Israel Exalted, Accountability for Sin.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 17:22-18:18

 

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the ^[a]gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(NKJV)

 

Today is Easter Sunday, or as many refer to it, Resurrection Sunday. It is a time of celebration because the Lord who suffered a brutal death by crucifixion for the sins of humanity has risen from the grave, demonstrating victory over sin and death. Please join in the celebration today and invite others to come and hear about the resurrected Christ so they can join in the celebration. My prayer is that many will come to know Jesus as their savior today.                                                                                                                             

 

Ezekiel receives another word from the Lord, this time saying He will take one of the highest branches of the high cedar and plant it on a high and prominent mountain (Ezekiel 17:22). The high mountain on which the twig is planted is in Israel (Ezekiel 17:23). All the trees of the field shall know that the Lord brought down the high tree to exalt the low tree. The Lord dried up the green tree so the dry tree could flourish (Ezekiel 17:24).

 

The word of the Lord continues with the following Parable, “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge (Ezekiel 18:1-2).” The Lord Commands Israel to no longer use this proverb because all souls belong to the Lord with the soul that sins destined to die (Ezekiel 18:3-4). The passage then presents another parable that begins with a man who is just, living in obedience to God’s commands (Ezekiel 18:5-9). The parable then presents the son of the just man who chooses to live in disobedience to the commands of the Lord destined to die in his own sins (Ezekiel 18:10-13). The parable then considers the son of the unjust man who considers the ways of his father and chooses not to do likewise who shall not die for the iniquities of his father but is destined to live (Ezekiel 18:14-18). The moral of this parable is that each person is responsible and will suffer the consequences of their own sin.

 

This passage has two interpretations,

1. The exaltation of Israel through the coming Messiah (Ezekiel 17:22-24) – In Ezekiel 17:1-21, Ezekiel wrote the parable of the eagles and the vine, reminding Israel of God’s protection of Israel while in exile and not to go to Egypt to escape exile. In Ezekiel 17:22-24, Ezekiel receives a word from the Lord about the Lord cropping off a tender young twig from the highest branch of the high cedar and planting it on a high and prominent mountain in Israel. This speaks of the Son of God coming from the high cedar of heaven to be with man, and sacrificing Himself on Calvary, atoning for the sins of humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8). This is Israel’s exaltation and purpose.
2. Every person chooses to obey or reject God’s Word (Ezekiel 18:1-18) – The fall of Adam and Eve brought the curse of sin upon all humanity, a curse only lifted through the death,  burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10). However, while each person inherited the nature to sin from their ancestors Adam and Eve, everyone is responsible and must repent of their own sins. Everyone must also decide whether to live in obedience to the Word of God or reject it. This is why the Lord instructed Ezekiel to tell Israel to abandon the parable that children are on edge from the sour grape of sin eaten by their fathers (Ezekiel 18:2). Instead he instructs them that each generation decides to live in obedience or rejection of the Lord (Ezekiel 18:4-18)   

 

The common belief among many is that with God the morally right are in and the sinner is out. While sin does separate one from a relationship with God, our works of righteousness are useless in providing salvation (Isaiah 64:6). Instead, Salvation is a gift of God’s grace and not one’s works of moral righteousness (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23). However, for a gift to become useful in one’s life, one must open and receive the gift. The gift of salvation is received by one humbling themselves to God and confessing their belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10). With God, the humble are in and the proud are out. One claiming salvation based upon his or her good works has pride in his or her good works and needs to humbly surrender to the grace of God demonstrated on the cross to receive salvation.

 

If you are reading this and believe your good works will save you, have drifted from your faith in Jesus as your savior, or have never prayed for forgiveness from sin and to make Jesus the Lord of your life, 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. 

Excel in Giving Following the Example of Christ.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

 

2 Corinthians 8:1-2

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:  that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

(NKJV)

 

The subject of giving can be a sensitive subject in the Church. Much of this sensitivity is self-inflicted as church leaders have misappropriated Church funds in its history and taught false doctrine stating that one giving to the church will become rich. While God does promise to meet the needs of believers, it is a believer's needs he promises to meet not all they want (Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:19). In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul teaches the Corinthians about giving, something we will study over the next four postings on 2 Corinthians.

