Ezekiel 10
Man clothed with linen spreads ashes over Jerusalem verse 1- 2
THEN I looked – and – BEHOLD
in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubim
there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone
as the appearance of the likeness of a throne
AND HE spoke to the man clothed with linen
and said
Go in between the wheels – even under the cherub
and fill thine hand with coals of fire from
between the cherubim
and scatter them over the city
AND he went in in my sight
Movement of the glory of the LORD out of Temple verse 3- 5
NOW the cherubim stood on the right side of the house
when the man went in
and the cloud filled the inner court
THEN the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub
and stood over the threshold of the house
and the house was filled with the cloud
and the court was full of the
brightness of the LORD’S glory
And the sound of the cherubim’s wings was heard
even to the outer court
as the voice of the Almighty God
when HE speaks
Man clothed given burning coals by cherubim verse 6- 7
AND it came to pass
that when HE had commanded the man clothed with linen
saying
Take fire from between the wheels
from between the cherubim
THEN HE went in – and stood beside the wheels
and one cherub stretched forth his hand
from between the cherubim
unto the fire that was between the cherubim
and took thereof
and put it into the hands of him that was
clothed with linen who took it- and went out
Appearance of cherubim verse 8
AND there appeared in the cherubim the form of a man’s hand
under their wings
Wheels appeared as gyroscope verse 9- 11
And when I looked – BEHOLD the four wheels by the cherubim
one wheel by one cherub
and another wheel by another cherub
and the appearance of the wheels was
as the color of a beryl stone
And as for their appearances – they four had one likeness
as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel
When they went – they went upon their four sides
they turned not as they went
BUT to the place whither the head looked they followed it
they turned not as they went
Eyes and faces of cherubim described verse 12- 14
And their whole body – backs – hands – wings – wheels
were full of eyes round about
even the wheels that they four had
As for the wheels – it was cried unto them in my hearing
O wheel
and every one had four faces
the first face was the face of a cherub
the second face was the face of a man
the third the face of a lion
the fourth the face of an eagle
Cherubim and wheels moved together verse 15- 17
AND the cherubim
were lifted up
This is the living creature that I saw
by the river of Chebar
And when the cherubim went – the wheels went by them
and when the cherubim lifted up their wings
to mount up from the earth
the same wheels also turned not
from beside them
when they stood – these stood
and when they were lifted up
these lifted up themselves also
for the spirit of the living creature
was in them
Glory of the LORD moved over the East Gate verse 18- 19
THEN the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house
and stood over the cherubim
And the cherubim lifted up their wings
and mounted up from the earth in my sight – when they went out
the wheels also were beside them
and every one stood
at the door of the east gate
of the LORD’S house
And the glory of the God of Israel was over them above
Second vision same as first vision regarding cherubim verse 20- 22
THIS is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel
by the river of Chebar
and I knew that they were the cherubim
Everyone had four faces apiece – and every one four wings
and the likeness of the hands of a man
was under their wings
and the likeness of their faces
was the same faces
which I saw by the river of Chebar
their appearances and themselves
they went every one straight forward
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 1 Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the as the appearance of the likeness of a throne. (3742 “cherubims” [karuwb] means a winged supernatural (angelic) being that serves God in a number of ways, divine steed, ministers, an angelic being,)
DEVOTION: Here we have a group of angels called cherubims. They are servants of the LORD in heaven and on earth. Here we have a picture of them and their responsibility to the LORD.
These are not “other gods” but beings that were servants of the LORD that HE created for service to HIM in heaven and on earth. This chapter seems to help us understand what is happening when there was the time of the fall of man.
God created man to worship HIM. HE gave angels a responsibility to work with HIM to help take messages between man and HIM. They were HIS servants just as man is given the responsibility to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. The angels were supposed to do the same in heaven.
However, we find that the angels were given a choice as man was given after he was created. Some of the angels choose to disobey the LORD and were recorded as a group that helped the devil in tempting man to go away for service to the LORD.
The LORD didn’t force any group of created beings to follow HIM without a choice. Once they made their choice they were given an eternal place either in heaven or in hell.
The devil and his angels will spend eternity out of the presence of the LORD for eternity with fallen man.
Do we understand why God gave both man and angels a choice? NO! The Bible just tells us that each group had a choice and after they made their choice it was final.
