Three Roles to Consider

Posted on April 7, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

I want to highlight three roles which are mentioned in the book of Ezekiel.  These roles are: the watchman, the hearers, and the shepherds.

1.  The Watchman (Ezekiel 3, 33).

The prophet or preacher is compared to a watchman.  It is his duty to warn.  Many ancient cities were enclosed by walls.  Watchmen were posted on the walls to look for danger and warn (cf. 2 Samuel 18:24-33; 2 Kings 9:16-20).  The preacher is to hear God’s word and warn of spiritual danger (Ezekiel 3:16-17). 

(1) If a spiritual watchman fails to give warning, the consequences are grave.  (a) The wicked will have no warning.  He will not be saved.  He will die in his inquiry (Ezekiel 3:18).  Think of the song: You Never Mentioned Him to Me by James Rowe.  “You never mentioned Him to me, You helped me not the light to see; You met me day by day and knew I was astray, Yet never mentioned Him to me.”  (b) The righteous may not continue in their righteousness (Ezekiel 3:20-21).  The message preached may motivate one to stay on the right path.  (c) The preacher will be held accountable (Ezekiel 3:18, 20).    (2) If a spiritual watchman is faithful to give warning, the results may be beautiful.  (a) People may be saved (Ezekiel 3:21; 33:5b).  God pleaded with Israel, “Turn, turn from your evil ways!  For why should you die, O house of Israel?”  (Ezekiel 33:11).  (b)  The preacher may save himself, whether or not other listen (Ezekiel 3:19, 21).  Paul exhorted Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine, continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).  He also said of his own work, “Therefore I testify that I am innocent of the blood of all men.  For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:26-27 cf. Ezekiel 3:17-18; 33:8). 

2.  The Hearers (Ezekiel 33).

The hearers also have responsibility.  They are to adjust their lives to God’s word.  God says, “He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself.  But he who takes warning will save his life” (Ezekiel 33:5).Hearing alone is not enough.  God told Ezekiel, “So they come to you as a people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them.  For with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.  Indeed, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.  And when this comes to pass – surely it will come – then they will know that a prophet has been among them” (Ezekiel 33:31-33).

People assemble for all kinds of reasons.  For some, it is for culture or family tradition.  For others, it is for social interaction.  For others, it is entertainment, or controversy – “Let’s see what that crazy preacher says today.”  For some, it is about worshipping God learning His word, and edifying the saints. 

What do we do with the message proclaimed?  (1) Do we test it by scripture? (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).  (2) Do we listen in order to put it into practice (James 1:22; Ezra 7:10). (3) Do we listen so that we can teach others (2 Timothy 2:2; Ezra 7:10).

3.  The Shepherds (Ezekiel 34).

The shepherds of Israel refer to the leaders of Israel (e.g. Prophets, Priests, Kings, Judges).  Israel had a failure in leadership (cf. Isaiah 9:16; 56:9-12; Micah 3:11; Jeremiah 6:13-14; 8:10-11; 23:11; Ezekiel 22:23-31).  Far from protecting and properly leading the people, they were much of the problem. 

Their sins include: (1) They did not care for the flock, but for themselves (Ezekiel 34:1-2).  (2) They did not help the weak or the sick (Ezekiel 34:4).  (3) They did not seek the lost or protect the sheep (Ezekiel 34:5-6, 8). 

Brother Franklin Camp provides these remarks on Ezekiel 34.  (1) Ezekiel 34:2, “These shepherds were abusing the privilege and the authority given to them. No elder has the right to act as though a congregation were his private property.”  (2) Ezekiel 34:3, “Elders have the responsibility of seeing that the congregation is fed the milk and the meat of the word… Many congregations are living on a starvation diet.  They are being fed entertainment and illustration, but not the word of truth.”  (3) Ezekiel 34:4, “Attention needs to be given to the spiritual condition of people.  The weak need help, and many times the weakest in a congregation receive the least attention…  The average congregation has on its roll backsliders and quitters… How often does a person quit the assembly and then it may be months before any effort is made… to bring him back into the fold?… When a Christian begins to slip, is losing interest in Bible study and Sunday night services, it is time to do something.  Delay may be fatal… When elders seek to bring back the lost, in many instances, it is too little and too late.”  (4) Ezekiel 34:4-5,  “Leadership is far more than demanding that a thing be done.”  (5) Ezekiel 34:20, “While the church is a collective unit, it is made up of individuals with all their differences and peculiarities… Elders need to keep this in mind in overseeing the flock… our personalities are different.  Our problems are different… The only way to learn people’s personalities and peculiarities is by association.”  (6) Ezekiel 34:24, “Here is a picture of safety.  A faithful shepherd guards against false teachers…”  (7)  Ezekiel 34:26, “It is the responsibility of the shepherds to lead those under their oversight in ways that cause them to be a blessing.  In the community, Christians are to let their light shine by good works.”  (8) Ezekiel 34:27, “A faithful shepherd leads the flock to be fruitful.  Elders must lead the church in developing the fruit of the spirit… Fine buildings and padded pews can never be a substitute for joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance” (9) Ezekiel 34:29, “Faithful shepherds are interested in leading the flock in spiritual growth and development so the church will be respected in the community.  How tragic for the church to be so worldly, divided, and back-biting that the world has no respect for it!”  (10) Ezekiel 34:30, “One of the great needs in the church is for the Christian to appreciate the value of being a Christian.  A faithful shepherd leads the flock to realize that the greatest privilege of life is being a Christian” (Franklin Camp, Principles and Perils of Leadership, p. 54-61). 

