Take responsibility of a human being

Luke 3:23-38
Jesus began his ministry was about thirty years old.
The genealogy of Jesus Christ is from son of Joseph... up to Adam,the son of God.
Why?
Once again proclaim Jesus is the son of God, who came to save people from the sins.
Thirsty is the mature age to speak the laws in Jewish society.
Even Jesus is son of God, he lived at his home of the world with his responsibility.
How?
Everyone shall take his responsibility in this world - do the right things as God told us.

Jesus is son of the Lord

Luke 3:15-22
John reply to people he is not the Christ.
John said I baptize you with water, but the coming one he is mightier than I, but he baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
When Jesus was baptized by John, the heavens were opened, and the Holy spirit descend on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
Why?
This story confirmed Jesus is came from heaven through the environment signatures and evidences.
John completed his mission with preaching good news, repentance to people and suffering by himself. John proclaimed judgement, but Jesus is the Lord of judgement.
Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, more power than John.
How?
Jesus is the Lord, He is the son of God. This is the gift of God, he who accept Jesus is the blessed one.

Love: share I have with others who does have

Luke 3:1-14
John went into the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Prepare the way of the Lord. Every vally, every mountain, ... be made low, straight, filled.  All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
John teaches the detail instructions of living.
Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.
Tax collectors: Collect no more than you are authorized to do.
Soliders: Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.
Why?
Baptism is not a ceremony only but has proclaiming target.
Anyone have authority is given from the Lord, so do not over the authority to do the work.
John was prepared the way for Jesus Christ, let many people accept baptism of repantance for the forgiveness of sins.
How?
Share what I have with who has none. It is not easy, I shall do as my best to share what I have.

In favor of God and man

Luke 2:40-52
The child Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
The boy Jesus went to Jerusalem  with his parent, but he stayed in Temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
Jesus answered his mother, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house（I must be about my Father's business?）?" Boy Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them.
Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Why?
The time of Jesus have not come, so he submissive to his parent in the world.
Jesus grew up with wisdom for favor of God was upon him.
Boy Jesus already have known the words of God, for he is the God.
Boy Jesus mentioned one thing that is his mission in this world - I must be about my father's business.
I must honor the name of God by good witness in my any business in the world that God gives me.
How?
What is my business in this world? Make each matter in favor of God and man.

Jesus is a light for revelation to the gentiles

Luke 2:25-39
Simeon, a man in Jerusalem, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Simeon took baby Jesus up in his arms and blessed God and said he is a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to his people Israel.
Another prophetess, Anna, she coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who ere waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Why?
Simeon prophecies the life of Jesus and many people will fall and raising because of him, and Mary will sad for these.
Simeon and Anna proved that Jesus is came as the savior of Israel and gentile.
There was a charity policy to take care widows in temple, so she usually comes to temple.
Jesus is the light of this world, we are the so of light, so we shell walk on the way of righteous and right way of God. Christian is an honer, we are blessed and may blesses others through Jesus Christ.
How?
Praise the Lord, I am the son of light.

Jesus is the Lord

Luke 2:15-24
Shephers went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and they baby lying in a manger. When they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
At the eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Jesus presented at the Temple for offer a sacrifice. He is the first born in Joseph's home.
Why?
Mary and Joseph follow the Law of the Lord to purify themselves.
Mary knew what she born is, she pondered what the shephers said about this child. She treasured these things. This is unusual thing.
How?
Jesus is the Lord, who came down to the world in flesh to erase our sins.

Jesus Christ a savior has been born to you today

Luke 2:1-14
Jesus was born in manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. A humble king born in a small town without cheer, and honor, even no place to be be born.
Shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is the Christ the Lord.
"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger." Angel told to shepherds.
A group of angels praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Bethlehem, 9km/6 miles south of Jerusalem and 110km/70 miles south of Nazareth, was the home of Ruth and Boaz and later the birthplace of King David. But for Jesus there was no special guest-room in the town.
Why?
Baby let people easy to come closer.
Terrified by the glory of the Lord, but point is the message, it is not the messenger.
Jesus, his cradle was the manger which served the beasts of some householder who took pity on the shelterless couple in their obvious need.
So God' deliverer, 'the Messiah, the Lord's is born.
Angles identified the this baby is the Christ Lord, and gave the sign to those shepherds and to us.
How?
Great good news that our savior Christ has been born, praise to the Lord.

