Tang Wei Ping
Humble Prayer Warrior
Ezekiel 20:45 ~46
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;
Extended Explanation of the Verse:
This verse is a transition within the chapter and introduces a new section of prophecy from God to Ezekiel. It signals the start of a specific message that God is about to deliver, highlighting the role of Ezekiel as God’s prophet and messenger. Although this verse is brief, it is significant because it sets the stage for the next revelation from God, reminding the audience that Ezekiel’s words are not his own but are directly from the Lord.
Historical Context:
At the time of this prophecy, Judah was in spiritual decline, having turned to idolatry and rejected God’s covenant. The southern kingdom, which included Jerusalem, was on the brink of destruction by Babylon as a consequence of their rebellion. Ezekiel’s prophecy served as a warning to the people of Judah about the judgment that was coming upon them. The “forest” imagery may also reflect the idea of devastation, as forests burned by fire were a common metaphor for destruction in ancient literature.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian:
For Christians, this verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the consequences of turning away from God. It challenges us to reflect on our own faithfulness and heed God’s warnings, knowing that His discipline is meant to lead us back to Him. The verse also encourages believers to remain faithful messengers of God’s truth, even when delivering difficult messages.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God:
Though this verse speaks of judgment, it also reflects God’s love. By instructing Ezekiel to prophesy, God shows His desire to warn His people and give them an opportunity to repent. His justice is an expression of His holiness, and His warnings are an act of mercy, calling His people to return to Him before it is too late.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ:
Jesus also came as a prophet, calling people to repentance and warning of the consequences of rejecting God’s ways (Luke 13:3). Like Ezekiel, Jesus delivered messages that were sometimes difficult to hear, but His ultimate goal was to bring people back into a right relationship with God. Through His sacrifice, Jesus took the judgment we deserved, offering us forgiveness and restoration (Romans 5:8).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
How does this verse challenge us to take sin and its consequences seriously in our own life?
In what ways can we respond to God’s warnings with repentance and obedience?
How does God’s command for Ezekiel to deliver this prophecy demonstrate His mercy, even in judgment?
How does Jesus’ role as a prophet and Savior deepen our understanding of God’s justice and love?
How can we share God’s truth with others, even when it is a difficult message to deliver?
Prayer for Joel 2:1 :
“Blow the horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the residents of the land tremble, for the Day of the Lord is coming; in fact, it is near-”
Praying through Joel 2:1:
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word is true and stands fast forever. Thank You that You told us the end from the beginning and that we know that Christ’s victory on the Cross and the full power of the Resurrection, will be realised in the promised kingdom of heaven on earth, when the earth will be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea. Give us the urgency to tell unsaved Jews and Gentiles alike, the good news that Jesus has paid the price for the sin of the world, through His sacrificial death and glorious Resurrection. Use us to go and proclaim the good news of the gospel of grace to those You put in our path, while there is still time. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.
Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;
Extended Explanation of the Verse:
This verse is a transition within the chapter and introduces a new section of prophecy from God to Ezekiel. It signals the start of a specific message that God is about to deliver, highlighting the role of Ezekiel as God’s prophet and messenger. Although this verse is brief, it is significant because it sets the stage for the next revelation from God, reminding the audience that Ezekiel’s words are not his own but are directly from the Lord.
Historical Context:
At the time of this prophecy, Judah was in spiritual decline, having turned to idolatry and rejected God’s covenant. The southern kingdom, which included Jerusalem, was on the brink of destruction by Babylon as a consequence of their rebellion. Ezekiel’s prophecy served as a warning to the people of Judah about the judgment that was coming upon them. The “forest” imagery may also reflect the idea of devastation, as forests burned by fire were a common metaphor for destruction in ancient literature.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian:
For Christians, this verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the consequences of turning away from God. It challenges us to reflect on our own faithfulness and heed God’s warnings, knowing that His discipline is meant to lead us back to Him. The verse also encourages believers to remain faithful messengers of God’s truth, even when delivering difficult messages.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God:
Though this verse speaks of judgment, it also reflects God’s love. By instructing Ezekiel to prophesy, God shows His desire to warn His people and give them an opportunity to repent. His justice is an expression of His holiness, and His warnings are an act of mercy, calling His people to return to Him before it is too late.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ:
Jesus also came as a prophet, calling people to repentance and warning of the consequences of rejecting God’s ways (Luke 13:3). Like Ezekiel, Jesus delivered messages that were sometimes difficult to hear, but His ultimate goal was to bring people back into a right relationship with God. Through His sacrifice, Jesus took the judgment we deserved, offering us forgiveness and restoration (Romans 5:8).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
How does this verse challenge us to take sin and its consequences seriously in our own life?
In what ways can we respond to God’s warnings with repentance and obedience?
How does God’s command for Ezekiel to deliver this prophecy demonstrate His mercy, even in judgment?
How does Jesus’ role as a prophet and Savior deepen our understanding of God’s justice and love?
How can we share God’s truth with others, even when it is a difficult message to deliver?
Prayer for Joel 2:1 :
“Blow the horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the residents of the land tremble, for the Day of the Lord is coming; in fact, it is near-”
Praying through Joel 2:1:
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your Word is true and stands fast forever. Thank You that You told us the end from the beginning and that we know that Christ’s victory on the Cross and the full power of the Resurrection, will be realised in the promised kingdom of heaven on earth, when the earth will be filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea. Give us the urgency to tell unsaved Jews and Gentiles alike, the good news that Jesus has paid the price for the sin of the world, through His sacrificial death and glorious Resurrection. Use us to go and proclaim the good news of the gospel of grace to those You put in our path, while there is still time. This we ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.