How are we doing?  Let us all do our part.

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Drink Ye All of It and Other Reflections

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

It has been over three years since Covid-19 was first reported in the U.S.A.  January 20, 2020 was the date of the first lab-confirmed case in the United States, according to the CDC (CDC Museum Covid-19 Timeline, cdc.gov).

Here are a few reflections on my observations as a preacher.

  1. It is easy to misuse scripture.  Care is needed.

Someone asked me to preach a lesson on “Drink ye all of it” (Matthew 26:27 KJV).  The person was concerned about germs.  A partially drank from cup could be confused for a non-drank from cup.  It then could be drank from, and germs passed.  I can appreciate the concern for safety.

However, this is a misunderstanding of the passage.  “All” does not refer to the contents of the cup, but to those addressed.  (1) In the Greek, an adjective must agree with the word that it modifies in case, number, and gender.  “All” is nominative, plural, masculine.  “It” is genitive, singular, neuter.  Consider these comments, “It (all-B.H.) does refer back to ‘drink’ because ‘drink’ … is a second person plural verb (the pronoun “ye” or “you” is inherent in the Greek verb B.H.).  In turn ‘drink’ refers back to the disciples when Jesus gave the cup to them” (“Is ‘Drink from it, all of you’ an accurate translation of Matthew 26:27? ,” lavistachurchofchrist.org).  (2) Consider how others translate the passage: “Drink from it, all of you” (NKJV, NASB, NIV).  “Drink of it, all of you” (ESV).

Care is needed. Before we apply a scripture to a situation, we should be careful to make sure that we understand the passage. We are told “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV). Consider some other translations: “handling accurately the word of truth” (NASB); “rightly handling the word of truth” (ESV); “correctly handles the word of truth” (NIV).

2.  It is easy to misunderstand others.  Patience and love are needed.

Someone intentionally avoids getting too close and shaking hands with people with health issues.  There is concern over making the person ill.  However, this can easily be misunderstood as lack of concern.  He is aloof and unfriendly.  He did not shake my hand.

Love is needed.  Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).  We need to be “bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:2-3).

3.  It is easy to forget why we come together.  Focus is needed.

I have heard the stories more than once.  Someone, while making announcements, leading singing, or preaching gives some unsolicited medical advice, or opinion on Covid.  This offends a visitor or member who leaves angry.

We all have opinions on many things.  We have political opinions, financial opinions, investment opinions, medical opinions, sports opinions, fashion opinions, entertainment opinions, ad nauseum.  Someone has said, “Opinions are like elbows, most people have a couple of them.” 

It is important for us to stay focused.  When we come together, it is to worship God (Ephesians 5:17-20 cf. John 4:24), remember Jesus’ death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Acts 20:7), and edifying one another (1 Corinthians 14, especially verse 26; Hebrews 10:24-25).  Let us not get distracted from what should be our focus.

It is also important that we be longsuffering with one another (1 Corinthians 13:4). Love and patience are needed in order to keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace.

4.  It is easy to let weeds grow.  Weeding is necessary.

Attendance patterns have changed in many churches.  Involvement has also changed in many churches.  It seems that some are now content to do little more than attend on Sunday morning during the worship service (no Bible class, no fellowship outside the assembly). Most are still busy. However, priorities seem to have changed.

Jesus said, “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.  But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:14-15).  Let’s be the good ground.

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UFOs/UAPs and LGM/ETs

Posted on March 20, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

The first two terms are used as synonyms.  UFO means, “Unidentified Flying Object.”  The term was coined by USAF in 1952.  It was initially used to describe objects which remained unidentified after investigation.  It is now colloquially used of unidentified objects whether investigated or not.  UAP means “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena.”  NASA uses this term.  Until December 2022 the meaning was Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.”  Either way, it refers to “observations of the sky that cannot be identified as aircraft or known natural phenomena” (UFOs and UAPs Explained: This is How NASA Classifies Unidentified Aerial Objects by Clare Mulroy, February 16, 2023, usatoday.com). 

The second two terms are also used as synonyms.  LGM means, “little green men.”  This term has been used since 1955, after a reported encounter in Kelly, Kentucky (Legend of ‘Little Green Men’ Invading Kelly, Kentucky, Continues by Liz Carey, October 22, 2021, dailyyonder.com).  E.T. means “extra-terrestrial.”  There was a popular movie released by this name in 1982.  The movie was produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.  Both of these terms refer to life from beyond earth. 

What are Bible-believers to think about such things?  Is it possible that there is life out there?

Origin

If there life out there, from whence did it come?  Did it evolve by chance?  Or, was it created? 

