Old Testament reading: Ezekiel 1-3
Ezekiel was a priest who was among those carried away by Nebuchadnezzar’s in 597 B.C. He was a contemporary of Daniel (compare Ezekiel 1:1 and Daniel 1:1). His prophecy begins with an otherworldly vision which still confounds even the most seasoned Bible scholars. Ezekiel makes no attempt to explain the vision’s imagery. It appears to be given for the sole purpose of pointing to God as the voice and authority behind the vision. God also addresses Ezekiel as “Son of man” 93 times in this book. Christ also used this name for Himself some 86 times during His earthly ministry. As a preacher and prophet, Ezekiel starts off “behind the eight ball” as the Lord warns him that Israel will not receive his message, “for they are a rebellious house” (2:4). Nevertheless, God warns Ezekiel to be courageous and obedient (2:6-8). God told Ezekiel that had He sent him to foreigners, they would have received his message (3:4-5), but Israel’s face would be harder than flint against him (3:9). What a sad commentary on God’s people! However, Ezekiel is assured that his standing before God is not determined by the response of his audience, but rather in his faithfulness in proclaiming God’s message (3:17-19). The key phrase in the book is “then you shall know that I am the Lord.”
New Testament reading: John 10-11
“Little is much when God is in it.” Today’s reading contains John 11:35, most folks’ favorite memory verse — “Jesus wept.” However, many fail to grasp the richness of this simple little phrase. Oh how much this text instructs us concerning the humanity of the Son of God! When Jesus wept, it showed us His true humanity. God is spoken of as being angry, jealous, and even laughing (Ps 2:4), but never as weeping. Weeping is a part of the human condition. When Jesus wept, He identified with His friends. He was weeping with those who weep (cf Rom 12:15). Though He was Divine, such did not obscure His humanity. When Jesus wept, He identified with me. “Big boys don’t cry” was what I heard throughout my childhood. I’m so glad Jesus didn’t buy into that foolishess. Surely He is a high priest who is moved by the feelings of our infirmities (Heb 4:15). He is a Savior who is full of compassion (Matt 9:35), and Oh I love Him so!
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