EZEKIEL

Ezekiel is a major prophet and is the hardest to understand of all the prophets in the Old Testament, and yet there are many wonderful passages and truths found all throughout the book.  Here are a few: 1) IDOLS- In Ezekiel 14:3 and 4, we find this phrase: "these men have set up their idols in their heart" and "Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart,".  These men did not have an image they bowed down to, but they still had an idol erected, only it was in their heart.  I'm afraid that is where we as Americans may find ourselves.  We don't like to bow down to images, or people, but we still erect idols in our hearts.  Let us be careful not to let anything become more important than God to us and thus become an idol in our heart. 2) WHEN GOD JUDGES THIS OLE WORLD- When God brings judgment to this world, He will do it in such a fashion during the tribulation that all may know it is God who is doing it.  Ezekiel 21:5 says: "That all flesh may know that I the LORD have drawn forth my sword out of his sheath: it shall not return any more."  When God pulls out that sword of judgment, it will finish the job before it is laid down.  I'm so glad that I'm standing where the judgment of God has already fallen (Jesus paid it all!). 3) The Devil- In Ezekiel 28, we have the description of the "prince of Tyrus" and it is also a description of the Devil.  In Ezekiel we will find that in describing a man, the prophet is led by God to describe God's greatest foe, the devil.  Do read verses 12 through 19 and you will see this very clearly.  The good news is this.... vs. 19 "and never shalt thou be any more."  The Devil will be cast into Hell forever and never heard of again!  Praise God!  Hope you have a blessed day and a great Easter weekend.  Resurrection Sunday!! Pastor Mike Mutchler