Atheistic evolutionists believe that life happened by random chance.  If such could happen on earth, then it is reasoned that it must have happened elsewhere in the universe.  This belief drives much of modern space exploration.  NASA says, “Are we alone in the universe?  So far, the only life we know of is right here on our own planet Earth.  But we’re looking” (The Search for Life, exoplanet.nasa.gov).  A Harvard website says, “The universe is massive, with an estimated 70 quintillion planets – that is 70 followed by an additional 18 zeros.  In the Milky Way, alone, where we reside, there are billions of planets.  With these huge numbers, Earth seems very insignificant in the grand scheme of things.  This raises the question: are we truly alone in this vast space of the universe?  Surely, there must be another planet out there with life, right?  This is the question that organizations such as… NASA have been trying to answer for decades… Even as we continue on our quest to find other planets with life, we need to recognize that Earth may be more unique and precious than we think” (Finding Life in Space: Why are We So Special? By Wei Li, Harvard.edu).

Bible believing theists believe that life was created by intelligence, by God (Genesis 1).  Life did not come forth by random chance.  It was brought into existence by the will of God.  If there is extra-terrestrial life (I am not saying that there is, but hypothetically) then it must be by creation that such exists.  There is no evidence that non-living matter can turn into life.

Richard Dawkins speculated in an interview with Ben Stein that life on earth may have been seeded on earth by extra-terrestrials.  He admits that there may be intelligent design,  but reasons that it could have come from beings from another place in the universe (2008 film, Expelled).  However, this does not solve the problem of the origin of life in the universe.  It simply transfers the problem to a different place in the universe.

Could God have created life elsewhere in the universe if He wished?  Certainly.  God could do this if He wanted to do so.  No one could argue against this. 

Bible   

The Bible seems to describe the earth as unique.  “The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s; But the earth He has given to the children of men” (Psalm 115:16).  In creation, God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth” (Genesis 1:14-15).  The whole perspective concerns earth, and life on earth.  The Bible is silent on life existing on other planets (No, Ezekiel did not see a UFO. See article Ezekiel’s Vision by B.H.).  Admittedly, this alone does not rule out that possibility (Deuteronomy 29:29). However, it does seem a bit odd that God would tell us of seraphim, cherubim, angels, the devil, and demons and not tell us of extra-terrestrial life.

It is to this earth that Jesus, came, lived and died (John 1:1, 14, 29; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:9).  Jesus’ death is described as a once-for-all event (Romans 6:10; Hebrews 7:26-27; 9:28; 10:14).  Does once-for-all only apply to earth?  Or, if there are extra-terrestrials, did He need to go to them also, and die for them?  Bert Thompson remarked, “Since Christ died only once (Hebrews 7:27), it is a seeming violation of scripture to suggest that Christ somehow must go ‘planet hopping’ to die again and again as the propitiation for infractions of God’s plan made by creatures (possessing freedom of choice) in other parts of our vast universe” (Bert Thompson, Tract: Is There Intelligent Life in Outer Space?). 

The Great Commission seems to refer to earth.  Consider: “Go… and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19); “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).  “And you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).  If there is extra-terrestrial life, are we to preach to them the message of the Gospel?

Explanation

How does one explain sightings of UFOs by some who seem to be credible witnesses?  NASA has five categories: (1) Airborne clutter; (2) Natural atmospheric phenomena; (3) USG or U.S. industry development programs; (4) foreign adversary systems; (5) other (usatoday.com). Notice the last category.  I admit that some things are not so easy to explain.  Some have speculated that these could be angelic or demonic activities.  I see no reason to infer this.

We do not have all of the answers.  We do not need to have all of the answers. We do not have to be able to explain everything. He has given to us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  We need to trust God.  “And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” (1 John 5:4).  We need to obey Him.  “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

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St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 14, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Here are some questions.  Who was this Patrick?  What is the origin of this day?  What should Christians think about this day?

Who was this Patrick?  He lived in the fourth and fifth centuries.  He was born either in Romano-Britain, Wales, or Scotland.  His birth name was Maelwyn.  He was kidnapped at the age of 16 and sold as a slave in Ireland, where he worked as a shepherd.  After 6 years, he escaped and eventually made his way home.  He returned to Ireland 20 years later as an evangelist, and using the name Patricius (the name change may have occurred in a monastery in Britain).  He labored in Ireland for about 30 years, dying on March 17, 461 A.D.  He is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.  Though, he was not the first to have tried (These are generally accepted facts.  See – Who is St. Patrick?, history.com; Saint Patrick by Joshua J. Mark, worldhistory.org; St. Patrick: The Man, The Myth by Lisa Bitel, thedailybeast.com; 8 St. Patrick Day Facts You Never Knew Before by Diane J. Cho, people.com). 

There are many later legends.  It is difficult to separate the truth from fiction.        What about driving the snakes out of Ireland?  There is no evidence that Ireland ever had snakes.  Many believe that this is symbolic.  “The legend of St. Patrick driving the snakes out of Ireland has to do with the Christian triumph over pagan beliefs, not literal snakes” (worldhistory.org; Also, 10 Things to Know About the Real St. Patrick, snopes.com).            

What Patrick a Roman Catholic?  This is claimed by the Roman Catholic church.  Others do not agree.  Keith Sisman writes, “The Celtic Church that Patrick evangelized for… would be taken over and forced into submission to Rome over many decades… Ireland did not become truly Roman Catholic until in the reign of Henry the Second, who was crowned King of England in 1154.  Shortly after his coronation, Henry sent an embassy to the newly elected Pope Adrian IV.  Led by Bishop Arnold of Lisieux, the group of clerics requested authorization for Henry to invade Ireland.  After the invasion the Irish Church finally came under the control of the Pope, nearly seven hundred years after the death of ‘Saint’ Patrick” (Keith Sisman, Traces of the Kingdom, p. 82).  Philip Schaff writes, “The Roman tradition that St. Patrick was sent by Pope Caelestine (Celestine I, B.H.) is too late to have any claim upon our acceptance, and is set aside of St. Patrick himself in his genuine works” (Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. 4, p. 45).  His doctrine seems to differ from what Roman Catholics today teach.  Gerald Foster writes, “Patrick believed in teaching before baptism, ‘for it cannot be that the body should receive the sacrament of baptism before the soul receives the verity of faith’” (Gerald Foster, Following the Denomination Called Baptist, p. 130 quoting Patrick’s Government Tripartite Life).  Keith Sisman writes, “Patrick… baptized believers by immersion… denied purgatory and taught the Lord’s supper as a memorial” (Traces of the Kingdom, p. 82).  Philip Schaff writes, “The Christianity of Patrick was substantially that of Gaul and old Britain i.e. catholic, orthodox, monastic, ascetic, but independent of the Pope, and differing from Rome in the age of Gregory I in minor matters of polity and ritual.  In his confession he never mentions Rome or the Pope; he never appeals to tradition, and seems to recognize the scriptures… as the only authority in matters of faith” (History of the Christian Church, Vol. 4, p. 47).  It is not certain that St. Patrick should be considered a Roman Catholic.  I believe that Roman Catholicism developed later.

What is the origin of St. Patrick’s Day?  “The March 17 celebration started in 1631 when the church established a Feast Day honoring St. Patrick” (The True History Behind St. Patrick’s Day, time.com).  “Until the 1700’s, St. Patrick’s Day was a Roman Catholic feast only observed in Ireland and without the raucous revelry of today’s celebrations.  Instead, the faithful spent the relatively somber occasion in quiet prayer at church or at home.  That started to change when Irish immigrants living in the United States began organizing parades and other events on March 17 as a show of pride.  For many people around the world, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a secular ode to Irish culture… characterized by parties, music and iconic food” (St. Patrick’s Day Legends and Myths Debunked by Jennie Cohen, history.com).  The day seems to have become an excuse for a party. 

What should Christians think about this day?  (1) While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a culture’s food and music, we are to avoid drunkenness (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).  (2) We should focus on Christ and not men, religiously speaking.  “Who then is Paul and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed…?” (1 Corinthians 3:5).

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Stand In the Gap

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

The city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) was well protected.  It was positioned on a horn or peninsula that was surrounded by water.  It could be reached from the Black Sea, in the north, by the Bosporus strait.  It could be reached from the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, in the south, by the Dardanelles strait and the Sea of Marmara.  These narrow straits made it easy to defend from naval attack.

It was fortified on land by walls.  Constantine the Great surrounded his new capital with walls in the 4th century.  Theodosius II further fortified the city in the 5th century.  Triple walls were built.  “Attackers first faced a 20-meter wide and 7-meter-deep ditch which could be flooded with water fed from pipes when required.  The water, once in, was retained by a series of dams.  Behind that was an outer wall which had a patrol track to oversee the moat.  Behind this was a second wall which had regular towers and an interior terrace so as to provide a firing platform to shoot down an enemies’ attacking the moat and first wall.  Then, behind this was a third, much more massive inner wall.  This final defense was almost 5 meters thick, 12 meters high, and presented to the enemy 96 projecting towers.  Each tower was placed around 70 meters distant from another and reach a height of 20 meters.  The towers, either square or octagon in form, could hold up to three artillery machines.  The inner wall was constructed using bricks and limestone blocks while the outer two were built from mixed rubble and brick courses with limestone facing” (Theodosian Walls, worldhistory.com).

In the mid-5th century, the walls of the city were severely damaged by a series of earthquakes.  The city was under danger from Attila and the Huns.  Something needed to be done quickly.  However, it had taken years to build these defenses.  “Theodosius II ordered the praetorian perfect, Constantine Flavius quickly repaired the walls… Constantine Flavius reached out to the factions of the chariot teams for aid, gathering a work force of some 16,000 supporters.  Each faction was tasked with a stretch of wall, working in competition to complete their section before the other, winning the honor of victory for their team…  In just sixty days, the great walls of Constantinople were restored, and the defensive moat was cleaned of debris… Hearing of the completion of the walls, the Huns abandoned their plans for conquest” (How Chariot Racing Teams Saved Constantine from The Huns, heritagedaily.com; also See Fall of Civilization: Byzantium, YouTube).  What a brilliant plan.  A competition between the Blues and the Greens was much like calling on Dallas Cowboy fans and Houston Texan fans, or Texas Ranger fans and Houston Astro fans to compete for team pride (Except, a far more intense rivalry existed. There was class difference. The Blues fans came from the richer part of society. The Greens fans came from the more common part of society. Each team was also tied to a political party). 

City walls were important.  With this in mind, let’s consider a passage from the book of Ezekiel.

“So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30).