The rising sun will come to us from heaven

Luke 1:57-80
After John was born, Zechariah agreed his son's name is John. Immediately his mouth was opened ad his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God.
His father Zechariah's was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.
You my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.
Because of the tender of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven.
Prophetic song make a deep impression on the people around. Great things are now expected of John.
Why?
Both John and Jesus were 'honed' for their ministry.
The desert had long been associated with prophetic inspiration. In John's time, the Essene community had its base in the Judea desert close to the northern end of the Dead sea.
God's word are fulfilled in Zechariah and Elizabeth.
John will be a prophet of the Lord and prepare the way for him. His missionary is announce by his father with Holy Spirit.
God's love is like the rising sun come to us, the light shines on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. How wonderful of God's love.
How?
Praise the Lord for his love and his Almighty power and his faithfulness.

Nothing will be impossible with God

Luke 1:26-56
Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. angel said to Mary.
For nothing will be impossible with God.
Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoice in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
Jesus: God savior
Why?
Holy Spirit help the Lord created the world, then Holy Spirit created the flesh of God in virgin.
There are six Mary in New testaments.
The reaction of Mary is different as Elizabeth.
How?
Yes, There is nothing impossible to the Lord, trust in Him, blessed is coming. The blessing doesn't mean rich, but it is peace and joy with us.

In the spirit and power of Elijah

Luke 1:1-25
Zechariah and his wife were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statues of the Lord.
Elizabeth will bear Zechariah a son, and you call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth.
John will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God,and 1)go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 2)to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and 3)the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to 4)make ready for the Lord a people prepared. The mission of student of Daniel College: Persistence, love, wisdom and teaching(or witness).
Zechariah said to the angel,"How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." The angel answered him " behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time."
He will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.
Why?
Righteous man is walking blamelessly in all the commandments of the Lord.
The Lord can do anything beyond the human being can understand. Beyond our age, when the Lord does great things. To be His servant has not limitation in age.
The mission of John is our mission also to preach gospel to people.
John: God is full of grace.
John has strength form the Holy Spirit, his strength is not from wine or flesh.
Only God can give us the joy and gladness.
How?
Serve the Lord is not limited by the age but with the power of Holy Spirit. Do no frustrate or look down our service before the Lord. He is my Master, my king, when the Lord permitted who can stop it.

Ready for good work

Titus 3:1-15
Be ready for every good work.
Submission to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.
Good Work: these things are excellent and profitable for people.
Avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
The goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
For a person who stirs up division, after warning twice, have nothing more to do with him.
Why?
We shall do goodness to others, not because of what are profitable to us, but for the Lord has loved us.
Excellent and profitable for people: above the good things and it is benefit to others. It is help people lives better with peace and joy.
Treat evil doer, have mercy and warning to them, but have nothing more to do with them when they won't change there behavior.
Wash of regeneration: The new life born is come through the mercy of God, savior of Jesus Christ and the renewal of Holy Spirit. It is not just the water washing.
How?
Be ready to do every good work. If it is profitable to others, I should do it. If it doesn't prohibit it.

Slef-controlled behave

Titus 2:1-15
Paul has a word for older men and women and younger ones. Titus himself must set the example .
Those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Teach older man, older women and encourage the young men to be self-controlled....
Slaves must try to please, not answer back or steal from their masters.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Do not let anyone despise you.
Why?
The way Christians behave can discredit, or reinforce, the Christian message. Paul's instructions throw no flattering light on the Cretan temperament. They were a naturally belligerent, argumentative people, uncontrolled, resentful of authority and partial to the bottle! But the Christian life calls for discipline, obedience and respect for others.
Christian should live like Christ, who is an example to us. Let other respect Christian and like to follow Christ.
How?
Live out the glory of the Lord and let the name of God be exalted. Self-controlled is needed.

To the pure, all things are pure

Titus 1:10-16
There are many rebellious people in Crete, who are talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.
Rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth.
To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.
Crete was probably one of the first places to hear the christian gospel. There were Jews from Crete in the crowd that listened to Peter on the Day of Pentecost. But the message fell on rough ground. The Cretans were such habitual liars.
The requirement that any leader of the church must hold firm to 'the trustworthy message' leads straight into a description of those who flout this.
Jewish myths: pointless speculations based on the Old Testament.
Why?
Titus is not mentioned in Acts, but it is clear from the Letters that he was one of Paul's trusted inner circle.
The truth is not corrupted mind, no deceiver.
The action to the deceiver and talkers is rebuke them sharply. They said they are Christian but their action deny the Christ.
New Testament and Old Testament both are importance, the Lord is the same from the beginning to now and to ever. Don't focus on Old history, but to the truth and important message to out life.
How?
Keep my mind in pure, then my action be pure and has faith in God.