CHALLENGE: Each of us have a choice to make in this life. We can either serve the LORD or serve with the fallen angels. There is no third choice. What have you chosen? Your eternal place is determined by your choice.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 4 Then the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’S glory. (3514 “glory” [kabowd] means honor, abundance, riches, splendor, dignity, reputation, manifestation of power or reverence.)
DEVOTION: Ezekiel was witnessing a vision of the splendor of the LORD leaving the temple. The splendor of the LORD filled the temple with a cloud. The splendor of the LORD filled the courtyard with brightness beyond words.
The sin of the people was the cause of the moving of the glory of the LORD. The glory was heading for the east gate. Remember it is thought that the LORD will enter through the east gate when HE returns to set up HIS kingdom.
When Moses saw the back of the splendor of the LORD, his face shone. He had to wear a veil over his face to cover the brightness. He was in the presence of the LORD to receive the Ten Commandments. He requested to see the splendor of the LORD. He was only allowed to see the backside of the splendor of the LORD because he was warned that no one could see the full splendor of the LORD and live.
The cherubim were a division of angels that guarded the holiness of God. They are first mentioned in the Garden of Eden, as the ones who would keep Adam and Eve out of the garden. Now we observe them forming a chariot for the LORD. We first met this chariot in the first chapter of this book.
God dwells in our midst through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Our bodies become the temple of the Holy Spirit when we become a follower the LORD Jesus Christ. Our actions should point individuals to the LORD. It is in this way that we bring glory to HIS name.
Are we being the light that we should be in a dark world? Are we seeing the glory of the LORD leave our nation because our actions are not bringing HIM glory? Do people see the LORD’S presence in our lives and actions?
CHALLENGE: Our faces should glow from being in the presence of the LORD on a regular basis. Our prayer should be that we can manifest HIS presence to others.
____________________________________________________________
: 9 And when I looked, behold the four wheels by the cherubim, one wheel by one cherub, and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the wheels was as the color of a beryl stone. (212 “wheel” [’owphan] means to revolve, chariot wheel, threshing wheel, wheels in a vision, wheel of a vehicle or decorative wheel.)
DEVOTION: Ezekiel had this second vision a year after the first. He again sees wheels of a chariot that support the throne of the LORD.
The wheels continue to represent the omniscience and omnipresence of the LORD in our world. The children of Israel understood that the LORD entered the Temple with HIS glory when Solomon built the Temple. Now they were seeing the glory of the LORD exiting the Temple because they were worshiping false gods even in HIS Temple. HE was not going to allow this to happen. HE manifested in a vision to Ezekiel that HE was displeased with the actions of the people.
The cherubim were first manifested in the Garden of Eden to keep mankind out of the garden, so that, they didn’t eat of the Tree of Life. Mankind has been judged since that time.
Here we find that God uses the object lesson of HIS presence leaving the Temple to show the people the consequences of their sin. It was a vision gave to Ezekiel to show those in captivity in Babylon that they were watching the judgment of Israel for their sins.
We are told that we could entertain angels unaware even today. They report to the LORD what is happening here on the earth. They are the ones who protect HIS people even today. Angels were created first for a purpose. Mankind was created second for a purpose. The two creations will never exchange natures. Humans will always be humans even in heaven. Angels will always be angels into eternity. Each has their responsibility in their service to the LORD.
Most of the humans will spend eternity in the lake of fire with the Devil and his angels. God always sends warnings before the final judgment is coming. There might be some warning around us even today.
CHALLENGE: If God moves away from HIS people in the Old Testament because of their worship of false gods will HE do the same today if we are worshiping false gods. Our responsibility is to manifest the True God of the Bible so that others can understand what a false god is
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 18 Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims. (3318 “departed” [yatsa’] means to lead out, go forth, to move out of, to proceed to, to come out of, or exit.)
DEVOTION: The picture in this chapter is not good. We find that the children of Israel were depending on the presence of the LORD in the Temple of Jerusalem to protect them from any army that might come against the nation.
They thought that no nation could defeat them because they had the presence of the LORD to depend on forever. They were wrong. They were warned by the prophets that the LORD want not pleased with their actions but still kept thinking that because they had the Temple they were safe. They were depending on a place rather than a PERSON. This chapter shows the presence of the LORD leaving the Temple. It was a gradual leaving, so that, they could see it happening through the vision of Ezekiel.
Remember that the same warning came to the New Testament churches if their message was not true to the Word of God. The candlestick or light was going to be removed for their disobedience.
