Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for November 18

“‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves” (Ezekiel 37:12 NKJV).

From: November 18, 2020

THE AMAZING PROMISE OF RESURRECTION

Ezekiel was called to prophesy to the Jewish exiles in Babylon and those scattered throughout the nations. This was a time when Israel has ceased to exist as a nation. In the national sense, it was dead. So, this resurrection prophecy might first be considered symbolic of a day when the nation of Israel would be reconstituted and restored. In the symbolic sense, this prophecy has been fulfilled. For in May 1948, Israel was declared a nation. Can you think of a nation that was dead for 2,000 years and then reborn? I can think of only one. Israel.

Yet, we believe that this prophecy given to Ezekiel is also to be taken in the literal sense. As Jesus said, “For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).

Resurrection is at the heart of Christianity. For Jesus raised Lazarus after his body lay in the tomb for four days, saying, “Come forth!” And Lazarus came forth. Even more, Jesus Himself was raised on the third day to show His power over sin, death and the grave. Therefore, it is no leap of faith to believe that the One who has been raised, will one Day say to us, “Come forth!” And we will also be raised.

PRAYER: Dear Father, we look forward to the Day when our faith shall become sight. We have placed our faith in the Resurrected One, Jesus Christ and Your promised Word of our resurrection. We live in this hope, knowing that You are able. Therefore, we tell others. Open up eyes and hearts as we share the good news of Jesus and His promise of eternal life. In His name we pray, amen.

“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” (James 2:1 NLT).

From: November 18, 2019

FAVORITISM HAS NO PLACE AMONG THE FAITHFUL

The apostle James wrote that believers should not show favoritism to some over others. He especially had in mind those who were favoring the rich over the poor. He said that showing favoritism exposed not only their evil motives, it was actually committing sin.

This instruction continues to have great relevance for the Church. The Gospel is the great equalizer of us all. For it proclaims that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Yet at the same time, it offers salvation to all who would believe. As the children’s song declares, “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

Far from showing favoritism because of race, gender, or socio-economic status, we must welcome everyone. May our invitation always be, “Come as you are and be forever changed by the love of Jesus!”

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that have welcomed us into Your family. We repent of the favoritism that we often show. Help us to love others, especially those who are the least of these, as You have loved us. We want to be marked by Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“For his unfailing love for us is powerful; the LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 117:2 NLT).

From: November 18, 2018

HALLELUJAH FOR GOD’S GREAT LOVE!

God’s unfailing love does not quit. It is not based on our condition, but on His own character. In our rebellion and sin we spurned His love, yet God’s love did not waver. It is unfailing. Even unrequited, God’s love for us burns bright. The darker the hateful night, the brighter His powerful love shines. Overcoming sin, death, hell and Satan to reach us, God’s love is powerful. Sending Christ, His only Son, the power of God’s love is demonstrated in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. His chesed-love is faithful, making promises and always keeping them. Willingly entering into covenantal-love with us, so that He never lets us go, even though we are prone to wander.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord for God’s great unfailing, powerful and faithful love!

‘Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him”‘ (Ezekiel 38:1-2 NKJV).

From: November 18, 2017

There are as many interpretations as their are interpreters of this chapter in Ezekiel. Yet, I would humbly offer that it is a prophecy concerning an end times battle against Israel that has yet to be fulfilled. Nations from the North of Israel will attack Israel during a time of peace and God Himself will fight for Israel and defeat the armies of the North.

My comments are marked by the following principles of interpretation: 1) Scripture is divinely inspired, 2) Scripture should be interpreted as literally as the literary genre and context allow, 3) Scripture contains prophecies that have already been fulfilled as well as those yet to be fulfilled, and 4) the revelation of Scripture is progressive, so that later prophecies shed light on earlier ones.

Those who have a high view of Scripture see history heading towards an ultimate climatic victory of good over evil, Christ over Satan, and the judgment seat of God. The apostle John, like Ezekiel, had such a view of Scripture. He also prophesied of a future day when God would defeat Satan and the nations he deceived named, “Gog and Magog” (Rev. 20:7-9).

While certain details of this prophecy remain a mystery, such as the identity of “Gog and Magog” (Is it Russia as some contend?). The major predictions are clear. God revealed an end times war against Israel that God Himself will win. God will triumph in the end. Therefore, let us decide whom we will serve. Let us join Joshua in saying, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).

“Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!” (Ezekiel 37:4 NKJV)

From: November 18, 2015

When we see bones, we assume life is long past being possible. But Ezekiel had learned something about God: Nothing is ever too dead for God to give it life. So, Ezekiel preached to the bones and the bones took on flesh and came to life! The Word still brings life to dry bones. It is the Word proclaimed and believed that changes the walking dead to spiritually alive children of God.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves” (James 1:22 NLT)

From: November 18, 2014

Not just hearers only, but doers of the Word. Many enjoy a good sermon and think how good it is that the person next to them is getting it. Yet a few will hear the Word and repent in tears, not worrying about those around them. Don’t let the Word go in one ear and out the other. Do what it says.

“Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” (Ezekiel 37:3)

From: November 18, 2013

Usually when we see bones, we assume life is long past being possible. But Ezekiel had been following God long enough to at least hesitate in giving a human answer. He had learned something about God. Nothing is ever too dead for God to give it life. “Prophesy over those bones Zeke!” “Yes, Lord.”

“You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” (James 1:19-20)

From: November 18, 2012

Speaking before listening is like lighting anger’s fuse. Many an argument might be avoided by listening before speaking. Once anger is lit, angry words are spoken that can never be taken back. Two ears, one mouth = double your listening, cut your speaking in half. Are you listening?

“Son of man, can these bones live?” (Ezekiel 37:3)

From: November 18, 2011

I like Ezekiel’s response: “Lord, You alone know.” When Ezekiel preached the Word and prayed for the Spirit to move, the bones put on flesh and breathed. The preaching of God’s Word still brings those dead in sin to life and reconciles those who are spiritually separated from God. Preach to the bones!