Blameless person

Titus 1:1-9
Grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ our Savior.
Paul is a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness-  in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.
An elder criteria : 1)must be blameless, 2)faithful to his wife, 3)a man whose children believe and 4)are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.
Definition of Blameless—A)not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather,B) he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. C)He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute反駁 those who oppose it.
Titus, Paul's true son in their common faith.
Why?
Paul is the real servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ.
Paul reminded Titus the important of elder in church. He muse be blameless.
Because the elder manager God's household. The manger is good then this church could be firmed. It can prevent from the attack of evil one.
How?
Am I blameless? Do I passed the criteria of the elder, to be a servant of God? Not yet, I need to pursue it. Not overbearing任性.

The Lord is There

Ezekiel 48:1-35
The division of the land from north is Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, Judah. Other tribes from east to the west side are Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, Gad.
The special portion you are to offer to the Lord will be 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide. This will be special portion for the priest.
Alongside the territory of the priest, the Levites will have an allotment 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide. They must not sell or exchange any of it.
The remaining area, 500 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, will be for the common use of the city, for houses and for pastureland. The city will be in the center of it.
The name of the city from that time on will be "The Lord is There"

Living water to the man who is dead in sin

Ezekiel 47:1-23

Water coming out from south of the altar toward the east.

As a man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand. He measured off a thousand cubits and then led Ezekiel through water that was ankle-deep. Then each time he measure thousand cubits the water raised from knee-deep, waist height, then was a river Ezekiel could not cross.

Great number of tree on each side of the river, and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead sea, the salty water there becomes fresh, where everything will live.

Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary.

But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. There are not fill of the holy spirit – water.

The boundary of Israel 12 tribes, two portion for Joseph.

In whatever tribe a foreigner resides, there you are to give them their inheritance, declares the Sovereign Lord.

Dead sea: A man shall dead in sin, then he may alive in God.

One thousand cubits: total 4000 cubits. Numbers 35:4 “The pasturelands around the towns that you give the Levites will extend a thousand cubits[a]from the town wall. 你們給利未人的郊野，要從城根起，四圍往外量一千肘。

Why?

Holy water comes out from Altar in the temple with the power of life and healing. It is more and more raise become a river. As a man’s life gradually full of Holy Spirit, then he will bear fruit and green leave forever.

But the one who does not fill with the Holy Spirit will be unchanged salty land, without fruit and not living animal there, it is a dead man.

How?

Through Jesus Chris God gives us the living water, one who receives it will have the eternal life in the heaven and in whole life in this world. Ask the Lord give me the living water every day.

Go out straight ahead

Ezekiel 45:18-46:24
East gate of inner court shall be shut on the six working days, but on the Sabbath day and the day of new moon shall be opened. The prince shall enter by the vestibule of the gate from outside and take his stand by the post of the gate. He shall go out by the same way.
People of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, he who enters by the north gate to worship shall go out by the south gate, and he who enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate; no one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered.
When they enter, the prince shall enter with them, and when they go out, he shall go out. He shall go out straight ahead.
Prince inheritance shall belong to his sons. The prince shall not take any of the inheritance of the people.
Why?
Prince and people have different way and gate to enter and go out. So as leader and fellow have different responsibility to bear and their way of life. God gives prince the one gate and privilege gate to enter sanctuary.
The inheritance of prince always belong to son of prince, so as the inheritance of people belong to people. Prince shall not take any inheritance of his people. This is the society of just and righteousness.
How?
Everyone has his own responsibility before the Lord, take our responsibility and do the right thing, God's blessing will come upon us. Go out straight ahead!

