Transformation From and Not Conformity with the World

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 32:17-32

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

(NKJV)

 

As A Child growing up, I remember my parents telling me not to hang out with those people or I will become just like them. As I have grown older, I have realized this advice is not only good for children but also for adults. In this text, we observe that the nations aligning with Egypt should also have heeded this advice and not aligned with Egypt which was destined for destruction. As Christians we must not seek conformity with the world but transformation through the renewing of our minds through the Word of God (Romans 12:2).

 

This text begins with Ezekiel receiving another word from the Lord, this time telling him to wail over the multitude of Egypt who will go down to the Pit (Ezekiel 32:17-18). The Lord then asks Egypt who they surpass in beauty, reminding them of their pride and that they will be placed with the uncircumcised (Ezekiel 32:19). Egypt is destined to fall with others slain by the sword along with the multitudes following her (Ezekiel 32:20). The strong among the mighty in hell will cry out to Egypt as they lie slain by the sword among the uncircumcised (Ezekiel 32:21).

 

Among those accompanying Egypt to the Pit are Assyria, Elam, Meshech, Tubal, Edom, the Princes of the North, and the Sidonians (Ezekiel 32:22-30). Seeing these multitudes also slain by the sword brings comfort to Pharaoh says the Lord (Ezekiel 32:31). The text concludes with the Lord reminding Egypt that they caused terror in the land of the living and are destined to be placed among the uncircumcised with all the multitudes aligned with them (Ezekiel 32:32). A reminder of the fate of those aligning with the world.

 

Since Egypt is symbolic of the world in Scripture, this passage is a warning to those choosing to follow the world instead of God. In Romans 12:2, the Bible tells God’s people not to conform to the world but to experience transformation through the renewing of our minds. Renewal of the mind occurs when one acquires knowledge, but we must be careful what knowledge we allow to enter our minds. Paul warned the Colossians not to fall prey to the philosophies of the world that are not in accordance with Christ (Colossians 2:8). Renewal of the mind based on worldly knowledge will result in the renewal of the mind but not renewal away from worldly conformity but renewal into conformity with the world. The renewal spoken of in Romans 12:2 is renewal away from worldly conformity through the acquisition of knowledge of God through the Bible.

 

Sadly, however, many in the Church today fail to have a regular time of daily reading and study of the Bible so they can gain knowledge bringing transformation away from worldly conformity. Evidence of this failure to acquire Biblical knowledge and Godly transformation is the Church going woke and conforming to the world instead of being a transformative force in the world. Jesus told his followers that they were salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16).

 

During the time of Christ when people did not have modern refrigeration to preserve food, they used salt as a preservative. Jesus’ use of salt as an illustration is a call for the Church to function as a preservative force in the world. Conformity with the wokeness of the world is not acting as a preservative but instead acting to spread the toxic philosophies destroying the world. The use of light symbolized the need for the Church to shed light on the sins of the world and direct people to salvation through Jesus Christ. I urge those reading this post to spend time daily reading and studying the Bible, so they experience less conformity to the world and transformation toward Godliness. Then I challenge you to become salt and light in a dark world and become an agent of transformation in a world desperately needing it.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed for the forgiveness of your sins making Jesus the Lord of your life, or have drifted away from your relationship with Christ, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.

Jesus Walks on Water

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 6:15-21

 

John 6:19-20

So when they had rowed about ^[a]three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. ²⁰ But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.”

(NKJV)

 

The sea in scripture indicates chaos. In these chaotic times, we can feel like the disciples, experiencing fear and then needing to row harder, trying to reach our destination in life. The good news for us as believers is that Jesus is never far from those who believe and trust in Him. In fact, in another version of this event, Peter leaves the boat and walks on the water to Jesus but begins to sink when his eyes go off Jesus and instead focus on the storm (Matthew 14:22-33). We must learn to focus on Jesus and His word and not the storms and chaos of life.