 

The text for this post begins with Paul making known to the Corinthians the grace bestowed on the Macedonian who sacrificially gave in joy from deep poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-2). Paul witnessed them giving according to their ability and even beyond their ability out of their free will (2 Corinthians 8:3). The Macedonians, with urgency, implored Paul and those ministering with him to receive the gift along with the fellowship of ministering to the saints (2 Corinthians 8:4). The greatest blessing to Paul, however, was that the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord before giving their gift (2 Corinthians 8:5). This prompted Paul to urge Titus to complete the grace of giving in the Corinthians along with their abounding in faith, speech, knowledge, all diligence and love for Paul and those ministering with him (2 Corinthians 8:6-7).

 

Paul then reminds them of the pattern of sacrificial giving that began with Christ. Paul is not speaking to the Corinthians out of commandment but the sincerity of their love by the diligence of others (2 Corinthians 8:8). Although Jesus was rich, he became poor for our sake so that we can become rich through his poverty (2 Corinthians 8:9). Paul urges the Corinthians to complete what they began with the same zeal they had when they first desired it (2 Corinthians 8:10-11). Their willing mind to receive Christ in the beginning must now bring the work of Christ to completion in their lives (2 Corinthians 8:12). Paul is not calling for those with means to be burdened while those in need are eased, but is calling for equality with those in abundance supplying the lack of those in need (2 Corinthians 8:13-14). This equality is that those gathering much have nothing left over giving so those gathering little have no lack (2 Corinthians 8:15).

 

Using the example of the sacrificial giving of the Macedonians plus the pattern of sacrificial giving by Jesus, Paul begins teaching the Corinthians about giving. During the next three postings on 2 Corinthians, we will be looking in greater detail at what Paul says about giving. We will look at,

 

1. The collection of offerings (2 Corinthians 8:16-24)
2. The administration of gifts given (2 Corinthians 9:1-5)
3. The attitude of giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

 

The subject of giving sacrificially is one many pastors avoid for fear of alienating some in the congregation. Instead, when the subject of giving comes up pastors often emotionally encourage people to give to some cause or need in the Church instead of giving out of love for the Lord. Some Churches teach that one gives expecting a monetary return, treating giving to the Lord as some investment plan with a guaranteed return on investment. Neither of these enticements to give is Biblical for the Bible teaches that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33), not a guarantee of some monetary return on investment. The Bible also teaches that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7) and not one giving out of guilt or through coercion. We are not to give to get something in return because God has already given us the gift of eternal life by his grace (Ephesians 2:8-9) which is the abundant life promised in John 10:10 that Satan attempts to steal by preventing the spreading of the Gospel. .

 

Perhaps you are reading this and have drifted from faith in Jesus and the Church due to someone using guilt or coercion to get you to give. Know that this is not the way it should be for God loves giving from a cheerful and not coerced heart. Therefore, I encourage you to rededicate yourself to the Lord by praying with me. I also encourage anyone reading this who has never prayed for the forgiveness of sins and to make Jesus the Lord of your life to pray,

 

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.

 

For those rededicating their lives to Christ, I encourage you to find a Church that does not use coercion to encourage people to give and instead lets the Lord move on people’s hearts to give. Many Churches today do not even pass the offering plate and encourage people to either give online or in an offering box at the door. May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post. 

A Promise and a Parable

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 16:60-17:21

 

Ezekiel 16:60

 “Nevertheless I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.

(NKJV)

 

The people of Israel have been rebellious and disobedient to their God and will go into exile for their rebellion. However, God has an everlasting covenant with Israel so God will not destroy them for their rebellion. Instead, their Babylonian exile is a form of protective custody till they repent of their sin. Some do not want to follow God’s plan for Israel and instead intend to turn to Egypt for protection but doing so will lead to their destruction. While we may not understand it, following God’s plan is always the best way.