Execute justice and righteousness

Ezekiel 45:1-17
Set the holy district to the Lord in inheritance of Israel, 25,000 by 20,000 cubit broad. A square plot of 500 by 500 cubit be for the sanctuary with 50 cubits for an open space around it.
One section 25,000 by 10,000 cubits shall be the holy portion of the land for the priest who minister in the sancutary and approach the Lord to miister to him. Another section 25,000 by 10,000 cubits shall be for the Levites who minister at the temple (20 chambers).
Alongside the portion st apart as the holy district you shall assign for the property of the city as are 500 by 25,000 cubits long. It shall belong to the whole house of Israel.
The prince shall belong the land on both sides of the holy district and the property of the city, on the west and on the east, corresponding in length to one of the tribal portions, and extending from the western to the eastern boundary.
My princes shall not more oppress my people, but they shall let the house of Israel have the land according to their tribes.
Enough, O' princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and execute justice and righteousness. Cease your evictions(趕出)of my people.
Why?
The Lord declares the rules to Israel and his princes.
Execute justice and righteousness are make just balances, a just ephah. Honest trading among people.
The problem in Taiwan and this world are many people trade with cheating and forged merchandise.
How?
Execute the righteous and justice in my business. Show the light of Jusus Christ to others.

Priest and his duties

Ezekiel 44:1-31
Levites can't not serve in the sanctuary before the Lord for they have to bear their consequences of their sin.
The priests, who are Levites and descendants of Zadok and who faithfully carried out the duties of the sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from God. They alone are to enter God's sanctuary before God ad perform the service.
The priests are to serve as judges and decide it according to my ordinances.
Why?
The Lord let his servant who keep his duties of the sanctuary and regulation serve Him. It is not all Levites but the one who follow his commands.
It is still envisaged in earthly terms: there is still a Temple and sacrifices; the people of God are synonymous with Israel, the laws continue, so does death, so does the need for a sin-offering.
Minister or pastor, elder is the priest in these generation, who serve the Lord and earn from brothers offering in church. They have their duties have to serve the Lord and serve as judges and obey the command of the Lord.
How?
Am I a priest now? A part time priest? Not really, May my life could be used for the Lord and glory his holy name. It could be done in my daily life.

The Blood of Jesus Christ make atonement for our sin

Ezekiel 43:1-27
God said to Ezekiel that if Israelite are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the temple - its arrangement, its exits and entrances - its whole design and all its regulations and laws.
These will be the regulations for sacrificing burnt offerings and sprinkling blood upon the altar when it is built: a young bull as a sin offering, second day a male goat for a sin offering, a young bull and a ram with sprinkle salt on them by priests for burnt offering. For seven days provide a male goat daily for sin offering, a young bull and a ram to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it.
The Glory return to the Temple from east gate of Temple.
Why?
Sacrificing need the blood to make atonement.
The Lord explained why let Ezekiel knew the detail design of the Temple, God want his people follow his regulations to do it. Then the glory of the Lord will dwell in it forever - the holy place.
When God returns in all his glory it is to live for ever in a Temple and among a priesthood and people cleansed from evil.
Everything is perfect. This is the ideal. Yet it is not as far-reaching as the vision in Revelation.
How?
Thanks Jesus Christ his blood erased our sin, the holy spirit may live with us, God's mercy come upon us and we may pray to the Lord through Jesus name.

Separate the Holy from the common

Ezekiel 42:1-20
The north and south rooms facing the temple courtyard are the priests' rooms, where the priests who approach the Lord will eat the most holy offerings - the grain offerings, the sin offerings and the guile offerings.
Five hundred cubits long and five hundred cubits wide, to separate the holy from the common.
Gallery faced gallery at the three levels.
Five hundred cubits = 228.6meters
Why?
Holy life have to separate from the common. Really far away of 500 cubits from the common in physical space.
How?
We are living in this world that full of sins and evil. How can we live holy in this world?  Keep our heart away from the common and focus on the words of the Lord. Dear Lord, please bless my heart, my mind and my strength to serve you.

The Most Holy Place

Ezekiel 40:48~41:26
Angel has shown Ezekiel the inner sanctuary, it is "the Most Holy Place".
The structure surrounding the temple was built in ascending stages, so that the rooms widened as one went upward.
On the walls at regular intervals all around the inner ad outer sanctuary were carved cherubim and palm trees. Each cherubim had two faces: the face of a man toward the palm tree on one side and the face of a lion toward the palm tree on the other.

Why?
These Chapters were written some years after the rest, in 573BC. Ezekiel began with a vision of god in the pains of Babylon. It ends with a vision of God returning in glory to a new Temple - God in the midst of his people once again never to depart.
Faces of a man and a lion, seems like characters of Jesus Christ who is the king of kings and is a real man came to this earth.
How?
Jesus Christ is the Lord!

New Temple

Ezekiel 40:1-47

Ezekiel saw an angel standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand.

There was a wall surrounding the temple area.