 

After the multitude was fed, Jesus departed again for the mountain to be alone, perceiving that the multitude would come, take Him by force, and make him king (John 6:15). When evening came, the disciples went down to the sea and got in the boat heading for Capernaum in the dark, but Jesus was not with them (John 6:16-17). A great wind arose, causing the sea to rise (John 6:18). The disciples rowed three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the water and coming near the boat, bringing much fear (John 6:19). Jesus told them it was Him and not to fear at which they received Him into the boat with the boat immediately arriving at their destination (John 6:20-21).

 

There is no record in this account of the disciples crying out to Jesus, yet Jesus shows up to deliver them. Jesus is never far from His people when they are in trouble. This is the promise of Psalm 23 which reminds us that even when facing death, the Lord is with us with His rod of correction and staff of love comforting us. For the disciples, Jesus showed up and immediately brought them to their destination unharmed. As believers, we need to remember that Jesus is never far from us to provide deliverance and protection. We must all learn to practice dependence on God and not our own understanding or abilities (Proverbs 3:5).

 

Our first reaction when trouble comes should be to cry out to God for deliverance but sadly, we may do as the disciples did, row harder to push our way through our difficulties. However, the Love of Christ for His children mean he can show up to help even when His children do not call out to him. Sadly, as believers we sometimes suffer from Gospel amnesia, forgetting that God, the creator of the universe, is with us always when trouble comes (Matthew 28:20).

 

These are troubling times with much anxiety. There is anxiety over the situation in Israel, the election in the United States, and the evil agenda of wokeness. I want to challenge everyone reading this to focus less on the situation in this fallen world and focus more on Jesus and the truth contained in His Word. It has never been more important for believers to be people of the Word, people of prayer, and for the Church family to gather together in a community of faith. Yes, the world is getting more and more evil as the return of Christ nears but this means our hope of eternity with the Lord for eternity is drawing near (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

 

I want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed for salvation from their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their life through the confession of their belief in Jesus as their Savior to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.

Lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 32:1-16

 

Isaiah 36:6

Look! You are trusting in the staff of this broken reed, Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him.

(NKJV)

 

When we are in challenging times, we need someone, or something, in which we can place our trust. For those having a belief in Jesus Christ, the someone of trust is the Lord and the promise of eternal life (John 3:16). The something of trust for Christians is the word of God which provides guidance (Psalm 119:105). Those without a trusting relationship in Christ, place their trust in things of the world that come and go, providing little stability in one’s life. At the end of this post, I will tell you how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, giving you something stable in which to place your trust.

 

Ezekiel receives another word from the Lord, this time it is a word of lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt beginning with a reminder to Pharaoh of the greatness of Egypt among the nations (Ezekiel 32:1-2). The lamentation is at how the great nation of Egypt is destined to fall at the hand of the Lord with Him spreading His net over them (Ezekiel 32:3). God will leave the people of Egypt on the land, casting them out on the land and into open fields with the birds and beasts feeding on their carcasses (Ezekiel 32:4-5).

 

The land will also be watered by their blood even to the mountains with the rivers full of it (Ezekiel 32:6). The Lord will put out the light of Egypt, covering the heavens with the stars going dark, the sun covered with a cloud, and the moon not reflecting any light (Ezekiel 32:7). This will result in the Lord bringing darkness upon Egypt (Ezekiel 32:8).

 

The hearts of many are troubled when the Lord brings destruction to Egypt even among countries they do not know (Ezekiel 32:9). These people will be astonished and horribly afraid with trembling on the day of Egypt’s fall (Ezekiel 32:10). The Lord declares that at the of the sword of the king of Babylon, Egypt shall fall (Ezekiel 32:11). The swords of the mighty warriors, the most terrible of the nations will plunder the pomp of Egypt with all its multitude destroyed (Ezekiel 32:12).

 

All the animals of Egypt will also be destroyed from beside its great waters with no foot of man or hoof of animal muddying it anymore (Ezekiel 32:13). After this, the waters of the rivers will be clear and run like oil (Ezekiel 32:14). When Egypt becomes desolate and destitute and all are struck who dwell in it, they will know the Lord is the Lord (Ezekiel 32:15). The Lord declares that the daughters of the nations shall lament for Egypt and all her multitude (Ezekiel 32:16).

 

This lamentation illustrates the impact of the fall of Egypt (Ezekiel 32:9-10). Egypt was a great and powerful nation with many, including Israel, seeking refuge under the protection of Egypt’s great army (Isaiah 31:1). However, when Egypt fell to the armies of Babylon, This image of invincibility was tarnished causing many to tremble in fear (Isaiah 32:10). This lamentation is more than a lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt for it is a lamentation of people placing their trust in chariots and horses and not the Lord (Psalm 20:7).

 

Many in the world live in fear, depression, and despair when they see events occurring in the world today. Destructive hurricanes cause many to doubt if God even cares by allowing such storms occur. The political divisiveness causes many to fear the eruption of violence or despair, believing the entire system of government will collapse. The woke culture threatens to destroy traditional institutions like the family and Church as well as any hope of racial equality. Legalized abortion leads to the question, if the law permits the killing of an unborn child, who will the law permit killing next?

 

Unfortunately, a lukewarm Church caught up in its wealth and prosperity (Revelation 3:17), a Church seeking new members and contributions through acceptance of sin (Romans 12:2), Or a silent Church (Acts 1:8) cannot be an instrument of change or revival. It is an election year in the United States with Christians having the opportunity to speak out at the ballot box by Voting for candidates supporting Christian values, keeping in mind no candidate is perfect for they all are human. While there is no perfect candidate, some are closer to supporting Christian values with those the ones Christians should vote for. I urge all Christians in the United States to get out and vote on November 5, 2024, election day in the United States.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed for the forgiveness of your sins making Jesus the Lord of your life, or have drifted away from your relationship with Christ, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.

Jesus, Multiplier of Little into Much

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 6:1-14

 

John 6:8-9

One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

(NKJV)

 

When we look at the situation in the world, it is easy to become discouraged, frustrated, or even in despair. We can even become like Andrew and believe there is no possible solution. However, we have Jesus, God, the creator of the universe with us always (Matthew 28:20). The miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand should tell us that with God nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37).

 

After giving the Jews persecuting Him a fourfold witness of who He was, Jesus went to Galilee (John 6:1). A great multitude followed Him in Galilee because they had witnessed the signs Jesus performed on those with diseases and Jesus went up on the mountain with His disciples (John 6:2-3). It was near the time of the Passover and seeing the great multitude approaching Him, Jesus asked Philip where they could buy bread for the approaching multitude to eat (John 6:4-5). Jesus said this not in expectation Philip would go out and buy bread but to test him and his faith (John 6:6).

 

Philip responds by telling Jesus there is not nearly enough money to buy bread for the multitude (John 6:7). Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother tells Jesus a small boy has five loaves of bread and two fish and adds this is small compared to the size of the multitude, telling Jesus it was impossible (John 6:8-9). Jesus is not swayed by their comments and orders the disciples to sit the people down in the grass (John 6:10).

 

After the people were seated, Jesus took the boy's bread and fish and after giving thanks began distributing them to the disciples and the disciples to the people, as much as they wanted (John 6:11). After everyone was full, Jesus commanded the disciples to gather up the fragments so nothing was left over (John 6:12). Of the five loves they started with, the disciples gathered twelve baskets (John 6:13). This miracle so amazed those present, that they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world (John 6:14)”.

 

This passage is both a test of the disciple’s faith and a demonstration of how God can take the little we have to offer and multiply it to provide for a multitude. Philip and Andrew did the numbers and calculated that there was not nearly enough money to buy bread for this multitude and would only provide a little (John 6:7). Andrew went even further, telling Jesus about a small boy with five barley loaves and two fish, a pittance compared to what it would take to feed this crowd of five thousand (John 6:8-9). What the disciples failed to realize is that they were in the presence of God the creator who could create more than enough to feed this multitude (John 6:10-13). The small faith of the disciples also manifested itself when Jesus calmed the storm (Matthew 8:26). These disciples also demonstrated little faith when Jesus told them he would rise from the dead (Mark 9:9-10). However, once these disciples saw the risen Lord and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they would turn their world upside down (Acts 2; 17:6).

 

The lukewarm Laodicean Church that trusts in its wealth and prosperity needs an infusion of faith in the creator God (Revelation 3:14-22). The disciples following Jesus had little material wealth with most of them working men barely managing to exist. Yet when these men of little faith placed their faith in the risen Lord, they led many to salvation through the blood of Christ.