 

After pointing out the wickedness of the people of Jerusalem, God reminds them of His everlasting covenant with them (Ezekiel 16:60). When the people remember their covenant with God, it will make them ashamed and remind them that the Lord is the Lord (Ezekiel 16:61-62). Because of their shame, they will never open their mouth against God again for God will provide an atonement for all the sins the people have done (Ezekiel 16:63).

 

Ezekiel then receives a word from the Lord in the form of a riddle and a parable (Ezekiel 17:1-2). The parable uses the imagery of two great eagles the first of which came to Lebanon, taking from the cedar’s highest branch (Ezekiel 17:3). The eagle took a twig and carried it to a land of trade and then took some of the seed of the land and planted it in a fertile field where it became a spreading vine (Ezekiel 17:4-6). The other great eagle planted its vine on a garden terrace with the intention of it also becoming a majestic vine (Ezekiel 17:7-8). The Lord asks if this second vine will thrive and answers with it withering and pulled up by its roots (Ezekiel 17:9-10).

 

The Lord then gives Ezekiel the interpretation of the parable by reminding them that the king of Babylon (the first great eagle) did come to Jerusalem and took the king and his princes captive to Babylon (Ezekiel 17:11-12). The king of Babylon made a covenant with the king of Jerusalem, placing him under oath and taking the mighty of the land (Ezekiel 17:13). This was to humble the kingdom of Jerusalem so that by keeping the covenant with the king of Babylon, the kingdom of Jerusalem might stand (Ezekiel 17:14). However, the king of Jerusalem did not obey his covenant and oath with the king of Babylon by sending ambassadors to Egypt for help (Ezekiel 17:15).

 

The Lord declares that the king of Jerusalem who despised his covenant with the king of Babylon will surely die with the Pharaoh unable to help with no escape (Ezekiel 17:16-18). The Lord will make the king of Jerusalem pay for his oath-breaking and bring him to Babylon where he will face trial for the treason he committed against God (Ezekiel 17:19-20). Those joining the king in his rebellion will fall by the sword with those remaining scattered to the wind (Ezekiel 17:21).

 

Israel has rebelled against the Lord by turning to and worshipping other gods, but God reminds them of His eternal covenant with them. The consequence of their rebellion will be exile in Babylon as told in Deuteronomy 28:36-37. Ezekiel is not the only prophet sent, warning about exile (Isaiah 5:13; Jeremiah 20:6). However, instead of repenting for their rebellion and returning to the land (Ezekiel 14:6; Isaiah 30:15; Jeremiah 15:19) they plan to turn to Egypt where they will be killed by the sword with those surviving scattered to the wind (Ezekiel 17:21). Salvation comes through repentance and not the power of an earthly army.

 

In John 12:32-33 Jesus said that if  He is lifted up, He will draw all people to Him. Jesus’ last words to His followers were that they bear witness to His resurrection and make disciples of the nations (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20). Unfortunately, the Church has strayed from this mission in many places and now embarks on a marketing plan of broadening its appeal by embracing the ungodly woke culture. This is occurring as Churches accept abortion, gay marriage, and transgenderism, accepting these things instead of speaking out against them for their ungodliness. While this may increase numbers and contributions, it does nothing to lift up Christ or make disciples.

 

In Romans 12:2, Scripture tells believers not to conform to the world but to experience transformation through the renewal of their minds with the word of God. The Church must move from being the Lukewarm church (Revelation 3:14-22) and become like the Church of the Book of Acts that turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). Transformation through God’s Word must happen for revival to come.

 

If you are reading this and have not prayed for the forgiveness of your sins and to make Jesus your Lord, I urge you 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 God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post. 

Joy in Repentance

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 2 Corinthians 7:1-16

 

2 Corinthians 7:9-11

 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. ¹⁰ For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. ¹¹ For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

(NKJV)

 

When we think of repentance, we often picture some public figure having to publicly admit to some wrongdoing leading to public ridicule, shame, loss of position and respect. There may also be financial repercussions for their actions. This is an example of worldly sorrow leading to death, in this case, death of position, esteem, and respect. However, the repentance of the Corinthians was not worldly repentance but Godly repentance leading to salvation and eternal life without regret (2 Corinthians 7:10). There is joy in Godly repentance.

