In the WordSample

Week 21, Day 1 Read Ezekiel 1 and 33 Exile and Return “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Newton’s Third Law of Physics is the scientific version of a Biblical principle: You reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7). Actions have consequences. If you throw a ball to the ground, it will bounce back up with the same force. If you plant a tomato seed, you will harvest tomatoes. This concept applies to all parts of life—not just physics and farming. If you act friendly, you will make friends. If you slack off at work, you won’t be promoted. If you slander others, you can expect them to do the same to you. Often, the consequences of our actions are immediate—when you throw a ball, it bounces back instantly. But the judgment of God is more like planting the tomato seed—you can’t harvest a tomato the next day. It takes time. The Israelites have done “evil in the eyes of the Lord.” And this sinfulness goes on without consequences for hundreds of years—250 years for the northern kingdom, and 400 for the southern kingdom. After such a long time, the Israelites might think God is just letting their behavior slide. But just because judgment doesn’t come right away doesn’t mean the Israelites will get away with sin. Remember: God is patient. When His judgment finally comes—exile and captivity in foreign lands—it’s a tough pill to swallow. Yet God is still faithful and loving, never forsaking the people He has chosen. Prophets like Ezekiel and Daniel are sent to encourage faithfulness. And later, when the time is right, God uses Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and others to protect the people, lead them back to the Promised Land, and restore the temple in Jerusalem. Yes, actions have consequences. God will not be mocked. But He is able to restore penitent hearts. Scripture Coverage: Ezekiel; Daniel; Ezra; Nehemiah; Esther Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 1:1-3, 33, 34:1-10, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Book Genre: Prophetical and Historical Main Theme: Israel is exiled for 70 years then led back to rebuild Jerusalem Main Events: Exile; Return of the Exiled; The temple rebuilt. Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall; Esther Main Characters: Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Think about: What do you learn about Ezekiel the man? About his setting? When is this taking place? (Ezekiel 1:1-3) What does God compare Ezekiel to? What is the purpose of this position? (Ezekiel 33) How should you be like Ezekiel concerning people in your life?