alas for that day... the day of the Lord is near... a time of doom for the nations... when the slain fall in Egypt her wealth will be carried away... the allies of Egypt will fall... I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt... Babylon will draw their swords against Egypt... I will destroy the idols... and I will spread fear... I will pour out my wrath... I will set fire to Egypt... she will be covered with clouds... So I will inflict punishment on Egypt... I am against Pharoah king of Egypt and will break both his arms so that he can't hold a sword... I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations... and I will put my sword in the hand of the king of Babylon... then they will know that I am the Lord".