A New Proverb for Israel

Introduction

Welcome to “The Edge Worship Centre” Bible Scripture Reading. The doors of TEWC are open to all spreading God’s Living Word beyond the Church doors.

God’s Living Word – Ezekiel 12:21-28, NLT

A New Proverb for Israel

21 Again a message came to me from the Lord: 22 “Son of man, you’ve heard that proverb they quote in Israel: ‘Time passes, and prophecies come to nothing.’ 23 Tell the people, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will put an end to this proverb, and you will soon stop quoting it.’ Now give them this new proverb to replace the old one: ‘The time has come for every prophecy to be fulfilled!’

24 “There will be no more false visions and flattering predictions in Israel. 25 For I am the Lord! If I say it, it will happen. There will be no more delays, you rebels of Israel. I will fulfill my threat of destruction in your own lifetime. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!”

26 Then this message came to me from the Lord: 27 “Son of man, the people of Israel are saying, ‘He’s talking about the distant future. His visions won’t come true for a long, long time.’ 28 Therefore, tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: No more delay! I will now do everything I have threatened. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!’”

Commentary

Ezekiel was a prophet and priest of God during Israel’s captivity in Babylon. Described by God as a watchman on a wall, Ezekiel exhorted or admonished God’s stubborn people, warning them of Jerusalem’s impending destruction and reminding the exilesthat God expected their obedience and worship.

Leadership – Communicating Vision

Even a God-ordained vision can lose its power unless it is supported by action that moves it toward fulfillment. When communicating a vision, the wise leader will include the action steps required to turn visions into realities. (Notes from The Leadership Bible, NIV © 1998)

May the reading of God’s Living Word touch your heart in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen