Three & One

God uses the emotions involved in adultery to illustrate how He feels toward the unfaithfulness of His people, laying everything on the line, laying out an offer to turn and live. And, James says that spiritual adultery is just as bad as physical.

The Lord sets His face against the false prophets. The Lord answers the people's prayers according to their unfaithfulness and idolatry, alluding to the uselessness of a vine that has passed its prime. And, James gives us a warning about the untamable tongue.

The four living creatures, the mighty Cherubim, are seen once again. Ezekiel prophesies to the people as he is carried along by the vision of God, even acting out the imminent defeat and destruction. And, James warns us against showing partiality in ministry.

God announces the end for Judah and Jerusalem, ushering Ezekiel into the answer to the question "Why?", exposing Ezekiel to the abominations occurring in and around the temple. And, James, the blood brother of Jesus writes a letter.

We bounce back to before the siege, before the Chaldeans came to take Judah and Jerusalem into captivity. Ezekiel is given interesting illustrations to act out. As God's heart is crushed by the unfaithfulness of His people. And, we learn to be strengthened by grace.

We are introduced to yet another prophet, a man named Ezekiel, who prophesied for God, before, during and after he was carried away captive. An interesting man with an interesting ministry. And, we are to consider Jesus and run the race marked out for us.

Jeremiah continues to lament over the defeat and destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the captivity of the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Real and raw emotion overflow unedited to God. And, we are invited to enter into the hall of faith in Hebrews.

Jeremiah laments over his people, his country, carried away captive, after coveting corrupted their consciences to the point where they did not want to hear from the prophets of God. And, we are given boldness because of His blood.

Looking forward to the prophesied destruction of Babylon. Looking backward to the prophesied captivity of Judah and Jerusalem as the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem is reviewed. And, the earthly sanctuary is compared with the heavenly one.

God pours out His judgement on the proud nations that surround Israel. Judgment on Ammon. Judgment on Edom. Judgement on Elam. Judgement on Babylon. And, our High Priest is proclaimed as the Mediator of the New Covenant.

God's judgement falls upon Egypt and the running remnant is disciplined in the process. Because Moab was not broken before the Lord Moab was broken by the Lord. And, we see how our Savior is able to save to the uttermost.

The remaining remnant runs to Egypt carrying captive the prophet Jeremiah as well, refusing to quit worshipping what they called the Queen of Heaven. Baruch is given a life-giving rebuke. And, we are warned of the perils of not progressing.

Jeremiah is given a choice, to be carried away captive to live in Babylon or to remain with the poorest of the poor in Jerusalem. The remaining remnant isn't exactly repentant. And, once again, the covenants are compared.

Jeremiah is falsely accused, thrown into prison and eventually into a deep dungeon where Jeremiah sunk into the mire. All the while, Jeremiah maintained his integrity as a prophet. And, The Word calls us to come to Jesus and find rest.

King Zedekiah is warned by the Lord. The people flip-flop on their treatment of their servants. Jeremiah is called to reach out to the Rechabites. God's word is written… read destroyed and rewritten. And, The Christ is compared to man, Moses.

The Lord looks past the discipline on into restoration once again longing for that day when the repentant remnant will return, establishing a new covenant with them. And, we see Messiah as 100% man and 100% God.

A false prophet is a fearful place to be. Hananiah finds that out first hand. The Lord sends a letter to those in captivity telling them to settle down and settle in. It's going to be exactly seventy years until you're set free. And, we see Christ is above the prophets and event the angels.

The Lord lists the length of judgement. Seventy years as slaves. God gives a hint, that He may be still willing to relent if His people would be willing to repent. But, unfortunately they only talk of repentance. Paul rights a letter of redemption to friend, Philemon.

The Lord takes the shepherding of His people seriously. So, shepherds who feed and care only for themselves make God really angry, especially, in our reading today a king named Coniah. And, the Apostle Paul concludes his letter to Titus by talking about grace.