 

Paul begins this text by expressing the desire of his heart, that the Corinthians would cleanse themselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). He then urges them to open their hearts to himself and those ministering with him, reminding them that they have not wronged, corrupted, or cheated anyone (2 Corinthians 7:2). It is not their desire to condemn the Corinthians, but to minister with them in life or death (2 Corinthians 7:3). Paul is bold in his speech to the Corinthians, boasting on their behalf, and filled with comfort and exceedingly joyful in all tribulation with them (2 Corinthians 7:4).

 

After leaving Corinth for Macedonia, Paul was weary and troubled all around confessing to some fear in his heart but found comfort and consolation from Titus at his message after he visited Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:5-7). Paul regretted that his first letter caused sorrow but perceived their sorrow would only last for a while (2 Corinthians 7:8). After word came to Paul from Titus, he realized the sorrow of the Corinthians was not a worldly sorrow, but Godly sorrow leading to repentance and great joy (2 Corinthians 7:9-11). Paul’s purpose in writing to the Corinthians was not to condemn the wrongdoer or comfort those wronged, but to demonstrate his concern and care for them in the sight of God (2 Corinthians 7:12).

 

Paul and those ministering with him have been comforted and rejoiced exceedingly because the spirit of Titus was refreshed by his visit with the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:13). Paul has no shame because his boasting to Titus of the Corinthians was found truthful (2 Corinthians 7:14). Titus has greater affection for the Corinthians after his visit causing Paul to rejoice that he had confidence in the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 7:15-16).

 

Paul was unable to visit the troubled Church in Corinth and out of his heartfelt concern for them, sent Titus to check on their welfare. Paul feared his letter would be viewed as him condemning them and not his concern for them (2 Corinthians 7:3). Titus has returned from Corinth with a good report of the Godly repentance of the Corinthians, bringing joy to both Paul and Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6-7). Paul’s letter to the Corinthians brought sorrow as he feared but received comfort when he heard it caused Godly sorrow leading to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Paul now has confidence in the Corinthians in everything (2 Corinthians 7:16).

 

Repentance is the gateway to salvation which brings joy and reconciliation with God. Unfortunately, the pridefulness of the world can keep one from the humility of repentance, contributing to their failure to receive salvation, and not experiencing God’s grace (Proverbs 16:18). All humanity has sinned and lives under the death penalty for that sin but have the gift of eternal life if they choose to accept it (John 3:16; Romans 3:23, 6:23). Paul’s joy over the status of the Church in Corinth was based on their having Godly sorrow leading to humbly repenting of their sins, receiving salvation and reconciliation with God. A world falling deeper into sin and depravity needs the Church to speak out against their sin, not to condemn, but to produce Godly sorrow leading to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Unfortunately, far too many Churches have become lukewarm and need heating up by the fire of the Holy Spirit through,

 

1. Repenting of lukewarmness and failure to focus on the mission of the Church (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20).
2. Praying for empowerment by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Acts 2).
3. Standing up to and not running from opposition (Acts 4:13-31, 5:40-42).

 

If you are reading this and want to receive the gift of eternal life from God through repentance and salvation, 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, and may everyone experience the joy of Godly repentance. 

Exceedingly Wicked

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Ezekiel 16:44-59

 

Matthew 9:37-38

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. ³⁸ Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

(NKJV)

 

Last week I took my son to have a medical procedure done. It was standing room only in the waiting room with many there for the same procedure indicating there might be a problem. At the root of the issue was there was only one doctor there that could do the procedure and he was only there at that office on Fridays, visiting other offices during the other days of the week. Thankfully, my son was able to have his procedure done and is doing fine but this illustrates the shortage of workers prevalent in many industries today. Jesus observed a similar shortage of harvesters to bring in the harvest of souls needing salvation in Matthew 9:37-38 and why we must continue to pray for revival in the Church and a return to the mission of the Church (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20)

 

The text for this posting begins with saying that everyone who quotes proverbs will use the proverb that says like mother like daughter against the people of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 16:44). The text continues by telling them they are their mother’s daughter, loathing their husband and children, the sister of their sisters who loathed their husbands and children. It tells the people of Jerusalem that their mother was a Hittite and their father an Amorite (Ezekiel 16:45).

