August 1, 2025 - Ezekiel 33-36

Chapter 33 is a reminder (See chapter 3) that Ezekiel is Israel’s watchman.  He’s not the only one.  Time and time again, the Lord has reached out and called to his people.  He says:  “As I live . . . I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (33:11)

This is God’s gracious word to Israel, and to us:  “. . . to the wicked . . . if he turns from his sin and does what is just and right . . . he shall surely live; he shall not die.  None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him” (33:14-16).  There’s the gospel right there!  Right there in the Old Testament!  Of course, the ultimate provision for their forgiveness will be found in another:  “And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them:  he shall feed them and be their shepherd” (34:23).

‘Tis the grandest theme thro’ the ages rung;

‘Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue;

‘Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung:

Our God is able to deliver thee.

He is able to deliver thee,

He is able to deliver thee;

Tho’ by sin opprest, Go to Him for rest;

Our God is able to deliver thee.   -- William A. Ogden (1887)