The faces of the projecting walls were decorated with palm trees.

The outer court, north gate, south gate, inner court.

It was not the old Jerusalem, but a structure like a city that he saw. It i true that the new Temple follows much the same layout as Solomon's Temple, and is all set out for the sacrifices.

Why?

Showed a new temple to God’s People.

Our body are the temple of the Lord.

How?

Take care our health and make me holy as take care of the temple of God.

You shall know

Ezekiel 39:21-29
The nations shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity.
God will be jealous from his holy name.
They shall know that I am the Lord their God, because I sent them into exile among the nations and then assembled them into their own land.
I will not hide my face anymore from them, when I pour out my Spirit upon the house of Israel.
Why?
What shall we know? knowing the consequences? Knowing the Lord Almighty? Knowing what I have done is right or wrong?
When we turned to the Lord, accept the Jesus Christ as my savior, God's holy spirit poured upon me, then God's face won't hide from me. How wonderful it is.
How?
I shall know that I have to face my consequence at that day, so be ware about what my mind, my behavior and my way is walking on the way of the Lord.

The Holy One in Israel is the Lord

Ezekiel 39:1-20
Prophesy against Gog, they shall fall on the mountains of Israel and be buried in the land, Valley of Hamon-gog.
God's holy name God will make known in the midst of his people Israel, and God will not let his holy name be profaned anymore.
The nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel.
Why?
There is not one and not nation can exist forever in the world. They raised up and fell down. Over and over happen again in history of human being.
God shall let all nations know his Holy name. God's name shall not be profaned anymore.
How?
God is working until now, so we have to work to keep our land clean and holy.

God is the Sovereign Lord

Ezekiel 38:1-23
When Gog attack the land of Israel, my hot anger will be aroused. I will summon a sword against God on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign Lord.
Magog, Meshech, Tubal and Gomer were all sons of Japheth(Noah's son). They gave their names to Indo-European peoples living in the Black Sea/Caucasus region, on the northern fringe of the then-known world.
Ezekiel pictures an invasion of these barbaric hordes from the north, led by the unidentified Gog, who may personify the cosmic forces of evil.
Allied with armies from far and near (Persia, Sudan and North Africa, he will wage war on the Lord's people.
And God will demonstrate his power in the sight of all by taking on all the forces of evil single handed, and destroying them once and for all.
'God' is responsible for the plan, but the Lord's hand is always in control.
Why?
The Lord is control all his plan to judge his people for their sin and used other nations as his sword, but for their evil, they will downfall under God's plan.
How?
Trust in the Lord, for his love endure forever. When we have faith in Him, then we may have peace in this world.

Everlasting covenant be made through Jesus Christ

Ezekiel 37:15-28
God will unite Judah and Israel into one nation in the hand, on the mountains of Israel.
David God's servant will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd.
God makes a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant.
They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses.
Israel will be remade and live again. The two warring kingdoms will become one nation under one king - a new David.
Why?
The promise to the exiles merges into the full blessing of the future golden age.
The return is only a foretaste of all God has in store for his people.
Hold two sticks end to end in your hand so that they look like one stick.
David, the ideal, messianic king, who will rule for ever in peace and righteousness.
Jesus Christ built a new everlasting nation with everlasting covenant- repent from your sin and turn to Jesus, believe Jesus is the son of God, accept Jesus as your king, then this covenant will be built in your heart. This is the everlasting covenant God made for us.
God hopes us unite into one in present of Him, with love and peace.
How?
Unite us with the Lord through Jesus Christ, this is the gift of the Lord to us when we celebrate the season of Christmas.

Only the sovereign Lord can give dead people new life

Ezekiel 37:1-14
Son of man, can these bones live? Ezekiel said, "O Sovereign Lord, you alone know."
After ten years in exile, and with Jerusalem destroyed, the people have given up hope. Not all Ezekiel's promises of restoration can raise a spark in his hearers. The nation is dead. But God can take even skeletons and make them into a living army.
Ezekiel plays his part by making God's word known, but it is the Spirit of God who gives life.
Israel will be remade and live again.
Why?
Only God let dry bone be remade and live again.
The nation is dead, so as like this world, and Taiwan. But the Lord can make them into a living kingdom.
For they has lost their hope, they are cut off. So the Lord give them the hope through Ezekiel's prophesy.
Dead is not physical dead, but also spiritual, mind lost and separated from God.
How?
Only the sovereign Lord can give dead people new life. God alone knows the future.