The faithful are to a land like a wall against the wrath of God.  Wayne Jackson comments, “Using speech common to mankind, Jehovah said He had searched for some valid reason for not destroying this population, but none was to be found (v. 30)!” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 285).  Jim McGuiggan comments, “There is a breach in the wall of Jerusalem and God is headed for it, to enter the city and utterly destroy it.  As he approaches it he is hoping that someone will stand in the breach… But no one cared enough… It isn’t literally true that there wasn’t a single righteous man in the nation at the time… There was Jeremiah, Baruch and others who came to Jeremiah’s aid.  This is simply a powerful way of saying that righteousness had died in the nation” (Jim McGuiggan, The Book of Ezekiel, p. 242).  The righteous may have a preserving effect on a land (cf. Genesis 18:16-32; 39:5; 2 Kings 3:14; Acts 27:21-26, 42-43). 

What are we doing to help save others from the wrath of God?  Are we seeking to live holy lives?  Are we seeking to warn others?  Do we care?  Will we stand in the gap? Will we build the wall of protection?

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Ezekiel’s Vision (Ezekiel 1-3)

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

Have you ever noticed how many times it is that before God sends a messenger, He first impresses the messenger with a glimpse of His glory?  Here are some examples: (1) Moses (Exodus 3); (2) Isaiah (Isaiah 6); (3) Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1); (4) Saul (Acts 9).  In this writing, we will consider Ezekiel’s vision.

Whirlwind

Ezekiel saw a storm coming from the north (Ezekiel 1:4).  God’s wrath was coming on Jerusalem from the north (cf. Jeremiah 4:5-6, 13; 23:19-20).  Babylon would come from the north (cf. Jeremiah 1:14-16; 6:1; 25:8-9, 11). 

Ezekiel saw, within the storm, four living creatures (Ezekiel 1:5-14, ff).  These creatures had four faces (Man=possible reference to intelligence.  Lion=possible reference to ferocity or strength, apex predator.  Ox=possible reference to strength, endurance.  Eagle=possible reference to swiftness, good eyesight, apex bird of prey).  Their feet were like calves feet (possible meaning strong, not tender).  These creatures were cherubim (cf. Ezekiel 10:15, 20).    

Ezekiel saw these creatures pulling a chariot or wagon (Ezekiel 1:15-21, ff).  There were four wheels, each was like a wheel within a wheel (possibly suggesting the ability to move in any direction). However, it was moving straight from the north (Ezekiel 1:9, 12, 17; 10:22).  The wheels were full of eyes (possibly suggesting awareness, alertness, vigilance).  The chariot or wagon was God’s chariot or battle wagon (cf. Ezekiel 1:22-28; Psalm 18:10; Isaiah 19:1; 2 Samuel 22:11; 1 Chronicles 28:18).

Nebuchadnezzar (Babylon) was coming.  However, he was only an instrument in the hands of an angry God (cf. Jeremiah 25:8-9, 12; 27:6; 43:10; 51:20-24, etc.). 

Ezekiel saw the throne of God, and got a glimpse of the glory of the LORD (Ezekiel 1:22-28).  It overwhelmed him.  He said, “So when I saw it, I fell on my face…” (Ezekiel 1:28b).

The vision prepared Ezekiel for his work.  Frank Chesser has written, “When Ezekiel saw the cherubim of God (Ezekiel 1:4-14), the chariot of God (vv. 15-21), and the throne of God (vv. 22-28), he was changed forever.  His mind was as open and receptive to every word from God as are lungs to the air they breathe. Viewing the symbolic siege of Jerusalem (4:1-3) as ‘child’s play,’ physical posture (4:4-8), diet restrictions (4:9-15), and the expunging his hair and beard with a sword, knife, and fire (5:1-4) as unreasonable, and the death of his wife as cruel (24:15-28) were alien thoughts to the mind of Ezekiel. On his face and trembling before God, as he is portrayed in this chapter, Ezekiel was left with Samuel’s spirit who exclaimed, ‘Speak; for thy servant heareth’ (1 Samuel 3:10). The momentous nature of this vison of God and Ezekiel’s need of it is seen in its multiple occurrences in the book” (Frank Chesser, The Man of Chebar, p. 15-16). 

It is interesting to note that the one on the throne was in the likeness of a man (Ezekiel 1:26).  Could this be a reference to Jesus? 

Word

Ezekiel was showed a scroll and told to consume it (Ezekiel 2:8-3:3).  He was to eat the book before speaking to others.  God told him, “Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel” (Ezekiel 3:1).  Ezekiel said, “So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.  Then He said to me: ‘Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them’” (Ezekiel 3:3-4).  One cannot teach what he does not know. 

Watchman

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me” (Ezekiel 3:17).  It was time to get to work.  Go speak “My words to them” (Ezekiel 3:4).

Ezekiel is called “Son of Man.”  This phrase is applied to him more than 90 times in this book.  Daniel is also referred to this way (cf. Daniel 8:17).  Jesus is also so described, usually self-described (e.g. Mark 2:10; John 3:14; Matthew 16:13).  The language is of humanity (e.g. Numbers 23:19; Psalm 8:4; 144:3-4; Isaiah 51:12; 56:2).  Every preacher should understand that he too is a man.  The message applies to him (cf. Romans 2:21-24).    He too is accountable (cf. Ezekiel 3:17-19; Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-2).

