Tuesday, April 7, 2009

EZEKIEL THE PRIEST

The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest (Ezekiel 1:3). The heavens were opened and he saw visions of God (Ezek. 1:1). Ezekiel saw a magnificent vision of creatures with four wings and four faces being moved about upon wheels with eyes on their rims.

He heard the noise of the creatures wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of a host: when they stood, they let down their wings (Ezek. 1:24).

Above the firmament, that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne...and the appearance of a rainbow that was bright. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when he saw it, he fell upon his face and heard a voice of one that spake (see Ezek 1:26-28).

The spirit entered into Ezekiel and said, "I do send thee unto them (the children of Israel); and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God. And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear (refuse) for they ar a rebellious house, yet shall they know that there hath been a prophet among them. Be not afraid of their words nor be dismayed at their looks... (see Ezek. 2:4-6)

Then a hand appeared and gave him a scroll that was written all over it. He read it and was to share its contents with the children of Israel. "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth and give them warning from me" (Ezek. 3:17).

If Ezekiel fails to give warning and the wicked die in their sins, their blood will be on Ezekiel's hands, but if he gives the warning and the wicked refuse the warning and die in their sins, their blood is on their own heads and Ezekiel is absolved of his responsibility.

Also, upon receiving the warning, when the righteous turn from their righteousness and commit sin, their blood is upon their own heads, but if Ezekiel fails to give the righteous warning and they turn to sin, their righteousness shall not be remembered, but their blood will be on Ezekiel's hand.

Nevertheless, if Ezekiel warns the righteous and the righteous does not sin, though they die, because they heed the warning, both they and Ezekiel (the watchman) hath delivered their souls (see Ezek. 3:18-21).

THE RESPONSIBILITY RESTS ON THE MESSANGER AND THE RECIPIENT TO DO THEIR PART!!!

In Matthew 24 when asked, "what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?," Jesus answered and said, "...take heed that no man deceive you. for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Then He goes on to describe the beginning of sorrows [nations rising against nation, famines, earthquakes, pestilences, saints being afflicted because of their faith in Jesus and because they keep the commandments of God (see Revelation 12:17 & 14:12).

As if that isn't enough, Jesus goes on to prophecy that many of the saints shall betray one another and false prophets will rise and deceive many. Sin will also increase and people's love will grow cold, but he that shall endure unto the end, shall be saved."

Here's the point to hand your faith, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt. 24:11-14).

With TV, radio, internet and the faithful, word of mouth, the gospel has been preached in places, some of which we don't even know exist. Our Loving Savior has promised a world of peace to us [not in this sinful world, but in the earth made new (see Rev.21:1 & Isaiah 66:22,23).

Rev. 22:20 "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen"

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