Today's reading: Ezekiel 45-48
The circumference of the city shall be eighteen thousand cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord is There. Ezekiel 48: 35 NRSV
Where is God?
In heaven?
In your heart?
In every creature on earth?
In the planet?
Everywhere?
For the Hebrew people, God was in the Holy of Holies in Jerusalem. When the city and temple were destroyed, God's presence was taken away from them, even as the people were sent into exile.
But God wanted to bring them back and rebuild. God wasn't just concerned about the circumference. God wanted to re-establish a relationship with God's people. So God declares that from the time of its reconstruction, the whole city will be called "The Lord is There."
How is your relationship with God right now? Do you think it could be closer? What would it take for your relationship with God to be so strong that you can say without a doubt, "God is here!"?
God, we all could strengthen our relationship with you. Reveal to us what it would take for that to happen and may we all be drawn closer to you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Showing posts with label Ezekiel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ezekiel. Show all posts
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Following the Plan
Today's reading: Ezekiel 41-44
When they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the plan of the temple, its arrangement, its exits and its entrances and its whole form -- all its ordinances and its entire plan and all its laws; and write it down in their sight, so that they may observe and follow the entire plan and all its ordinances. Ezekiel 43: 11 NRSV
What kind of plans have you made for today? Do you think you will need to change them in any way?
If it is at the end of the day, did any of your plans work out the way you wanted them to?
What do you think God's plan for you life is?
God wanted the exiles to know that there was plan for not only returning them to Jerusalem but also for rebuilding the temple. However, God knew that they would not be ready to hear and follow the plans until they acknowledged their mistakes and felt the need for forgiveness. Otherwise, there was little chance that they would follow through with God's plans.
If God revealed God's plans for your life today, would you be ready to listen to them? Are you prepared to follow them? Perhaps, like me, you need a bit of confession and restitution before following through.
God, forgive us for our mistakes and sins against you and others. May we receive your forgiveness and mercy in a humble spirit. May we then be ready to receive your plans for our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
When they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the plan of the temple, its arrangement, its exits and its entrances and its whole form -- all its ordinances and its entire plan and all its laws; and write it down in their sight, so that they may observe and follow the entire plan and all its ordinances. Ezekiel 43: 11 NRSV
What kind of plans have you made for today? Do you think you will need to change them in any way?
If it is at the end of the day, did any of your plans work out the way you wanted them to?
What do you think God's plan for you life is?
God wanted the exiles to know that there was plan for not only returning them to Jerusalem but also for rebuilding the temple. However, God knew that they would not be ready to hear and follow the plans until they acknowledged their mistakes and felt the need for forgiveness. Otherwise, there was little chance that they would follow through with God's plans.
If God revealed God's plans for your life today, would you be ready to listen to them? Are you prepared to follow them? Perhaps, like me, you need a bit of confession and restitution before following through.
God, forgive us for our mistakes and sins against you and others. May we receive your forgiveness and mercy in a humble spirit. May we then be ready to receive your plans for our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
They were very dry.
Today's reading: Ezekiel 37-40
He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. Ezekiel 37: 2 NRSV
Those dry bones in that valley.
Sounds hopeless doesn't it?
When in your life has God sent you to a place of dry bones? What was your first reaction? How did you feel? Were those around you sympathetic?
Did God give you any hope at all in that situation?
Were you able to trust in God's resurrection power?
Ezekiel leaves the situation up to God. He knows that his strength is in prophesying, not resurrection. He waits, trusts, watches, and listens to instructions.
Next time you find yourself in a valley of dry bones, please remember to wait, trust, watch and listen to God's instructions.
God, you are the God of resurrection power. We give you the praise and the glory! Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. Ezekiel 37: 2 NRSV
Those dry bones in that valley.
Sounds hopeless doesn't it?
When in your life has God sent you to a place of dry bones? What was your first reaction? How did you feel? Were those around you sympathetic?
Did God give you any hope at all in that situation?
Were you able to trust in God's resurrection power?
Ezekiel leaves the situation up to God. He knows that his strength is in prophesying, not resurrection. He waits, trusts, watches, and listens to instructions.
Next time you find yourself in a valley of dry bones, please remember to wait, trust, watch and listen to God's instructions.
God, you are the God of resurrection power. We give you the praise and the glory! Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
They would have saved their lives.
