July 29, 2025 - Ezekiel 12-15

Chapter 12 relates the story of Ezekiel, each day, packing up a bag for exile and leaving the city, thus picturing what was to come for the people.  The prophet was taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 597 B.C., but the final phase of the exile was not to come until 586 B.C.  Thus, initially, we find Ezekiel in that interim period, and his message proclaims that full exile is soon to be the consequence for all of Jerusalem.  The false prophets have declared that the people need not worry.  They cry, “’Peace,’ when there is no peace” (13:10).  The elders and all of Jerusalem were believing lies (chs. 13,14).  If only they had listened to the truth, confessed their sins, repented, turned to God and asked for forgiveness!  The Lord had demonstrated, over and over again, how quickly he would forgive, if only his people would turn.  And so it is today as it has been from generation to generation.

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,

weak and wounded, sick and sore;

Jesus ready stands to save you,

full of pity, love, and pow’r.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,

God’s free bounty glorify;

true belief and true repentance,

every grace that brings you nigh.

Let not conscience make you linger,

nor of fitness fondly dream;

all the fitness He requireth

is to feel your need of Him.   --Joseph Hart (1759)