From heart of stone to heart of flesh

Ezekiel 36:16-38
It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am going to do these thing, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone.
The nations will know that I am the Lord, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes, declares the Sovereign Lord.
Remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
I will give my spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.
God tells the desolate land it will soon be inhabited. His people are coming home. Israel's defeat has made people despise the God of Israel as powerless. Their return will vindicate his honour. The nations will know, and God's people will know, that he is the Lord.
Why?
The savior came is for the sake of the Holy name, but not for our sake. Be humble before the Lord, I am shame as the Israelite.
Honor the name of God through us around me, this is the purpose of my living in this world.
When I turned to the Lord, my heart moved from heart of stone to heart of flesh.
When the spirit of the Lord is in me, then I will follow the decrees of the Lord.
My God is a faithful God. Only Holy Spirit can help us to do it.
The total transformation of a 'new heart is realized only 'in Christ'. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Ezekiel was thinking of something far more complex than a heart transplant: the heart, in Jewish thought, stood for the whole personality, the essential person.
How?
Keep my heart follow the decrees of the Lord, focus my eyes on the Lord Almighty, trust in the Sovereign Lord.

Prosper more than before

Ezekiel 36:1-15
I swear with uplifted hand that the nations around you will also suffer scorn.
Mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel. You will soon come home.
Look on you with favor
Make you prosper more than before.
Why?
After the judgement to the Israel, God's mercy will come to Israel again.
There is hopt to Israelites.
How?
All my way is under the Lord all mighty. He is my God.

The Lord is judge and discipline he loved one.

Ezekiel 35:1-15
Face against Mount Seir, God will make Seir a perpetual永久 desolation and a waste.
Because you did not hate bloodshed, there blood shall pursue you.
As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you; you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they will know that I am the Lord.
Why?
God let the enemy of Israel know he is the Lord.
All nations did against Israel when they were in calamity, so the anger of God comes on them.
Rejoice with who is happy, but not with the people under desolation.
Judge is the role of the Lord, we hate the evildoer but we should have mercy to everyone, pity for the one who doesn't know the truth and the Lord.
Edom killed the escaped people of Israel when their country was destroyed by Babylonian.
Mountain Seir is the nation of Edom.
Perpetual desolation is very severe punishment.
How?
Plant righteous seed gets the righteousness, plant hate seed gets desolation. The Lord is judge and discipline he loved one.

Good shepherd feeds his sheep in love and justice

Ezekiel 34:11-31
The Lord will be a shepherd of his sheep, and will make them lie down, seek the lost, bring back the strayed...He will feed them in justice.
God will judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and male goats, between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.
God will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. My servant David shall be prince among them.  --- Jesus Christ
You are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord God. They shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid.
 Why?
Covenant of peace is the new covenant. Here it gives the light and hope to Israelites.
The Lord has mercy to his people, even they were suffering in stress and pain, God will seek them back, for their leader, shepherds led them astray.
God will judge the sheep also, the bad sheep who toke advantage of other sheep.
Messiah is the Jesus Christ will come to save those sheep, God's people.
A good shepherd feed his sheep in love and justice. So as to be a minister and leader in a church.
How?
I am a sheep in God's pasture, He is my shepherd. Knowing the Lord is the best thing in this world.  Good shepherd feeds his sheep in love and justice, not love only.

Should not shepherds take care of the flock?

Ezekiel 34:1-10
Should not shepherds take care of the flock?
My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.
I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock.
Why?
When I am a minister of church, then I am a shepherd of the flock, I should take care of the flock. When I am not a minister of a church, I am a servant of the Lord, I should do the right things and good witness among the people.
Both shepherds and sheep come in for condemnation. They have greedily, cruelly, selfishly exploited those committed to their care.
Everyone have to bear accountable for our flock at end of the day.
How?
What is my responsibility before the Lord? What should I do? Honor the name of the Lord and manage those around me in good condition. To be a honest servant of the Lord.