Wise Application

It is important that one gain an understanding of who God is.  God reveals Himself today to us in three ways: (1) by nature (cf. Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:20); (2) by scripture (cf. Psalm 19:7-11; Acts 17:22-34; 1 John 4:8); and (3) through Jesus (John 1:18; 6:46; 14:8-9).  Understanding who God is will motivate and embolden one to speak God’s word. 

One should feed upon God’s word (cf. Job 23:12; Psalm 19:10; Matthew 4:4 cf. Deuteronomy 8:3; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:1-2).  One cannot teach what he does not know.  If we truly care about others, we should prepare ourselves to teach.

It is needful for us to get to work.  Ever learning and never proclaiming is not enough.  The members of the early church “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).  So should we.  Where is the evidence that God is pleased with any less?

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Isaiah’s Vision (Isaiah 6)

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

When one get a glimpse of the glory of God, it can change his life.  It may change how one views himself.  It may change how one views others.  It did for Isaiah.

Look Up

Isaiah had a vision of the LORD (Isaiah 6:1-4).  He saw the LORD on His throne, high and lifted up.  Seraphim were praising Him, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!”  They covered themselves before Him.  The doorposts of the house (temple) shook in His presence.  The house was filled with smoke (perhaps, representing His awesome nature and unapproachableness cf. Exodus 19:18; 20:18; 40:34-35; 1 Kings 8:10-11; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14; or His wrath cf. 2 Samuel 22:9; Psalm 18:8).

This vision occurred “in the year King Uzziah died” (Isaiah 6:1).  Uzziah was a good king for many years (2 Chronicles 26:1-5).  Pride led to his downfall.  “When he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction…” (2 Chronicles 26:16).  He was afflicted with leprosy and died a horrible death (2 Chronicles 26:16-23).  What a contrast.  Isaiah sees the LORD in glory.  No earthly king can compare. 

It seems possible that the One Isaiah saw was actually the pre-incarnate Jesus (cf. John 12:37-43).  Divine language is used many times of Jesus.  He is the heart-searcher (Revelation 2:23 cf. Jeremiah 11:20; 17:10; 20:12), the first and the last (Revelation 1:10; 1:17-18; 2:8; 22:12-13 cf. Isaiah 41:4; 44:6-8; 48:12-13), and the I am (John 8:58 cf. Exodus 3:14).  Furthermore, observe Peter’s reaction to Jesus (Luke 5:8 cf. Isaiah 6:5). 

Look In and Around

The vision had an effect on how Isaiah saw himself.  He said in reaction to the vision, “Woe is me, for I am undone” (damah) means “cease, cause to cease, cut off, destroy” (Brown-Driver-Briggs-Gesenius, cf. Hosea 4:6; Obadiah 5).  He continued, “Because I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5).  By “unclean,” he meant defiled, impure, out of place in the presence of the LORD (cf. Leviticus 13:45-46). 

The vision also had an effect on how Isaiah saw others.  He said, “And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5).  Isaiah saw man’s impurity before God.  Why the emphasis on “unclean lips”?  Perhaps, it is “because he found himself transported into the midst of the choir of being who were praising the Lord with pure lips” (Keil & Delizsch). 

We generally think of “Woe” as something not good.  It is frequently associated with judgment, or warning of judgment, or rebuke.

However, in Isaiah’s case it is good.  It is an expression of humility.  It preceded forgiveness.  It preceded his commission as a prophet.   

Look Up

The LORD provided forgiveness (Isaiah 6:6-7).  Only God can forgive sin (cf. Psalm 32:5; Isaiah 43:25; Mark 2:7).  A Seraph took a coal/or stone from the altar to accomplish this.  The altar is either the altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-10 cf. Revelation 8:3), or the altar of burnt – offerings (Leviticus 1:1-17; 6:8-13; 9:24).  God provided the remedy for sin.  It seems reasonable to infer that Isaiah sought the forgiveness that only God could provide.  It is clear that salvation is from God.  The name “Isaiah” itself means “Jehovah is salvation.” 

Look Out

Isaiah’s vision had an effect on his sense of duty.  He said, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I!  Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8-9).  Those who are saved should try to save others.

One writer summed it up this way: “From this we can learn: (1) That man, defiled by sin, is unfit and unworthy to serve and worship God; he is unfit to carry the message of God to others.  (2) That only God can cleanse us from these sins and make us fit to serve Him.  (3) That men who have been cleansed by the power of God should not allow their past to keep them from serving God (Lester Kamp, Houston College of Bible Lectureship, editor David Brown, Isaiah, p. 113 quoting the 1957 Gospel Advocate’s Annual Lesson Commentary, pp. 85-86).

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More Woes in Isaiah

Posted on February 16, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

The word “woe” appears 21 times in the book of Isaiah.  The word “woe” is an interjection of sorrow or grief.  It is sometimes used as a warning.  We have considered six of these “woes,” which occur in Isaiah 5, in a previous article.  Let us now consider more “woes” which occur in this book.

1. “Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortunes, which they have prescribed to rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people that the widow may be their prey, and they may rob the fatherless” (Isaiah 10:1-2).

Judah was filled with self-interested, corrupt leadership (e.g. Isaiah 1:21-23; 5:22-23; 9:13-14; 10:1-2; 56:9-12).  They served their own interest, and not the people’s.  They perverted justice.  They legislated and adjudicated in such a way as to legalize robbery.