 

The Church of today must repent of its lukewarmness and silence and begin lifting up Jesus (John 12: 32) and take the Gospel to the nations, making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). The Church of today has tools available to proclaim Christ to multitudes the disciples could not imagine. I pray the Church will repent of its silence and use the tools available today to loudly proclaim Christ to a lost and dying world.

 

I want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed for salvation from their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their life through the confession of their belief in Jesus as their Savior to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.

Egypt the Great Tree, Cut Down

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 31:1-18

 

Ezekiel 31:10-11

Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Because you have increased in height, and it set its top among the thick boughs, and its heart was ^[d]lifted up in its height, ¹¹ therefore I will deliver it into the hand of the mighty one of the nations, and he shall surely deal with it; I have driven it out for its wickedness.

(NKJV)

 

The text of the Bible contains many historical accounts whose accuracy gives credibility to scripture, especially when it foretells future events that transpired just as the prophets foretold. Such is the case with the writings of Ezekiel concerning Egypt. In this text, the word from the Lord given to Ezekiel compares the fall of Egypt to the fall of a great cedar tree in Lebanon. The cedars of Lebanon were used in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem for their strength, alluding to the strength of Egypt but pride and wickedness brought down this great kingdom. Since history is there to teach us a lesson, let this be a lesson to avoid a prideful heart.

 

Ezekiel receives a word from the Lord with the specific time of his receiving it documented in Scripture (Ezekiel 31:1). The word is directed at Pharaoh and asks him who compares with him in greatness (Ezekiel 31:2). The Lord then gives Pharaoh the example of Assyria a great cedar in Lebanon, so great that it fed all the other trees of the field (Ezekiel 31:3-4). So great was this tree that the birds nested in its long branches and animals gave birth under its shade (Ezekiel 31:5-6). This beautiful tree surpassed the beauty of all the trees in the garden of Eden (Ezekiel 31:7-9).

 

However, this great tree became prideful because of its greatness with God delivering it up to destruction at the hand of the mighty one of the nations for its wickedness (Ezekiel 31:10-11). The once mighty cedar of Lebanon has fallen with all the people who once found shelter under its shadow, fleeing (Ezekiel 31:12). All the birds that once nested there and the animals that once found shelter under its branches will come to the branches that have fallen (Ezekiel 31:13). The fall of this great tree is a warning to future trees that might become prideful for their greatness (Ezekiel 31:14).

 

The Lord declares that when the great tree representing Egypt went down to hell, He caused mourning with Lebanon even mourning its fall and all the trees, or nations, wilting (Ezekiel 31:15). The nations shook at Egypt’s fall with those falling with it finding comfort in the depths of the earth (Ezekiel 31:16-17). The Lord then directly addresses Pharaoh asking him which of the great trees of Eden he would compare his greatness when he lies in the depths of the earth with the uncircumcised (Ezekiel 31:18).

 

A word for Pharaoh comparing the fall of Egypt to the fall of a great cedar of Lebanon due to its prideful heart. Instead of giving credit to the creator God, the cedar tree of Egypt becomes prideful with God vowing to drive Pharaoh and the people out of their land for their wickedness (Ezekiel 31:11). This passage is a visual illustration of what is going to happen to Egypt that Ezekiel foretold in Ezekiel 30. The people of Israel and Egypt knew of the strength of the cedars of Lebanon for they were used in the construction of the Temple (1 Kings 5:5-6). However, with this illustration, God is telling Egypt and Israel that even the tall and strong who are like the cedars of Lebanon will fall under the weight of pride and wickedness (Proverbs 16:18). We must guard our hearts against pride.

 

Great nations, organizations, and even Churches will fall when they have prideful hearts. This is because pride that glorifies self, replaces God in one’s life. However, we must not mistake boasting in what the Lord has done for us and through us as pride for even the Apostle Paul boasted about what God had done. For example, Paul boasted about Christ in him and his weaknesses which caused him to rely on Christ more (2 Corinthians 11:10; 12:9). The difference is that Paul boasted in Christ, giving glory to God whereas Pharaoh boasted in himself and his army. Believers, and especially those in leadership in the Church must guard their hearts against pride so all that the ministry does brings glory to God and not self or some leader in the ministry.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed for the forgiveness of your sins making Jesus the Lord of your life, or have drifted away from your relationship with Christ, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.