Put God's word into practice

Ezekiel 33:10-33
The Lord takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel! -- It show the mercy of the Lord.
The righteous man, it he sins, will not be allowed to live because of his former righteousness. If the wicked man, listened the warning, and turn away from his sin and does what is just an right, he will surely live; he will not die.
Since you eat meat with the blood still in it and look to your idols and shed blood, should you then possess the land? You rely on your sword, you do detestable things, and each of you defiles his neighbor's wife. Should you then possess the land?
They sit before Ezekiel to listen to his words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain.
Why?
God is just, man can not live because of his former righteousness for he has know what is right and wrong. Wicked man turn back from his sin will not die, for he did it under innocent situation, when he confessed his sin and turn back to just, God gives him opportunity to live.
Listen but do not put them into practice which is nonsense to them.
In Babylonia the exiles who seemed to lap up Ezekiel's words came simply for entertainment. They neither believed them nor acted on them: a depressing state of affairs after all that had happened!
How?
The Lord is full of mercy in Old testament and New testament. His love endure forever. Listen to the word of God and put into practice, then save out live!

Watchman of God

Ezekiel 33:1-9
The duty of watchman of God is speak to wicked man.
If watchman doesn't say or blow trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes the life of one of them, then God will hold the watchman accountable for his blood.
Why?
Ezekiel is the watchman of the Lord, even the circumstance were worse, he has to speak God's word among the people.
We every Christian is watchman in this  generation, we need to let people know they have sin and do good witness among them. Hope they may return from their sin and turn to the Lord.
How?
How is my enthusiasm to the mission of the Lord? Be a watchman and to deliver the good new to many.

Son of light

Ezekiel 32:1-32
A lament over Pharah and Egypt.
I will cover the heaven, and make its stars dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. 
Egypt, ssyria, Elam, Meshech-Tubal, Edom all her multitude around her grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword.
The princes of the north are there, all of them, and all the Sidonians, who have gone down in shame with the slain.
Why?
Which was the first year of the general captivity under Zedekiah. 
The word signifies to be put out as a candle is put out. 
Have not other kingdoms more beautiful than you perished? 
As the wicked rejoice when they see others partakers of their miseries,  I will make the Egyptians afraid of me, as they caused others to fear them.
Those nations falldown to the dark kingdom. All their pround will be passed away. What is the beauty can stand longer?
How?
When there is not light, darkness is there. The Jesus Christ is my light and my strength. To be a son of light in this generation. 

Serve the Lord for he is wrothy!

Ezekiel 31:1-18
Its heart was proud of its height.
Wickedness deserves.
Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches and forest shade, and of towering height its top among the clouds. The Pharaoh and all his multitude will be like Assyria lie among the uncircumcised with those who are slain by the sword.
This prophesy was one month before Jerusalem broken.
Why?
The tree may grow height because of the Lord provides the water and nutrition. Do not forget the grace of the Lord who has done it for us when we didn't aware about it.
Wickedness deserves the judgement of righteousness and its fruits of its sins.
How?
My house could be sold or not is the Lord handles it. No matter what the results will be I am appreciate the Lord who takes care for us. Dear Lord! please continue leads my way forward, where I can serve you, let me know. Worthy to praise is the Lord.

Be hold! He is the Lord!

Ezekiel 30:1-26
The people of the land that is in league shall fall with them by the sword. Which are Cush, Put, Lud, all Aabia and Libra.
Be hold, it comes! on that day messengers shall go out from God.
I will destroy the idols and put an end to the images in Memphis; there shall no longer be a prince from the land of Egypt.
They will know that I am the Lord when the Egyptians be scattered among the nations and disperse the throughout the countries.
These prophecy was three months before Jerusalem broken.
Why?
Know the glory of the Lord is the main purpose of our life.
Be hold, it comes! The Jesus Christ, the savior. Be hold the judgement comes! Fear the Lord!
No matter the league is how strong or how big, when the day of the judgement is come no one can escape from the judge.
How?
Be hold! The Jesus Christ is the only Savior to us. Know the Lord is beginning of the wisdom.

All I have are gifts from the Lord

Ezekiel 29:1-21
A prophecy against Egypt, judgement on Pharaoh.
Egypt cities will lie desolate forty years among ruined cities.
Disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them through the countries.
The Sovereign Lord says: At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the nations where they were scattered. Return them to Upper Egypt, the land of their ancestry.There they will be a lowly kingdom. 
For he and his army got no reward from the campaign he led against Tyre. I have given him Egypt as a reward for his efforts because he and his army did it for me, declares the Sovereign Lord.
Why?
Pharaoh proud to the Nile river belongs to him, he made it for himself. And Egyptian have been a staff of reed for the people of Israel. So the wrath pour on Egypt.
All of the wealth had been lost and the people dispersed, 40 years later they will return to their own land, but Egypt has been a lowly kingdom.
Do the work of God has reward from the Lord.
How?
All of our belonging are gifts of the Lord, it is not mine, it is not made for myself. Praise be to the Lord Almighty. Thanks the Lord!