Many believe that if it is legal, it is right.  However, this is not how God looked at it.  He desired justice (e.g. Exodus 23:3; Deuteronomy 16:18-19; Psalm 82).

Question: How are we using our position in life?  Are we treating others as God would have us? (Matthew 7:12; Colossians 4:1). 

2.  “Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower…”  (Isaiah 28:1).

This was addressed to Israel, and not Judah.  They had a prideful and arrogant heart (cf. Isaiah 9:9-10).  They trusted in themselves and not God.  Wayne Jackson commented, “Even though the northern kingdom had already suffered some destruction from the hands of the Assyrians (2 Kings 15:29), they had not repented.  In fact, they viewed the matter rather lightly and simply vowed to rebuild” (Wayne Jackson, The Prophets, p. 22 – Commentary on Isaiah 9:8-12).  Again, “Though, the nation gloated over its economic prosperity (‘crown of pride’), it actually was a fading flower – a condition precipitated by the godless debauchery of the people (Amos 4:1; 6:6)” (ibid, p. 47).

Let us remember, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).  May we “walk humbly with… God” (Micah 6:8). 

3.  “Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt!  Add year to year; let feasts come around” (Isaiah 29:1).

“Ariel” refers to Jerusalem.  It is translated “altar” (KJV) or “altar hearth” (NKJV) in Ezekiel 43:15.  People came to Jerusalem to worship year after year.

However, God was not pleased with their worship.  Worship without holiness does not please Him (Isaiah 1:11-15).  They needed to repent (Isaiah 1:16-23).  Moreover, worship without heart devotion and truth does not please Him (Isaiah 29:13).

How does God view our worship?  Are we seeking to live holy lives?  Are we worshipping in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)?

4.  “Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in darkness; They say, ‘Who sees us?’ and ‘Who knows us?’” (Isaiah 29:15).

The context seems to refer to their seeking help from Egypt.  Wayne Jackson suggests, “Isaiah now exposes the secret plans of the Jews – their plot to form an alliance with Egypt for protection from Judah” (ibid, p. 50).  This seems to fit (cf. Isaiah 30:1-2, 6-7; 31:1).

May we never forget that it is impossible to hide anything from God. Consider: Psalm 139; Proverbs 15:3; Ecclesiastes 12:14; Mark 12:36; Romans 2:16; 1 Timothy 5:24-25; Romans 2:16.

5.  “‘Woe to the rebellious children’  says the Lord, ‘Who take counsel, but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My spirit that they may add sin to sin; who walk down to Egypt, and have not asked My advice” (Isaiah 30:1-2).

They did not want God’s advice.  Why not?   Was it because they lacked faith in God?  Could it be that they wanted protection without repentance (cf. Isaiah 30:8-11)?  Notice the words “that they may add sin to sin.”  Does this denote the cause of them seeking help from Egypt?   Or, does this denote the effect (cf. Jeremiah 2:13)?  I am inclined to believe that they went to Egypt because they wanted protection without repentance (cf. Isaiah 30:8-11).    Here are a few questions.  Where do we turn for counsel?  Do we want to hear what He says on a matter?  Do we trust His word?

6.  “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy one of Israel, nor seek the LORD!” (Isaiah 31:1). 

Egypt would not be able to help them (cf. Isaiah 19:4; 20:3-6).  They were placing their trust in the wrong place.

Where do we place our trust?  David said, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).

7.  “Woe to you who plunder though you have not been plundered; and you who deal treacherously, though they have not dealt treacherously with you!” (Isaiah 33:1).

This message was for Assyria.  Though God used Assyria, He was not pleased with this kingdom (Isaiah 10:5-7, 12-14; Jeremiah 5:18).

There is a great lesson in this.  One’s success in life is not necessarily an indication that one is pleasing to God.  Assyria appeared to be prospering.  However, Assyria was not pleasing to God. 

Another lesson is that one should not ruthlessly oppress and run over others.  God cares how we treat others.  We are to pursue peace (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18). 

8.  “Woe to him who strives with his Maker!  Let the potsherd strive with the potsherd of the earth!  Shall the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ Or shall the handiwork say ‘He has no hands?’” (Isaiah 45:9).  “Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What are you begetting?’ or to the woman ‘What have you brought forth?’” (Isaiah 45:10). 

The complaint seems to be about Israel/Judah’s future.  Tyler Young commented, “Perhaps Isaiah is anticipating Israel objecting to God’s use of a pagan ruler to secure their release or a potential complaint against God for promising deliverance rather than preventing captivity” (editor David Brown, Isaiah Vol. 2, Houston College of Bible Lectureship, pp. 119-120).

One should be humble before God.  He is sovereign.  Frank Chesser has written, “Can a piece of clay argue with the potter who made it, or does a child have a right to demand from his parents the reason for his birth? (Isaiah 45:9-10).  If one desires knowledge of His work in the world, let him discard his arguments and complaints and make inquiry of God in humbleness of mind (Isaiah 45:11). 

The truth is: God had reason for doing things the way that he did.  The prophecy about Cyrus was designed to build faith (cf. Isaiah 45:3-6, 20-21; 44:6-8, 24-28; 46:8-11). 