We see many churches and even some denomination closing their buildings because they have lost the message of the Word of God. Today we have many liberal churches open who are giving those that attend a false security. They are teaching PC instead of the Word of God. God is going to close them down and they are going to wonder why. The children of Israel had the same thoughts.
How far do you think the glory of the LORD has moved out of our nation because we have become so PC that we are not preaching the truth of the Word of God? Once it starts it is hard to move in the other direction because the people get used to being religious instead of genuine followers of the LORD.
CHALLENGE: The church you attend – is it PC or Biblical?
____________________________________________________________
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
Cherubim in Holy of Holies verse 1
House of the LORD = Temple verse 3, 4
Inner court verse 3
Threshold of the house verse 4, 18
House filled with brightness of LORD verse 4
Outer court verse 5
Fire that was between the cherubims verse 7
East gate of the LORD’S House verse 19
__________________________________________________________
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
Glory of the LORD leaves the Temple verse 1- 22
LORD – Jehovah (Covenant keeping, Personal) verse 4, 18, 19
Glory of the LORD verse 4, 18, 19
Brightness of the LORD’S glory verse 4
Almighty verse 5
God – Elohim (Creator, Sovereign, Plural name) verse 5, 19, 20
Almighty God verse 5
Voice of the Almighty God verse 5
God of Israel verse 19, 20
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead –God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Cherubim verse 1- 3, 5- 9, 15, 16, 18- 20
Man clothed with linen verse 2, 3, 6, 7
fire between the cherubims
Cherub verse 2, 4, 7, 9, 14
Wheels verse 6, 9, 10- 16, 19
color of a beryl stone
wheel in the midst of a wheel
Full of eyes verse 12
Four faces verse 14, 21, 22
face of a cherub
face with face of man
face of a lion
face of an eagle
likeness of the hands of a man
was under their wings
Living creatures I saw by the river of Chebar verse 15, 17, 20
Four wings verse 21
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
form of a man’s hand under cherubims wings verse 8
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
City = Jerusalem verse 2
Glory of the LORD departed verse 18
Israel verse 19
River of Chebar verse 20, 22
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
Firmament verse 1
___________________________________________________________
DONATIONS:
Remember that all donations to Small Church Ministries are greatly appreciated. The treasurer will send a receipt, at the end of the year unless otherwise requested. Please be sure to make check out to “Small Church Ministries.” The address for the treasurer is P.O. Box 604, East Amherst, New York 14051. A second way to give to the ministry is through PayPal on the website: www.smallchurchministries.org. Also, if you can support this ministry through your local church please use that method. Thank you.
_______________________________________________________________
QUOTES regarding passage
Chapter 10 has many words, phrases, and ideas that parallel the vision of the glory of God in chap. 1 and some that parallel passages in chap. 8. Chapter 10 is an expansion of the theme of the departure of God’s glory introduced in 9:3. It also presents additional insights into the role of the cherubim in transporting and/or accompanying the glory of God. These creatures also helped the man in white in dispensing judgment on Jerusalem. This information moves beyond that of the vision of the “living creatures” of chap. 1.
Chapter 10 has four scenes. First, the man in white was commanded to take coals from between the cherubim (10:1–2). Second, the glory of God moved to the threshold and paused while fire purged the city (10:3–8). Third, the cherubim were described (10:9–17). Fourth, the glory of God moved to a position above the cherubim and with them to the east gate (10:18–22). H. Parunak has argued that the two-stage movement of the glory of God is the focus of two chiasms (see introductory comments to chap. 1) in chap. 10. The first stage is the center of a chiasm comprising vv. 1–7, marked by the repeated references to taking fire “from among the cherubim” in vv. 2 and 6–7. The second stage is the center of a chiasm comprising vv. 8–22, marked by descriptions of the cherubim in vv. 8–17 and 20–22. (Cooper, L. E. (1994). Ezekiel (Vol. 17, p. 129). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
__________________________________________________________
Both Ezekiel (1:10) and Daniel (7:9) had visions of God’s throne set on a platform with wheels. The celebrated wheels within wheels of Ezk 1 had axles set at ninety degree angles somewhat like a gyroscope, so that the platform could go at once in any of the four directions, without a steering mechanism. The whole picture symbolized the omnipresence of the Lord, and the rapidity with which he executes judgment in his rule of the earth. Wheels were employed with machinery for drawing water (cf. Eccl 12:6, galgal). The rollers of a threshing wagon or cart are mentioned in Prov 20:26 and Is 28:27. Later Hebrew commonly uses galgal as a synonym (q.v.) by metonymy for a wagon (Ezk 23:24). (Feinberg, C. L. (1999). 146 אפן. In R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke (Eds.), Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr. & B. K. Waltke, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (65). Chicago: Moody Press.)
