September 2022 – Page 3 of 3 – Sonshine's Journal

September 10, 2022August 21, 2022

How obedient are we?

Ezekiel 24 “God knows our Heart.”

Ezekiel is known as the servant who obeys whether he understands or not. Are we? The Lord graciously prepared Ezekiel to be a sign to the exiles by responding to his wife’s untimely death. God told him, “I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you with a jolt, but you must not mourn or weep or shed tears.” [Ezek 24:15-17] And it happened just as the Lord had said. In the evening, his wife died, and Ezekiel did just as the Lord had said.

Ezekiel is not the first told not to mourn over the death of a loved one. Moses told Aaron he was not to grieve over the loss of his two sons, Nadab and Abihu. Unlike Mrs. Ezekiel, these two sons had committed a flagrant sin, but Mrs. Ezekiel was the desire of Ezekiel’s eyes. Ezekiel prepared the people, and that evening Mrs. E. died much like Enoch; he was, and God took him away. We don’t know why God took her, but we do know that Ezekiel obeyed God. In the evening, Mrs. E. left earth to sit at the feet of Yahweh. Perhaps, God lovingly took her home so that she would not see the tragedy soon to unfold. God knows our hearts.

Ezekiel obeyed and did not mourn. Ezekiel trusted God’s purpose even as he experienced this tragedy. How about us? Do we trust God enough to be obedient even when we don’t understand the reasons behind His request?

September 9, 2022August 20, 2022

It’s your choice

Ezekiel 19-21 God unlocked Ezekiel’s tongue to speak to the exiles in Babylon who wanted answers; they wanted to “go home.” Instead, Ezekiel was to paint two pictures for them, one of lions and the other of vines, to help them understand why they were where they were. The lions pictured the foolish boy kings like Solomon’s son, who rejected the wise advice of the older generation. The vines represented the city of Jerusalem, which was fruitful at one time, but because of the people’s disregard for God and His Law, the city is no longer.

The exiles ignored Ezekiel’s words and wallowed in their hopelessness. They came seeking good news. Instead, Ezekiel reminded them that this was God’s plan to reignite their love for Him. Ezekiel told them, you can dwell on what could have been, or you can do as Jeremiah said, build houses, have families, and honor the new leader. [Jer 29:5] It’s your choice.

Today we also have a choice. We can rehearse the past or look to God’s work now and look forward to what He will do in the future. Paul penned these words about how to think: think about what is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, and your perspective will change. [Phil 4:8] It is up to us. What will we focus on?

September 8, 2022August 19, 2022

God’s Parables

Ezekiel 15 to 18 “Parables Teach Principles”

God had Ezekiel tell parables to the exiles, yet just as in Jesus’ time, the truths were hidden to those whose perceptions were dull. Jesus said: they will hear but not perceive the truth. However, when a heart is open, they will glean a truth for life. [Matt 13:15]

Ezekiel was to tell four parables to the elders in exile. Parable: #1 In the branch parable, we see a branch full of life thrown into the fire. Life without God is like the fires of hell. #2 In the unfaithful bride parable, we see a rags to riches story. God takes us from the gutter and bestows his blessings, yet the world’s lure is always at the doorstep of our heart. Be on guard! #3 In the parable about the eagle, we see that God raised Nebuchadnezzar, who deported the people to Babylon, leaving a vassal king who swore to honor the king in charge. Do not forget your vow as the impatient vassal did. Eccl 5:4 “When you make a vow, do not delay in paying it.” #4 In the parable of the two sons, we see a family whose lives mirrored the NT story. Two sons, two hearts. One is restless but disrespectful. One is faithful but ungrateful. Which son are you?

God had blessed Israel, but she was unfaithful. Yet, like the prodigal’s father, God was always waiting to restore the relationship because He is a covenant keeper, and unlike us, His covenant is everlasting. [Ezek 16:60]

Looking at these parables, is there one that is convicting your heart?

September 7, 2022August 18, 2022

“How’s that working for you?”

Ezekiel 12-14 God had Ezekiel pantomime the end of Jerusalem to the captive elders in Babylon. Instead of watching and learning, the hardhearted exiles asked: “What are you doing?” God chose Ezekiel as an object lesson for them about their king, Jerusalem, and their Temple. The elders didn’t want to hear any of this, so they blocked their eyes, ears, and heart. Instead of listening, they charged him with lying because they only wanted to have their ears tickled. They talked amongst themselves; who should we believe? Did not the prophet Hananiah say this would be over in two years? [Jer 28:3] Ezekiel reminded them that Hananiah lied and died. How are his words working for you now?

How does this relate to us today? God sent Jesus as his object lesson with parables, miracles, and sermonettes with one choice: Jesus is the Way, The Truth, and the Life, and no one comes to God except by Him. [Jn 14:6] Yet, People refuse the life-giving message of salvation with many excuses. God made it clear: we are all sinners; none is righteous, no, not one. [Rom 3:10]

God sent His Son because He doesn’t tickle our ears with false prophecy. There is a judgment coming. Have you chosen Him as Savior, Lord, King, Priest, and Prophet?

September 6, 2022August 19, 2022

“El Roi – the Almighty Sees!”