Today's reading: Ezekiel 33-36
They heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; their blood shall be upon themselves. But if they had taken warning, they would have saved their lives. Ezekiel 33: 5 NRSV
How many times has the weather alarm gone off in the middle of the night and you listened to the report, then went right back to sleep without going to a safe place in your home? I must say I have done this on many occasion. Perhaps the bad storm was a bit more South or to the North of us. Or I was tired. Or even slept right through the alert!
I was warned, but didn't listen.
Ezekiel is the sentinel, the nightwatchman, the weather system alarm. No one is listening.
God says that is fine. God has given plenty of warning. They were supposed to leave but they didn't. They didn't listen to what God was telling them. God was providing a way out, a way to turn a bad situation around. God wanted them to save their lives, to get to the shelter, to take precautions.
But they didn't listen.
Are you?
God, you give us warnings from time to time. We sense nudges or have insights. Forgive us when we stop listening to your promptings. Help us to follow you when you are trying to save us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
They heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; their blood shall be upon themselves. But if they had taken warning, they would have saved their lives. Ezekiel 33: 5 NRSV
How many times has the weather alarm gone off in the middle of the night and you listened to the report, then went right back to sleep without going to a safe place in your home? I must say I have done this on many occasion. Perhaps the bad storm was a bit more South or to the North of us. Or I was tired. Or even slept right through the alert!
I was warned, but didn't listen.
Ezekiel is the sentinel, the nightwatchman, the weather system alarm. No one is listening.
God says that is fine. God has given plenty of warning. They were supposed to leave but they didn't. They didn't listen to what God was telling them. God was providing a way out, a way to turn a bad situation around. God wanted them to save their lives, to get to the shelter, to take precautions.
But they didn't listen.
Are you?
God, you give us warnings from time to time. We sense nudges or have insights. Forgive us when we stop listening to your promptings. Help us to follow you when you are trying to save us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Monday, August 9, 2010
It is Mine!
Today's Reading: 29-32
...and the land of Egypt shall be a desolation and a waste. Then they shall know that I am the Lord. Because you said, "The Nile is mine, and I made it...." Ezekiel 29: 9 NRSV
Boy, does this sound like a toddler or what?
"The Nile is mind and I made it!" says Pharaoh.
What boasting, what gall, what incredible self-centeredness!
Pharaoh should have realized two things:
1) The Nile is not really his but belongs to God.
2) Pharaoh is not the creator of the Nile. God is.
In this day and age of ownership and copyright, science and full disclosure, we tend to think in these terms. This is my house, I bought it. This is my car, I restored it. This is my child, I gave her birth. I own it. I made it. It is mine.
God wants us to see the world around us from a different perspective: God is the rightful owner (no matter who holds the deed) and the true creator (makes no difference if you take the first two chapters of the bible literally or not).
God says, "No, it is actually all mine. But I give it to you for your use and enjoyment. Take care of it and I will take care of you!"
Thank you, God! Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
...and the land of Egypt shall be a desolation and a waste. Then they shall know that I am the Lord. Because you said, "The Nile is mine, and I made it...." Ezekiel 29: 9 NRSV
Boy, does this sound like a toddler or what?
"The Nile is mind and I made it!" says Pharaoh.
What boasting, what gall, what incredible self-centeredness!
Pharaoh should have realized two things:
1) The Nile is not really his but belongs to God.
2) Pharaoh is not the creator of the Nile. God is.
In this day and age of ownership and copyright, science and full disclosure, we tend to think in these terms. This is my house, I bought it. This is my car, I restored it. This is my child, I gave her birth. I own it. I made it. It is mine.
God wants us to see the world around us from a different perspective: God is the rightful owner (no matter who holds the deed) and the true creator (makes no difference if you take the first two chapters of the bible literally or not).
God says, "No, it is actually all mine. But I give it to you for your use and enjoyment. Take care of it and I will take care of you!"
Thank you, God! Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Rejoicing with Malice?
Today's reading: Ezekiel 25- 28
For thus says the Lord God: Because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet and rejoiced with all the malice within you against the land of Israel.... Ezekiel 25: 6 NRSV
I have tried hard to teach our son to lose well and win will in playing games. Just last night we played Sorry! together. He got mad because I won and he never wins at that game. I don't think there is any special skill involved with this game, rather it is the luck of the cards you draw. But the point is I want him to lose and win gracefully. When he won at another game last week, he was overly victorious and gleeful.
I am not sure I know how to teach him except for setting an example and talking with him about his actions when he doesn't win...and when he does. I have let him know that the losers always get their feelings hurt at a time when they are already feeling defeated.