________________________________________________________
10:18–22 The glory, having moved from above the ark of the covenant to the threshold of the temple in 10:4, now moved from the threshold to the cherubim and then to the east gate (vv. 18–19). This would have been the entrance directly in front of the temple that went out into the Kidron Valley. This valley separated the temple mount from the Mount of Olives. This move to the east gate anticipated the departure from the temple complex and from the city that followed in 11:22–23.
God withdraws from unholy worship. We cannot come before the Lord any time and any way we choose. God demands holiness of those who would approach him (Lev 10:1–7; 20:3–7; Ps 15:1–5). God is long-suffering with us as he was with Israel, but he ultimately withdraws when his call for righteousness is ignored (Ezek 11:4–12). (Cooper, L. E. (1994). Ezekiel (Vol. 17, p. 134). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
________________________________________________________
18–19 A principal theme in this vision and in the book is the departure and return of God’s glory. God’s glory departed from the temple because of the corruption within Jerusalem and Judah, but it would return in the end time when the nation had been fully cleansed (cf. 43:1–9). The gradual departure of God’s glory began in 9:3 and 10:4, when the glory of God left the Most Holy Place and moved to the temple’s entrance. God’s glory departed from the temple’s threshold and assumed its place on the cherubim throne-chariot. Together they went to the temple’s east gate (v.19), from where they finally departed (cf. 11:22–23). Deuteronomy 31:17 and Hosea 9:12 had declared that this departure would occur if the people strayed from God’s ways. In 1 Samuel 4 a similar example of the departure of God’s glory at a time of judgment was memorialized by the name of Eli’s grandson “Ichabod” (v.21), which means “inglorious.” Once again, in Ezekiel’s day God wrote “Ichabod” over Jerusalem and Judah. (Alexander, R. H. (1986). Ezekiel. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel (Vol. 6, p. 790). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
_________________________________________________________
10:15–22. It was now time for God’s glory to depart. Then the cherubim rose upward. God’s throne ascended from the court of Israel into the air. Ezekiel’s description of the movement of the cherubim and wheels (vv. 15–17) uses the same words he employed in chapter 1 (see comments on 1:19–20). God’s glory, which had been standing at the entrance to the temple, departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim (10:18). God was mounting His throne-chariot to ride out of His temple and city. The throne-chariot began moving toward the east; but as the cherubim approached the edge of the temple precincts, they stopped at the entrance to the east gate of the Lord‘s house, and the glory (cf. comments on 1:28) of the God of Israel was above them. These creatures (vv. 20–22) were unquestionably the same cherubim Ezekiel had seen earlier. Before God left both the temple and the city, there was a final pause. Once God passed from the gate, the inscription “Ichabod” (“the glory has departed”) could be written over Jerusalem (cf. 1 Sam. 4:21–22). As if to delay this final movement in the departure of God’s glory, Ezekiel inserted the story of 25 wicked rulers (Ezek. 11:1–21). (Dyer, C. H. (1985). Ezekiel. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, pp. 1246–1247). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
___________________________________________________________
As Ezekiel continued to gaze upon this wondrous scene he beheld the Shekinah glory issue forth from over the threshold of the house and rise up into the heavens until it stood over the cherubim; and then, as though riding majestically through the universe in the divine chariot, it crossed to the door of the east gate of Jehovah’s house, and for a time seemed to be suspended above that entrance. It was as though Jehovah was loth to forsake His sanctuary. He lingered still in the place where He had set His name, but there was no evidence whatever of repentance on the part of the people, and so in a short time the glory was to ascend to heaven never to be seen again until the Lord Jesus Christ appeared on this earth. (Ironside, H. A. (1949). Expository notes on Ezekiel, the prophet. (p. 65). Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers.)