 

The text compares the people of Jerusalem with Samaria, their elder sister, and Sodom their younger sister (Ezekiel 16:46). The text tells them that they did not walk or act in accordance with the ways of their sisters but were more corrupt in their ways and actions (Ezekiel 16:47). This is not a commendation for the people of Jerusalem but condemnation because they have done worse (Ezekiel 16:48). Sodom was full of pride, full of food, with an abundance of idleness, who never sought to strengthen the poor (Ezekiel 16:49). Sodom was haughty and committed abomination before the Lord, so the Lord took them away (Ezekiel 16:50; Genesis 19:12-29).

 

As for Samaria, they did not commit half of the sins of the people of Jerusalem with the people of Jerusalem multiplying their abominations, justifying their sisters with their abominations (Ezekiel 16:51-52). When God brings back the captives of Sodom and Samaria, he will also bring back the captives of Jerusalem so they can bear their shame along with Sodom and Samaria (Ezekiel 16:53-54). Jerusalem will return to its former state when Sodom and Samaria returning to their former state (Ezekiel 16:55). Sodom was not a byword in the mouth of the people of Jerusalem during the commission of their abominations (Ezekiel 16:56). The former state, before the uncovering of the wickedness of the people of Jerusalem was like the time of the reproach of Syria and the Philistines who despised Jerusalem (Ezekiel 16:57). The people of Jerusalem have paid for the lewdness of their abominations because they have despised the oath and broke their covenant with the Lord (Ezekiel 16:58-59).  

 

The Lord wants to illustrate the vileness of the sins of Jerusalem by comparing them to Samaria and Sodom. However, even though the sins of Sodom (Genesis 19:1-11) and Samaria (1 Kings 16:31-32) were vile, they pale in comparison to the even greater vileness of the sins of Jerusalem, who broke their oath and covenant with God (Exodus 24:3; Ezekiel 16:59). God compares Jerusalem to Sodom, a city they would have heard about from their youth in the Tora and the wicked northern tribes who separated from Israel and set up their capitol of worship in Samaria to worship Baal (1 Kings 16:31-32). While the people of Samaria are descendants of Israel and made the same oath to obey God, the people of Jerusalem are worshipping Baal in the City of Jerusalem, the city where God dwells in the Temple and where the ark is (Zechariah 8:3).

 

The Church has a clearly stated commission from God (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19-20) with the success of the early Church demonstrating its commitment to fulfilling that mission (Acts 17:6). Unfortunately, many churches today resemble the lukewarm Church at Laodicea which made Jesus sick (Revelation 3:14-22). Many modern Churches no longer speak out against vile sins in society like abortion and homosexuality out of fear of losing members and contributors. The theology of many modern Churches is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ but instead, a prosperity gospel teaching that one living by faith in Jesus Christ will have prosperity and a life free of trouble going against what Jesus said in John 16:33.

 

With modern technology, the Bible has never been easier to find, and its truth is more available than ever. The Church of today that claims to teach the Bible while using God’s grace to compromise with the world and its sin is guilty of the abominable sin of knowing the truth and going against it. They are no different from the people of Jerusalem who went into the Temple of God and worshiped Baal. Even though there are numerous Churches today, the few Churches declaring the truth of God’s Word indicate the lack of workers for the harvest (Matthew 9:37-38). Oh, Lord, bring an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and revival to the Church today to bring in the harvest of souls perishing in their sins.

 

If you are reading this post and have not yet prayed for God to forgive your sins and to confess Him as Lord of your life, I invite you 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 God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.