 Let us be humble and trust in God.  He is wise.  He is sovereign.    

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Valentine’s Day and Love

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

The origin of this day is uncertain.  Here are some theories: (1) Some (not all) believe that it is a “christianized” form of the Roman festival of Lupercalia.  This festival occurred each year between February 13th and 15th.  It is thought to have received its name from Lupera, the female wolf, that cared for Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, and/or Lupercus, the Roman fertility god.  Animal sacrifice, drunkenness, and nakedness were a normal part of this festival.  “The men sacrificed a goat and a dog, then whipped women with the hides of the animals they had just slain… Young women would line up for the men to hit them… They believed this would make them fertile.  The brutal fete included a matchmaking lottery in which young men drew the names of women from a jar.  The couple would then be, um, coupled up for the duration of the festival – or longer, if the match was right” (The Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day by Arnie Seipel, February 14, 2022, npr.org; also see, Lupercalia, history.com; History of Valentine’s Day, history.com).    

(2) It clearly has to do with someone named Valentine. Some believe that the origin concerns Valentine of Rome or possibly Terni.  “One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century Rome.  When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men.  Valentine realized the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.  When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death” (History of Valentine’s Day, history.com).  He was supposedly beheaded on February 14 around 270 A.D. (6 Surprising Facts About St. Valentine by Elizabeth Hanes, history.com).

(3) Some credit another Valentine.  “Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons… According to one legend an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first ‘Valentine’ greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl – possibly his jailor’s daughter – who visited him during his confinement.  Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed ‘From your Valentine,’ an expression that is still in use today” (Valentine’s Day 2023; Origins, Background & Tradition, history.com).

The origin seems impossible to discern.  There are no fewer than three different men named Valentine or Valentinus who died on February 14th (You Can Blame Geoffrey Chaucer for Valentine’s Day by Emily Temple, lithub.com).

(4) However, it seems to be the poet Geoffrey Chaucer who popularized this day as a day of romance.  “He did so in his poem Parlement of Foules published in 1382… “For this was on St. Valentine’s Day when every bird comes there to choose his mate.’  Through linking the day with romance, Chaucer was reflecting a belief in the Middle Ages that February 14 was the first day of the bird mating season, therefore it was an appropriate day for the young to express their love” (Valentine’s Day: The True Origins of This Romantic Tradition by Flora Hughes – Onslow, britain-magazine.com).

Some Thoughts

It is God who said, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Genesis 2:18).  Aren’t you glad?

It is God who created marriage.  Jesus said, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, “For this reason shall a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4-5 cf. Genesis 1:27; 2:24).  Aren’t you glad?

Let us not be like pagan Rome.  Let’s not worship their gods, be drunk, run through the streets naked, engage in fornication.

However, there is nothing wrong with spending time with the one you love and expressing your love.  “My beloved is mine, and I am his” (Song of Solomon 2:16).  “Rejoice with the wife of your youth (Proverbs 5:18).  “Let marriage be held in high honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4 ESV).

       

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Speak Smooth Things

Posted on February 1, 2023 by Bryan Hodge

“This is a rebellious people… who say to the seers, ‘Do not see,’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us right things; speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceits.  Get out of the way, turn aside from the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us’” (Isaiah 30:9-11).

1.  The Prophet

The duty of a prophet was to faithfully deliver to the people the message that God wanted delivered.  Micaiah, who understood this, said, “As the LORD lives, whatever the LORD says to me, that I will speak” (1 Kings 22:14).  Jeremiah cried out, “O earth, earth, earth, Hear the word of the LORD!” (Jeremiah 22:29).  God warned Ezekiel, “When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand” (Ezekiel 33:8).

This same duty is expressed in the New Testament.  Paul declared, “I am innocent of the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:26-27).  Paul instructed Timothy “Preach the word!  Be ready in season and out of season.  Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching” (1 Timothy 4:2). 

2.  The People

Judah did not want to hear God’s rebuke.  They wanted the prophets to change the message.  Homer Hailey commented, “Surely they were not so honest as to come right out and say these things; but this verse very graphically reveals their true feelings… a modern version would be, ‘Give us religion but not the truth…’, ‘Get out of the way; do not hinder us in that which we have determined to do’” (Homer Hailey, A Commentary on Isaiah, p. 253).  Frank Chesser had a different view; he commented, “Some feel that the people of Judah would not be so brash as to actually verbalize such sentiments as appear in verses 10-11.  They view these words as simply characterizations of their attitudes and feelings.  However, would people who are kindred in spirit with Sodom and Gomorrah (Isaiah 1:10), who worship idols (Isaiah 1:8), whose tongues and conduct are at war with God (Isaiah 3:8), with whom wine is a constant companion (Isaiah 5:11), and who view good as evil and evil as good (Isaiah 5:20) experience any hesitancy over literally expressing their disdain for the truth and their desire for the smooth, soothing words of error that numb their spirit and grant liberty to fleshly indulgence?” (Frank Chesser, The Heart of Isaiah, p. 96).  Literal or not – they did not want to hear God’s full message.

3.  Us

Do we want the truth?  Or do we simply want to hear a self-affirming message?

Cornelius said, “We are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God” (Acts 10:33).  May this be our attitude.

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