__________________________________________________________
Ver. 18. Then the glory of the Lord departed from off the threshold of the house, &c.] Whither he had removed from the cherub or the cherubim, between the mercy-seat, ver. 4. taking another step towards a general departure from the temple and city, of which this was another signal and warning: and stood over the cherubim; not on the mercy-seat from whence he came, for hither he returned not; but over the cherubim or living creatures seen in the vision, which were under the throne in the firmament of heaven; an emblem, as we have seen, of Gospel ministers: and this may denote the exaltation of Christ, who is the glory of the Lord, the brightness of his father’s glory, above them; his protection of them, and presence with them; for, let him move where he will, he will not depart from his faithful ministers; he will be with them to the end of the world. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 6, p. 43). London: Mathews and Leigh.)
___________________________________________________________
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
_________________________________________________________
Imagine if tomorrow, a judge in the most liberal state in the country announced children no longer belong to their parents, they’re no longer under their parents’ authority. From henceforth, says the decree, kids belong to the state. Outraged parents would take to the streets! Angry and refusing to capitulate.
Well, that’s not how it goes. Instead, parental rights are taken a little at a time. The outrage is avoided, and the state usurpation of parents is largely non-controversial. The same desired results using this strategy are not only possible, but inevitable.
Allow me to illustrate. A few days ago, a judge in British Columbia issued a gag order against the father of a 14-year-old girl who identifies as a boy. Why a gag order? Because he referred to his daughter by her actual gender in public interviews.
British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Marzari also found the girl’s father guilty of “family violence” for going to the press after courts ordered that his daughter be allowed to start injections of male hormones.
In fact, the judge even forbade the father from referring to his daughter as a girl, from trying to persuade her to abandon her so-called “treatment,” and even from using her real name! The name he gave her. In other words, this judge has effectively forbidden this dad from even acknowledging that he has a daughter.
Legislatures elsewhere in Canada are laying similar groundwork to make this kind of government takeover of parenting permanent. Back in 2017, with barely a whisper of protest, Ontario passed the Youth and Families Act, which adds a child’s “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the list of things judges can consider when determining whether parents are abusive.
In other words, as written, this law would allow any judge in the province to do exactly what Justice Marzari did to that father of the 14-year-old girl. And that’s not just my opinion. When asked if this law would allow the government to separate children from parents who don’t approve of their gender identity, the Ontario Minister of Children and Youth Services said, “I would consider that a form of abuse, when a child identifies one way and a caregiver is saying no…”
Now, his office has since then changed its tune. A spokeswoman told BuzzFeed News that the law “does not give the government power to seize children from families based on a parent that disagrees with a child’s gender identification.” Their commentary on the statute may have changed, but the language of the statute hasn’t. So the precedent is set.
“Well, that’s Canada,” you say. “That’s not going to happen here.”
Are you sure about that?
Last year an Ohio judge awarded custody of a transgender teen to her grandparents rather than her parents, because mom and dad didn’t support her transition.
But an even greater threat to parental rights in this country will probably come from legislatures. “Sexual orientation and gender identity,” or “SOGI” laws have already been enacted in twenty states, making these protected categories like race or religion. It sets the precedent for treating disagreement with gender ideology as a crime. Eventually, that could be the case even if the person you are disagreeing with is your child. Several states already have the legal mechanism in place to emancipate children from parents who don’t support their gender identification.
Bit by bit, parental rights are chipped away in the name of sexual ideologies, especially gender identity. And bit by bit, mom and dad are treated as mere trustees of the state, subject to revocation without notice.
Ideas matter. They can change how we collectively understand family, and parents, and even who kids belong to.
I wish I had better news, but laws and rulings like these are the endgame for parental rights. Pay close attention and take responsibility for your own state, your own county, your own city, and especially for your own kids.
The transition to a society in which children are wards of the state is well underway. Like surgical gender transitions, once complete, the damage could be irreversible. (BreakPoint)
__________________________________________________________
The tribes of Israel do an inadequate job of vanquishing the aliens living in the Promised Land.
INSIGHT
The book of Judges is a pathetic chronicle of a weak and willful people. Soon after Joshua’s death, the Israelites begin to fall short of the directives he gave them. They fail at the most crucial point and tolerate the presence of immoral idol worshipers among them. The story which follows is one of sexual immorality, murder, idolatry, corruption, and greed. The depths to which the Israelites plunge is truly disgusting- reminding us of the warnings given by Moses and Joshua.
Turning your back on God always has tragic consequences. When we read about the Israelites, their foolishness seems so clear. Yet when we are faced with temptations today, it doesn’t seem so clear. We can learn from the past, however. The consequences can be just as grave for us. A wise man walks with the Lord and is saved.