The Ammonites have not been gracious as Israel and Judah have fallen. In fact, they have been like small children, clapping their hands and laughing that God's people have lost. Their glee has been noticed by God. Now Ezekiel is prophesying against them.
Have you ever rejoiced over anyone else's hardship? Maybe an ex-spouse or co-worker. A former friend or neighbor. Or maybe someone half a world a way that you have never met but you, in your heart of hearts, are actually happy over their misfortune.
God, we want to be honest with you. We do rejoice over the misfortunes of others from time to time.
We just can't seem to help ourselves. But you take notice and you gently remind us like a parent that we must be gracious and merciful just like you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
For thus says the Lord God: Because you have clapped your hands and stamped your feet and rejoiced with all the malice within you against the land of Israel.... Ezekiel 25: 6 NRSV
I have tried hard to teach our son to lose well and win will in playing games. Just last night we played Sorry! together. He got mad because I won and he never wins at that game. I don't think there is any special skill involved with this game, rather it is the luck of the cards you draw. But the point is I want him to lose and win gracefully. When he won at another game last week, he was overly victorious and gleeful.
I am not sure I know how to teach him except for setting an example and talking with him about his actions when he doesn't win...and when he does. I have let him know that the losers always get their feelings hurt at a time when they are already feeling defeated.
The Ammonites have not been gracious as Israel and Judah have fallen. In fact, they have been like small children, clapping their hands and laughing that God's people have lost. Their glee has been noticed by God. Now Ezekiel is prophesying against them.
Have you ever rejoiced over anyone else's hardship? Maybe an ex-spouse or co-worker. A former friend or neighbor. Or maybe someone half a world a way that you have never met but you, in your heart of hearts, are actually happy over their misfortune.
God, we want to be honest with you. We do rejoice over the misfortunes of others from time to time.
We just can't seem to help ourselves. But you take notice and you gently remind us like a parent that we must be gracious and merciful just like you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Greed
Today's reading: Ezekiel 21-24
In you, they take bribes to shed blood; you take both advance interest and accrued interest, and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; and you have forgotten me, says the Lord God. Ezekiel 22: 12 NRSV
I guess I think of accrued interest and loan sharks as modern inventions. But we find in Ezekiel that this sort of behavior was rampant in his day. And God was angry about it. God does not want God's people to take advantage of one another because then folks become slaves which is what God saved them from in the first place. God says if you do these things -- make money by extortion -- you have forgotten God. You certainly have not loved your neighbor as yourself!
God is the God who offers freedom. When we become greedy, especially at the expense of other human beings, we forget what God has offered to all of us. Greed becomes our ultimate motivator while money becomes our goal. In greed, we lose sight of the humanity of our neighbors. Instead, each person becomes a pawn or means of gaining wealth.
In order to remember God, we need to recognize other people as loved by God and as, well, people. We need to remember that God wants us to be instruments of justice and mercy, not makers of money. In remembering God, we are full of love rather than greed.
God, help us not to be greedy, to love others and to remember you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
In you, they take bribes to shed blood; you take both advance interest and accrued interest, and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; and you have forgotten me, says the Lord God. Ezekiel 22: 12 NRSV
I guess I think of accrued interest and loan sharks as modern inventions. But we find in Ezekiel that this sort of behavior was rampant in his day. And God was angry about it. God does not want God's people to take advantage of one another because then folks become slaves which is what God saved them from in the first place. God says if you do these things -- make money by extortion -- you have forgotten God. You certainly have not loved your neighbor as yourself!
God is the God who offers freedom. When we become greedy, especially at the expense of other human beings, we forget what God has offered to all of us. Greed becomes our ultimate motivator while money becomes our goal. In greed, we lose sight of the humanity of our neighbors. Instead, each person becomes a pawn or means of gaining wealth.
In order to remember God, we need to recognize other people as loved by God and as, well, people. We need to remember that God wants us to be instruments of justice and mercy, not makers of money. In remembering God, we are full of love rather than greed.
God, help us not to be greedy, to love others and to remember you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Friday, August 6, 2010
You Shall Surely Live
Today's reading: Ezekiel 17-20
But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. Ezekiel 18:21 NRSV
It is interesting that the most popular musical these days is entitled "Wicked." Now I admit I have not seen it but I have heard the music. Nor have I read the book it is from. However, I find it ironic and a bit concerning that a musical with the name of "badness" is that popular.
