GodSpeak Readings: Week 64/November 29-December 4

November 29-December 4
Ezekiel 22-34

GodSpeak readings for each day are listed below. Click the link to read the section and/or listen online. A discussion question is listed below for you to use in your GodSpeak group session or for discussion with others who are reading along.

Monday, November 29 Ezekiel 22-23 Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 22, Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 23 (Click “Audio” link to listen)
1. Paul Kretzmann once wrote, “God punishes sin with more sin.” In chapters 22 and 23 of Ezekiel God speaks of using sinners to punish sin. The graphic language that is used to describe the sin of Israel is matched by the descriptions of the punishment that will come upon Israel. Can you think of instances in our own time where obvious sinners, to the Christian way of thinking, are used to punish sin. Now think in terms that acknowledge that “all have sinned.” How have you as a sinner been punished with more sin? What is God’s remedy? See Galatians 3:13; Romans 3:22-24; 10:4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 2:24.

Tuesday, November 30 Ezekiel 24 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
2. Finally, in Ezekiel 24 God announced that Jerusalem is under siege (Ezekiel 24:2); her destruction was imminent. In spite of the efforts of faithful prophets, people did not repent and turn away from their evil ways, so God destroyed them. What other times in history did something like this happen (Genesis 6-8; 11)? Has something similar happened since the destruction of Jerusalem? How does the crucifixion of Jesus fit into this story (John 11:25-26)?

Wednesday, December 1 Ezekiel 25-27 Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 25, Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 26, Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 27 (Click “Audio” link to listen)
3. Why did God act against the various groups of people mentioned in Ezekiel 25-27? You’ll find what He says in Ezekiel 25:3, 8, 12, 15; 26:2. What is God’s message to us from all these passages? Consult Proverbs 17:5; 24:17-18; Romans 12:17-21; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; Jude 17-22 as you share your ideas.

Thursday, December 2 Ezekiel 28 Read & Listen Online (Click “Audio” link to listen)
4. If you have made a promise to someone, how important is it to assure that person that you will keep that promise? Give some examples of times when we reiterate promises. In Ezekiel 28:25-26, God reiterates a promise that He had made. What was it (Genesis 35:11-12; Genesis 17:1-8)? When does God reiterate His promises to us?

Friday, December 3 Ezekiel 29-32 Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 29, Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 30, Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 31, Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 32 (Click “Audio” link to listen)
5. In chapters 29-32 of Ezekiel, God has the prophet continue to describe the destruction of those countries that harassed Israel and gloated over its destruction. Egypt too would be conquered by Babylon, joining other countries that did not follow the Lord and that warred against His people Israel. Identify and explain several of Ezekiel’s vivid descriptions of the punishment God would bring to these peoples. Then discuss the prayer of Psalm 106:40-48 and pray it for ourselves and our own country.

Saturday, December 4 Ezekiel 33-34 Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 33, Read & Listen Online Ezekiel 34 (Click “Audio” link to listen)
6. In Ezekiel 33 God reminds Ezekiel that he is to be the watchman for Israel (Ezekiel 33:7) and in chapter 34 God says that He Himself will be Israel’s shepherd. Jesus is both a watchman and a shepherd for Israel and for all people. Review and meditate on Jesus’ activities during Holy Week using the illustration and text on pp. 1532-1533 of the Concordia Self-Study Bible or John 12-20 and Mark 11-15. How was Jesus a Watchman for us during Holy Week? How was Jesus our Shepherd during Holy Week?

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