Three & One

God continues to give, through a vision, through a prophecy, the particulars of a new city and a new Temple, in Jerusalem, after the captivity. This time focussing in on who will be serving in that temple. And, Peter exhorts us to be steadfast in the midst of scoffers.

In a vision, Ezekiel is transported into the future, after the captivity when there will be a new Temple and a new city. And oddly, for all three chapters today, all Ezekiel does is watch a man measure. And, Peter speaks of the doom and depravity of false teachers.

God breathes life into an otherwise hopeless situation through His Word and by His Spirit, defeating a conglomeration of Gentile nations bent on the destruction of the Jewish people. And, Peter begins his second epistle.

God is upset with those shepherds who fleece the flock and only feed themselves. The New Covenant is prophesied in beautiful poetic form. And, Peter finishes his first epistle by encouraging elders to willingly shepherd well the flock of God.

Ezekiel continues to announce that judgement is coming for the surrounding Gentile nations, Pharaoh and Egypt this time, fulfilling his role as a watchman, dispensing his duty and delivering his soul. And, Peter encourages us to persevere faithfully through suffering.

God continues to speak to the surrounding nations, speaking to the power behind their power, speaking specifically against the king of Tyre. And, the Apostle Peter speaks of submission and suffering in serving God.

God judges the Gentile nations surrounding Judah. The Jews sinned against God's law, but the Gentiles sinned against God's people. Tyre is talked about, specifically it's future defeat and utter annihilation. And, Peter teaches how to be courageously obedient.

God repeats the multitude of reasons why He is allowing Judah to be taken captive by the Chaldeans, instructing Ezekiel to write an allegory about an adulterous and promiscuous spouse to help them understand His pain. And, we begin the book of 1 Peter.

God says basically here is a historical summary of why I will not allow you to inquire of Me. It is a matter of purity, which will be restored eventually. But first, there is the remainder of the prophesy. And, James teaches us how to wait patiently.

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.