In Ezekiel, God is promising retribution on those who have been wicked, but only on their own behalf. So, if they repent and return to God, God will forgive and have mercy on them. They will then live and not die.
I want to live. Don't you?
What sins have you committed? I am thinking of all mine right now. And I do have several!
Are we doing what is right? What is lawful? I mean, are we loving God with all that we are and loving our neighbors as ourselves?
Hmmm....maybe. Maybe not.
God, forgive us for all our sins. We list those that come to mind right here and now: ________________________________________________________________________________.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. Ezekiel 18:21 NRSV
It is interesting that the most popular musical these days is entitled "Wicked." Now I admit I have not seen it but I have heard the music. Nor have I read the book it is from. However, I find it ironic and a bit concerning that a musical with the name of "badness" is that popular.
In Ezekiel, God is promising retribution on those who have been wicked, but only on their own behalf. So, if they repent and return to God, God will forgive and have mercy on them. They will then live and not die.
I want to live. Don't you?
What sins have you committed? I am thinking of all mine right now. And I do have several!
Are we doing what is right? What is lawful? I mean, are we loving God with all that we are and loving our neighbors as ourselves?
Hmmm....maybe. Maybe not.
God, forgive us for all our sins. We list those that come to mind right here and now: ________________________________________________________________________________.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Prophecy or Imagination?
Today's reading: Ezekiel 13-16
As for you, mortal, set you face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own imagination; prophesy against them. Ezekiel 13:17 NRSV
Interesting that God is not against women who prophesy; God is against women who prophesy out of the their own imaginations. In other words, it is not gender that God is against. God is upset when people make up things that God has not spoken to them or inspired them to say.
Of course, this follows God's discourse on the men who are doing similar things. The men who prophesy are also making things up and claiming: "Thus says the Lord!" God is against all those who speak falsely on God's behalf.
Whether we are men or women, you and I need to be careful that we aren't speaking on God's behalf. Just because we heard it on talk radio, feel strongly convinced or even had it from a good source (such as our pastor), does not mean that God said it. It is when we are full of the Holy Spirit or God calls us specifically to speak a word that we can claim it is from God. We need to carefully listen to our own hearts and test what we are thinking before saying it is from God.
God, thank you for Christian communities where we can share the messages and opinion on our hearts and minds. Thank you that together we can discern what is your will and your words before opening our mouths on your behalf. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
As for you, mortal, set you face against the daughters of your people, who prophesy out of their own imagination; prophesy against them. Ezekiel 13:17 NRSV
Interesting that God is not against women who prophesy; God is against women who prophesy out of the their own imaginations. In other words, it is not gender that God is against. God is upset when people make up things that God has not spoken to them or inspired them to say.
Of course, this follows God's discourse on the men who are doing similar things. The men who prophesy are also making things up and claiming: "Thus says the Lord!" God is against all those who speak falsely on God's behalf.
Whether we are men or women, you and I need to be careful that we aren't speaking on God's behalf. Just because we heard it on talk radio, feel strongly convinced or even had it from a good source (such as our pastor), does not mean that God said it. It is when we are full of the Holy Spirit or God calls us specifically to speak a word that we can claim it is from God. We need to carefully listen to our own hearts and test what we are thinking before saying it is from God.
God, thank you for Christian communities where we can share the messages and opinion on our hearts and minds. Thank you that together we can discern what is your will and your words before opening our mouths on your behalf. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Life is Tough
Today's reading: Ezekiel 9-12
Mortal, you are living in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, who have ears to hear but do not hear.... Ezekiel 12:2 NRSV
Mortal: finite, human, will face death
Living in the midst of a rebellious house: Why? Can't I get out of this house? Where would I go? Can I not improve the morals of those around me? How can I stay true and obedient in the midst of all this rebelliousness?
Eyes to see, ears to hear: Everyone around me is perfectly capable of obedience. They all have the resources, senses and body parts to be the people God created them to be. Yet, they can't seem to use what they have been given. Why is that?
I am in the humble state of not being immortal.
There is only so much I can do.
I am among others who are not obedient to God.
Others in my own home have what they need to be close to and belong fully to God.
Those closest to me are not using what they have been given.
Life is tough when I must live in these circumstances.
God, help us stay on course even when we are surrounded by those who have eyes to see and ears to hear but are using neither. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Mortal, you are living in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, who have ears to hear but do not hear.... Ezekiel 12:2 NRSV
Mortal: finite, human, will face death
Living in the midst of a rebellious house: Why? Can't I get out of this house? Where would I go? Can I not improve the morals of those around me? How can I stay true and obedient in the midst of all this rebelliousness?