Ezekiel 8 to 11 Have you ever wondered if God sees all that is happening in this world? The prophet Ezekiel was far from Jerusalem but still held “Bible Studies” in his new home along the banks of the Chebar Canal in Babylon. One day he experienced another vivid vision of a glorious figure lifting him up and taking him to Jerusalem’s Temple. He saw his religious leaders worshiping idols. God had explicitly said; you shall not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything I have created. [Ex 20:4] But, when men want to do Christianity ‘their’ way, God will give them over to a depraved mind to do that which is not proper. Just as Paul wrote, these religious leaders knew “about” God but did “know” God. Professing to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the immortal glory of God for an image resembling His creation. [Rom 1:25]

These religious leaders were driving God far from His sanctuary and, worse, were leading others to follow them. They thought and even said: “The Lord does not see me.” [Ezek 8:12] What a difference from Hagar’s words. She called God “El-Roi,” the God who sees me! [Gen 16:13]

Yet, as Ezekiel listened in and saw all of this depravity, he also saw God’s grace. As in Revelation, the righteous were sealed with a mark on their forehead, lest the executioner mistakes them. Yes, God does see! Yes, God knows who are His.

God sees all those who are His and those who are not. What does He see when He looks at you?

September 5, 2022August 16, 2022

“Street Theater News”

Ezekiel 4-6 God had used the Babylonians to discipline His errant children because of their sin by taking them to the barren wasteland of Babylon. They longed to return to their homeland and echoed the psalmist when he said: “I am a resident foreigner in this land.” [Ps 119:19] They desperately longed to know what lay ahead as they awoke daily as resident captives under Nebuchadnezzar, who had captured their king and destroyed their beloved city and beautiful Temple.

Here, they had no newspapers or town criers and the days passed without answers. Finally, out of desperation, they came to Ezekiel to ask: Why are we here? What is happening in Jerusalem? When will we go home? Because their ears were dull and their hearts hard, God had Ezekiel pantomime the Jerusalem news for 430 days! The message was clear: the price of sin is heavy, yet, God’s love for them was far greater. He had not forgotten them. The message was clear: idols will fail you—but His words fell on deaf ears, yet Ezekiel’s pantomime caught their attention: God loved you yesterday and will love you tomorrow; return to God.

The question remains: Have you heard God’s message repeatedly but refused to repent? God is patiently waiting for you to watch, listen and return. Where are you today in heeding the message?

September 5, 2022September 5, 2022

God Calls, God Anoints, God Commissions

Ezekiel 1-3 Ezekiel was part of the 2nd deportation of Judah to Babylon. He was taken along with 10,000 others and replanted there. He was about 25 yrs old when that took place, and on his birthday, he should have been commissioned to be a priest. But, with no temple, it has not happened. Yet, how gracious God was to call him to Himself by a river. There, Ezekiel was given a front-row seat to the glory of God. After that, God anointed Ezekiel to be his prophet to the rebellious house of Judah. He gave him a scroll and said eat. Go to people and speak face to face. Thus Ezekiel was commissioned and would be faithful for many years.

Where did God give me a front-row seat to see His glory? In a thunderstorm! 🙂 God gave me His completed word and says essentially the same: eat it and hide it in my heart. 🙂 Thirdly, he wasn’t sent to people of unfamiliar language but to people who spoke his language. 🙂 Some would listen and heed, and others would remain hardened and bitter. God says, no matter what, you go and do not be afraid. God has called me, He has anointed me, He has commissioned me, and He has done the same for you. Where am I/are you working in His vineyard?

September 3, 2022September 3, 2022

God is faithful …even if we are not!

Lamentations 1 to 5 “There is hope”

In Israel, long ago, God raised a prophet to tell God’s saving message, but the people turned away. For over 45 yrs. Jeremiah faithfully reminded the people of their sins and consequences, in sharp contrast to the false prophets who failed to expose their sins.[Lam 2:14]

And so, just as Jeremiah prophesied, the nation was physically and spiritually destroyed. God’s discipline was harsh and long, and it broke Jeremiah’s heart. As Jeremiah wept, we should also.

Today we hear much the same. Don’t tell us the truth of our wickedness! We can decide who lives or dies. We can change our gender. Those are lies from the enemy, and he has been busy since day one saying, “you can be gods.” Many today are hearing but rejecting the gospel message just like in Jeremiah’s day. We should weep for them. We should weep if we have failed to share the truth. [Ezek 3:18] Jeremiah poured out his pain in his prayers. Do we also cry for those who have heard but rejected and also those who have yet to hear?

Amidst this calamity, Jeremiah recalled: “The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases; his compassions never end. They are fresh every morning; your faithfulness is abundant!” [Lam 3:22] There is hope! Paul also reiterated this truth: “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself.” [2Tim 2:13]

September 2, 2022September 2, 2022

Hope…a necessary element

Jeremiah 50-52 And So Jeremiah brings his book to a close…but…

While listening to the lecture on Titus, the teacher made this observation: without hope, people are lost. Is that why God gave Jeremiah those words? “It is he who made the earth by his power, who established the world by his wisdom and by his understanding stretched out the heavens. When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, and he brings forth the wind from his storehouses.[Jer 51:15,16]

In challenging times we all need this view of God so we do not lose hope. God’s plans are higher than ours, so said Isaiah in Is 55:8-9.

Do I keep the vision of God before me so I do not lose hope?

September 1, 2022September 1, 2022

Whom do you fear?

Jer 47-49 God gives Jeremiah His words regarding the nations around Judah who worship idols, and the message has bad omens. You will be defeated! God tells Jeremiah this about Moab: “you trust in the things you do and in your riches.” and “Your god Chemosh will go into exile along with his priests and his officials,. Your god Chemosh will go into exile along with his priests and his officials. “[Jer 48:7]

God singles out Moab because of their child sacrifice practices to the idol Chemosh. Today we have the same sin in our nation with the sin of abortion. It grieves the heart of God, and my own heart is grieved.
Solomon wrote that we must fear God, not man, yet men refuse to do that. The most significant and alarming sin is that of pride. “Fearing the Lord is the beginning of discernment, but fools have despised wisdom and moral instruction.” [Prov 1:7]

May I not be found as a fool but as wise.