The Fourfold Witness

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 5:31-47

 

John 5:39-40

You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. ⁴⁰ But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

(NKJV)

 

This text records Jesus’ response to the persecution of a group of Jews due to Jesus healing a lame man on the Sabbath (John 5:16). Deuteronomy 19:15 sets the standard of the insufficiency of one witness in accusing one of some iniquity so Jesus presents a fourfold witness. These legalistic Jews believe they are persecuting a sinner, but they find themselves persecuting God.

 

Jesus begins by letting His accusers know He is aware that His witness of Himself is not sufficient (John 5:31). Jesus then lets them know there is another man bearing witness of Him, John the Baptist (John 5:32). Jesus then reminds them that they inquired of John who bore witness of the truth but Jesus also tells them He does not receive the testimony of a man (John 5:33-34). John was a burning and shining lamp the Jews were willing to believe for a while (John 5:35).

 

However, there are even greater witnesses of who Jesus was. The first of these is His works (John 5:36). Then there was the testimony of God the Father, declaring that Jesus was His Son (John 5:37; Matthew 3:16-17). Finally, there is the testimony in the Scriptures that speak of Jesus but these legalistic Jews have hardened hearts and refuse to listen (John 5:38-40).

 

Jesus does not receive honor from men but knows these Jews do not have the love of God in them (John 5:41-42). Ironically, these Jews do not receive Jesus despite the evidence for who He is and instead receive those bearing witness of themselves which is not true (Deuteronomy 19:15; John 5:43). Jesus questions how they can receive honor from each other and reject honor that comes from the only God (John 5:44). It is not Jesus who will accuse these Jews to the Father but Moses in whom they trust (John 5:45). Jesus then accuses them of not believing Moses in whom they trust because Moses wrote of Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; John 5:46). However, if they do not believe the teachings of Moses, How can Jesus expect them to believe His words (John 5:47).

 

Jesus provides a fourfold witness of His identity to fulfill the legal requirement of Deuteronomy 19:15 requiring the testimony of two or three witnesses to establish a matter. Jesus’ fourfold witness includes,

 

1. The testimony of John the Baptist (John 1:29) – John the Baptist was the first to call out Jesus as the lamb of God who came to save the world, but Jesus does not seek the testimony of men (John 5:33-34).
2. The works of the Father Jesus was sent to do (John 5:36) – The miracles Jesus performed also bore witness of who He was for they were unlike anything done previously. However, even John the Baptist had his doubts and sent messengers to Jesus from prison with Jesus citing the works he did as a witness to who He was (Matthew 11:1-5).
3. The Father Himself (Matthew 3:16-17) – If these two witnesses did not convince people, a thundering voice from heaven declaring Jesus as the Son of God should.
4. The Scriptures (John 5:39) – As written and documented proof of who He was, Jesus encourages these Jews to search the scriptures because if they do, they will discover the scriptures testify about Him.

 

Jesus presents a solid case to the Jews persecuting Him with credible witnesses, a track record of good works, and a documented written history as recorded in the words of the prophets. However, even a solid fourfold witness does not persuade these Jews with them vowing to kill him (John 5:16).

 

Scripture warns us to avoid false teaching or as Peter states it, destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1-3). To test a doctrine or teaching we must,

 

• Does the teaching align with the mission of the Church to spread the Gospel and make disciples (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) – Spreading the Gospel message and making Disciples is the mission of the Church and all teaching should have as its purpose, advancing the mission.
• Does the teaching glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31) – Teaching from the pulpit in the Church must have as its purpose the glorification of God but all too often it glorifies self and is not based on sound doctrine but the satisfaction of the itching ears of the congregation (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
• Is the teaching according to Scripture (Acts 17:10-11) – After he was run out of Thessalonica, Paul and those with him found themselves in Berea (Acts 17:5-9). In Berea, they encounter a group of believers who searched the scriptures checking to determine if what they were hearing was true (Acts 17:10-11). When testing a doctrine we must follow the example of the Bereans and search scripture to test its truth.