Eyes to see, ears to hear: Everyone around me is perfectly capable of obedience. They all have the resources, senses and body parts to be the people God created them to be. Yet, they can't seem to use what they have been given. Why is that?
I am in the humble state of not being immortal.
There is only so much I can do.
I am among others who are not obedient to God.
Others in my own home have what they need to be close to and belong fully to God.
Those closest to me are not using what they have been given.
Life is tough when I must live in these circumstances.
God, help us stay on course even when we are surrounded by those who have eyes to see and ears to hear but are using neither. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
According to My Ways
Today's reading: Ezekiel 5-8
Now the end is upon you, I will let loose my anger upon you; I will judge you according to your ways, I will punish you for all your abominations. Ezekiel 7: 3 NRSV
This verse reminds me of the part of the Lord's Prayer in which we pray: "Forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us." I think because the Lord is speaking to Ezekiel that the people will be judged according to "their ways." God is not judging them on who they are. Neither are God's punishments given on a whim. It is the actions and behavior of the people that are called into question. If their behavior is right, then God will be right. If their behavior is wrong, God will punish them. We will be forgiven if/how much we forgive others who sin against us. Straighten up, people, and God won't get mad at you!
If God were to judge you according to your ways, how would you fair?
Do you see any improvements that are needed?
Who have you judged lately?
What could you do to work on forgiveness rather than judgment?
God, you ask us to be right with you. But first we need to be right with our neighbors. Help us to live more in forgiveness than judgment. Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Now the end is upon you, I will let loose my anger upon you; I will judge you according to your ways, I will punish you for all your abominations. Ezekiel 7: 3 NRSV
This verse reminds me of the part of the Lord's Prayer in which we pray: "Forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us." I think because the Lord is speaking to Ezekiel that the people will be judged according to "their ways." God is not judging them on who they are. Neither are God's punishments given on a whim. It is the actions and behavior of the people that are called into question. If their behavior is right, then God will be right. If their behavior is wrong, God will punish them. We will be forgiven if/how much we forgive others who sin against us. Straighten up, people, and God won't get mad at you!
If God were to judge you according to your ways, how would you fair?
Do you see any improvements that are needed?
Who have you judged lately?
What could you do to work on forgiveness rather than judgment?
God, you ask us to be right with you. But first we need to be right with our neighbors. Help us to live more in forgiveness than judgment. Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Monday, August 2, 2010
God is a Rainbow
Today's reading: Ezekiel 1-4
Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendor all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. Ezekiel 1: 28 NRSV
I love finding a rainbow in the clouds right after a rainstorm. There is something so hopeful and awe-inspiring in seeing those colors shining in a gray and blue sky. And I always want to share the rainbow sighting with someone else. It is never something I want to keep to myself, even if I am just taking a picture of it.
But I have never thought of God looking like a rainbow. Isn't that a wonderful image? God looking like a rainbow carries the same feelings of seeing a rainbow after a storm: hopefulness, awesomeness and something to be shared. To be truthful, the verse says the appearance of God's glory is like a rainbow, not that God looks like a rainbow. However, even knowing that God's glory is like a rainbow is comforting. In the midst of Ezekiel's rather frightening imagery of heaven in his vision, picturing a rainbow in the clouds brings a level of assurance rather than fear.
God, you bring us hope even while your glory fills us with awe. Help us to have the joy of finding a rainbow in the clouds when we come closer to you in our everyday lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendor all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. Ezekiel 1: 28 NRSV
I love finding a rainbow in the clouds right after a rainstorm. There is something so hopeful and awe-inspiring in seeing those colors shining in a gray and blue sky. And I always want to share the rainbow sighting with someone else. It is never something I want to keep to myself, even if I am just taking a picture of it.
But I have never thought of God looking like a rainbow. Isn't that a wonderful image? God looking like a rainbow carries the same feelings of seeing a rainbow after a storm: hopefulness, awesomeness and something to be shared. To be truthful, the verse says the appearance of God's glory is like a rainbow, not that God looks like a rainbow. However, even knowing that God's glory is like a rainbow is comforting. In the midst of Ezekiel's rather frightening imagery of heaven in his vision, picturing a rainbow in the clouds brings a level of assurance rather than fear.
God, you bring us hope even while your glory fills us with awe. Help us to have the joy of finding a rainbow in the clouds when we come closer to you in our everyday lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
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