PRAYER
· Because we can be delivered from bondage to sin, offer your praise for the Lord’s goodness: (Quiet Walk)
_______________________________________________________
THE OFFENSE OF CHRIST’S TEACHING
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10
What has offended mankind above everything else is the simplicity of our Lord’s way of salvation. There is nothing that annoys people so much as the true doctrine of the cross, the doctrine of the blood of Christ and of the rebirth. Look at those people whom we read about in John 6. There they are; our Lord has said to them in essence, “I am the living bread. I am the bread of life. I have come down from heaven to give you new life that is life indeed.” And it was that which made them go from Him and decide never to listen to Him again.
Let me put it again like this. If Christ had come and told us that the way of salvation was to consider a great, noble, and wonderful teaching and then to resolve to set out and do it, why, we would have liked it. Christ said in effect, “If man could save himself, I would never have come into this world. God gave the people in past ages an opportunity of doing this. He gave them a law and told them when He gave it to them, ‘Do that and it will save you; live that life and you will be righteous in My sight.’”
If man could have saved himself, there would have been no need for the Son of God to come to earth. Indeed, His coming is proof that people cannot save themselves. Our Lord constantly said that, and that is what annoyed people so much. He said, “I have come to give My life as a ransom for many, for nothing but that could ever save those souls of yours and reconcile you to God. And,” He said, “it is as simple as this: I have purchased your salvation—I offer it to you as a free gift.”
A Thought to Ponder
If man could have saved himself, there would have been no need for the Son of God to come to earth. (From The Heart of the Gospel, pp. 63-64, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
_______________________________________________________
Ungodly Deeds and Hard Speeches
“To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (Jude 1:15)
Jude is referencing the preaching of pre-Flood Enoch, who warned about God’s coming judgment when the Lord returns “with ten thousands of his saints” (v. 14). Jude identifies two ungodly traits that bring about this judgment.
First, there are ungodly deeds that were committed in an ungodly way. Perhaps the best commentary on this deep sin is the Lord Jesus’ description of the unbelief of those who reject the gospel of salvation: “This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Their actions were not mere misdeeds; these deeds were committed with full knowledge of the “light”—and their perpetrators consciously ran away from that light to hide in the “darkness.”
Then there are hard speeches that have been spoken by ungodly sinners against the Lord Jesus. Perhaps these fierce words were uttered as diatribes against the authority of Christ to judge. Peter alludes to these kinds of sinners as “scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming?” (2 Peter 3:3-4). Paul comments that these kinds of people “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25).
And that appears to coincide with the nature of the word “ungodly.” All three forms that appear in Jude 1:15 are negative forms of the word for worship. The “un” part of the word stresses the lack of honor and deference that are due the Creator of the universe. These ungodly sinners will be condemned by their own deeds and fierce words.
(HMM III, The Institute for Creation Research)
_____________________________________________________
The Great Ejection
The persecution reached a crescendo in 1662, when the English Parliament issued the Act of Uniformity. The decree essentially outlawed anything other than strict Anglican doctrine and practice. That led to a monumental and tragic day in England’s spiritual history: August 24, 1662, commonly known as the Great Ejection. On that day, two thousand Puritan pastors were stripped of their ordination and permanently thrown out of their Anglican churches.
… The spiritual turmoil did not end once the Puritans were excommunicated and separated from their congregations. … Iain Murray described the spiritual fallout of that dark day: “After the silencing of the 2,000, we enter an age of rationalism, of coldness in the pulpit and indifference in the pew, an age in which skepticism and worldliness went far to reducing national religion to a mere parody of New Testament Christianity. (p. 17)
The Great Ejection occurred in the summer of 1662. IN 1665, an epidemic of the bubonic plague struck London, killing more than 100,000 people, roughly one quarter of its population. … Religion in the church of England was almost extinguished, and in many of her parishes the lamp of God went out. … England had succumbed to a culture of liberalism, overrun with cold, dead churches and awash in apostasy and spiritual darkness. … Many of the men who were ejected form their churches went on to have influence that continues to this day. Spiritual stalwarts such as Richard Baxter, John Flavel, Thomas Watson were among those who lost their pulpits in 1662 but faithfully carried on as outlaw preachers. (p. 18, Christ’s Call to Reform the Church by John MacArthur)
________________________________________________________
We now have a Facebook page for Small Church Ministries – please invite others to join us on Facebook. Thank you. Look for the logo from the devotionals.