Ezekiel 33:11 - “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?”

The prophet Ezekiel resided among the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the sixth century BC. His home was located in a settlement called Tel-Abib, situated along the river Chebar. In 597 BC, the Babylonians invaded Judah and brought about ten thousand Jews to Tel-Abib, including Ezekiel and the last king of Judah, Jehoiachin.

As a prophet, Ezekiel began to deliver his divine messages to the people of Judah and the exiles in Babylon, conveying the word of God with clarity and conviction.

Like all the prophets, he also provided his people, now without a land of their own, some hope for the future (33:1–48:35).

In addition, the book provides a vision of the future millennial kingdom, which complements and enhances the vision of other Old and New Testament texts.

Ezekiel not only presents a vivid picture of the resurrection and restoration of God's people but also offers readers an image of the reconstructed temple in Jerusalem. This temple is complete with the return of God's glory to His dwelling place, as described in chapters 40:1-48:35.

This latter section of Ezekiel’s prophecy looks forward to the people’s worship after Christ’s return in the end times when He will rule Israel and the nations from His throne in Jerusalem during His thousand-year reign.

The primary purpose of God's exile of the Israelites was not to punish them. God has never been and is not interested in punishment just for the sake of punishment. Instead, in Ezekiel's day, God intended the punishment or judgment to serve a higher purpose - to lead His people to repentance and humility before the one true God.

The Israelites had been living in sin and rebellion for a long time, relying on their strength and that of their neighboring nations. They had become so confident that they needed God to remind them of His holy nature and humble identity powerfully and dramatically.

During difficult times, we may question why things are happening and wait for answers silently. The book of Ezekiel teaches us to seek the Lord, reflect on our own lives, and align ourselves with the one true God. Let us be inspired to turn to God in times of darkness and find hope in His guidance.

Our prayer for today:

Dear God, how many times must we learn to abide in You to avoid suffering the consequences of our sins? We have been told lies by our enemies that you take pleasure when we suffer. It is comforting to know that Your intention was pure - there is no reason for us to suffer but only to return and be faithful to You always. In Christ’s name. Amen!