16˝Therefore say: ‘This is wh...

16"Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.’

17"Therefore say: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.’

- P26

God’s judgment over Jerusalem’s wicked leaders has begun: one of them falls dead as Ezekiel prophesies. However, even in the midst of judgment, hope is not lost. In fact, hope is only just beginning. The Lord promises the return of the exiles, and even more, the eradication of their sinful ways. This act of returning and repenting will prepare the way for a new heart-a heart that longs to walk in the ways of God. This promise was indeed fulfilled for the remnant of Israel, but its full meaning is realized today in the heart of every Christian. - P28

Though we were scattered in rebellion against God, the Lord called, gathered, and redeemed us through the grace of Jesus Christ. And now, we have new hearts which long to live for Him. - P28

20Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

21But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord."

- P27

Father, I thank you for lavishing Your perfect love on me every moment of my life. Move my heart to celebrate the fact that You are always by my side as my faithful Father. Let this awaken joy every season of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P29

5Then the Spirit of the Lord ...

5Then the Spirit of the Lord came on me, and he told me to say: "This is what the Lord says: That is what you are saying, you leaders in Israel, but I know what is going through your mind.

6You have killed many people in this city and filled its streets with the dead. - P22

9I will drive you out of the city and deliver you into the hands of foreigners and inflict punishment on you.

10You will fall by the sword, and I will execute judgment on you at the borders of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord.
- P23

The Spirit brings Ezekiel to the east gate, where twenty-five men, includingJaazaniah and Pelatiah, give wicked advice. The Lord condemns them forshedding blood and making the city a pot full of death. Ezekiel prophesiesthat they will fall by the sword and be judged at Israel‘s border. - P23

knows all that is in front of me and is aware of all the things I cannot see. Help my unbelief so that I may believe that You are working all things for my ultimate good. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P25

[오늘의 한문장] 리빙라이프 Living Life 2025.7 (영문판)

Lord Jesus, if it were not for Your great grace and abundant mercy, we would all be marked for judgment. Knowing this, I pray for a lost and sinful world, that those who are bound in the chains of sin might be set free. In Your name, amen. - P149

24 I will bring the most wick...

24
I will bring the most wicked of nations to take possession of their houses. I will put an end to the pride of the mighty, and their sanctuaries will be desecrated.
25
When terror comes, they will seek peace in vain. - P137

26Calamity upon calamity will come, and rumor upon rumor. They will go searching for a vision from the prophet, priestly instruction in the law will cease, the counsel of the elders will come to an end.

27The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them. "‘Then they will know that I am the Lord.’"

- P137

Though the Israelites blow the trumpet, not one will go into battle. They willdie by the sword or be devoured by famine and plague. The people‘s prideand idolatry has led to their ruin.  - P137

The Lord will deal with them according totheir conduct, and He will judge them by their own standards. Then they willknow He is the Lord. - P137

Ezekiel describes a real-life horror story in these verses. Paralyzed by terror,
the people will be unable to resist the coming judgment of the Babylonians.
Due to extreme fear and loss of bladder control, the people will be coveredin urine and shame. The wealth on which they once relied will becomeworthless, unable to save them from the coming calamity.  - P138

Scripture oftendescribes judgment as coming suddenly upon a heedless people. Had theIsraelites listened to the warnings of the prophets, judgment might havebeen averted. However, they allowed their prosperity to lull them into afalse sense of security and they continued in their idolatry.  - P138

It is easy to livein our status quo as if it was all there is and all that will ever be. However,
God calls us to live in the light of eternity. When speaking of His return,
Christ warns us, "Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that timewill come" (Mark 13:33). - P138

Dear Jesus, we know it grieves Your heart to see evil prevail in our cities.
Share Your heart with us so that we may pray against the things that breakYour heart. In Your name, amen. - P139

[오늘의 한문장] 리빙라이프 Living Life 2025.7 (영문판)

Dear God, even though I am imperfect, You have chosen me to shine Your light tothose around me. May I never take Your grace for granted. Help me to remain focusedon You, and empower me to be holy as You are holy. In Jesus‘ name I pray, amen. - P125