 

Just like in the early Church, false teaching is present today. However, in the information age, this false teaching can spread rapidly, and why we as believers must be even more diligent in testing all that we hear. The good news is that while false teaching can spread rapidly in the information age, the good news of the Gospel can also spread rapidly. The Church must repent of its adoption of false teaching and with the same diligence begin spreading the good news of the Gospel.

 

I want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed for salvation from their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their life through the confession of their belief in Jesus as their Savior to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.

The Fall of Pharaoh, the Rise of Babylon

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 30:20-26

 

Ezekiel 30:25

 Thus I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, but the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; they shall know that I am the Lord, when I put My sword into the hand of the king of Babylon and he stretches it out against the land of Egypt.

(NKJV)

 

We live in the age of the mega-church or churches with massive congregations. While these churches may have had a great harvest of souls, the truth is many of these churches, and I use the term loosely, grew on a message designed to make congregants feel good and not challenged to draw closer to God. In many of these churches, God fills the role of Santa Claus, giving people whatever they want by saying it, claiming it and contributing to the Church. Our sinful world needs more churches that declare the truth of God’s word with lives transformed. Biblical Church growth is not growth in numbers but growth in transformed lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

Ezekiel receives another word from the Lord, this time directed at Pharaoh the king of Egypt (Ezekiel 30:20). The word to Pharaoh is that the Lord has broken his arm and not bandaged it or put it in a sling so Pharaoh is not strong enough to hold a sword (Ezekiel 30:21). The Lord lets Pharaoh know He is against him by breaking both his arms so the sword falls out of his hand (Ezekiel 30:22). This loss of the sword for defense means the Egyptians will be scattered among the nations and dispersed throughout the countries (Ezekiel 30:23). This prophecy foretells the fall of Pharaoh.

 

The Lord then foretells the rising of another kingdom. While the arms of Pharaoh are broken and unable to handle a sword, the arms of the king of Babylon are strengthened and with the sword of the Lord in his hand causes Pharaoh to groan before the king like a mortally wounded man (Ezekiel 30:24). The stretching out of the sword of the Lord by the king of Babylon to Pharaoh will cause the Egyptians to know the Lord is God (Ezekiel 30:25). The Lord will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them throughout the countries where they will come to know the Lord is God (Ezekiel 30:26).

 

Once again, we see God speaking to Egypt about the coming conquest by Babylon, but with Israel contemplating fleeing to Egypt for protection, this prophecy also warns Israel not to put their trust in Egypt. The prophet Isaiah also warned Israel not to turn to Egypt for help (Isaiah 31:1). The prophet Jeremiah prophesied safety and peace for Israel in Babylon (Jeremiah 29:4-14). The irony here is that the people looking for safety in Egypt are seeking to escape Babylonian captivity, only to escape to a place the Babylonians will destroy. The purpose of exile for Israel was to bring them to repentance and trust in God and not the might and riches of the world.

 

Believers in Jesus as Savior want to see the Church grow in numbers for it can indicate a harvest of souls. However, Church leaders must resist the temptation to achieve numerical growth through the compromising of truth and stick to the mission of spreading the Gospel and making disciples (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). Pastors are shepherds of a flock of individuals they are to lead and teach according to the principles of the word of God.

 

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy of a time when people would have itching ears that are not interested in truth but in what helps them fulfill their own desires (2 Timothy 4:3). The Church in Laodicea became lukewarm because it was full of pride in its riches and wealth, believing it needed nothing when we all need a Savior for we have all sinned (Revelation 3:14-22; Romans 3:23). Is this any different than the wealth and prosperity gospel taught in many churches today? Those preaching this message amas large congregations with an appearance of success but the teaching uplifts self more than Christ. I pray that pastors and leaders of the Church would repent of such false doctrine and return to the mission of the Church given to it by Christ (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20). The harvest of souls is indeed plentiful but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37).

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed for the forgiveness of your sins making Jesus the Lord of your life, or have drifted away from your relationship with Christ, I invite you to pray with me now,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.