Pride proves his downfall

Ezekiel 28:1-26
A prophecy against the ruler of Tyre. King of Tyre say," I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas." But he is a man and not a go, though he think he is as wise as a god. Because of his wealth his heart has grown proud.
They will bring you down to the pit and you will die a violent death in the heart of the seas. Will you then say, 'I am a god," in the presence of those who kill you?
Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence and you sinned. By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries.
News of her wreck will put the world into mourning. A lament for the king Tyre, whose pride has proved his downfall.
A prophecy against Sidon. God sets no longer will the people of Israel have malicious neighbors who are painful briers and sharp thorns. Then they will know that I am the Sovereign Lord.
Another famous Old Testament sea-port Sidon is in Lebanon, 20 miles north of Tyre. Today both Tyre and Sidon are small fishing-ports. The charge against Sidon is contempt for God's people.
Why?
King of Tyre gained much wealth, but those trade was dishonest and trade with violence and sins. It makes the judgement came upon him. And the wealth make him pride as he is a god, whose pride has proved his downfall.
Most of the trade are dishonest, they believe that honest trade can't gain wealth, but under the blessing of the Lord, everyday peaceful to sleep and enough for living is the most wealth in the world.
Pride at which one which proves to downfall.
How?
Don't envy rich men, everyone has his way in present of the Lord. Humble ourselves, honor the name of the Lord is our purpose of life in this world.

What is our purpose of life?

Ezekiel 27:1-36
Tyre traded with many nations for their wares.
The Lord says: 'O Tyre, You say "I am perfect in beauty." Your domain was on the high sea; your builders brought your beauty to perfection."
The ships of Tarshish serve as carriers for your wares. You are filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea. But the east wind will break you to pieces i the heart of the sea.
All who handle the oars will abandon their ships; the mariners and all the seamen will stand on the shore. They will take up a lament concerning you: "Who was ever silenced like Tyre, surrounded by the sea?"
Tyre will be no more.
High sea: Your borders are in the heart of the seas.
For your wares: to trade with you. It is a vessel of trade.
Why?
Ezekiel fittingly pictures the city as a great trading vessel laden with the choicest of cargoes, and commanding human skills and resources from far and wide.
No matter how wealth and prefect, the pride leads them to silent and be no more.
Do the best to trade like a vessle of trade, Tyre had lost the life's purpose of the Lord, they lived for trade only.
How?
Earn the whold world but lose his life, there will be no more. The purpose of life is knowing the Lord and worship God, honor the Lord.

Pride goes before destruction

Ezekiel 26:1-21
A prophecy against Tyre.
I will make you dwell in the earth below, as in ancient ruins, with those who go down to the pot, and you will not return or take your place in the land of the living.
Because Tyre has said of Jerusalem, 'Aha! The gate to the nations is broken, and its doors have swung open to me; now that she lies in ruins I will prosper.'
The date of Ezekiel's prophecy is probably the end of the 11th year - February 586 - assuming that Ezekiel learnt of the fall of Jerusalem that year, rather than the following one (33:21).
The forecast of this chapter proved all too true.
Tyre did not laugh long over Jerusalem's fate. Within a few months Nebuchadnezzar's army was at her own gates, and for 13 years she was under siege.
Tyre was a tempting誘人的 prey獵物. The city lay at the foot of the Lebanese mountains and possessed the finest natural harbour in the eastern Mediterranean. It was in face a double harbour, as the main city was built on an offshore island.
As a centre of trade and commerce Tyre was fabulously wealthy, and her own glassware and purple dye染 were world famous.
Why?
Proud makes nation or a man goes downfall.
Trade and prosper can not save a nation and her people.
Pride : the state or feeling of being proud.
How?
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverb 16:18)

Revenge mind should be discard

Ezekiel 25:1-17
Ammonites said "Aha" over God's sanctuary when it was desecrated and over the land of Israel when it was laid waste and over the people of Judah when they went into exile.
Moab and Seir said "Look, the house of Judah has become like all the other nations."
Edom took revenge on the house of Judah and became very guilty by doing so.
Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah.
These four nations were Israel's closest neighbours, and her oldest enemies. All took a vengeful delight in Israel's downfall, for which God will punish them.
Shortly after this, Amman, Moab and Edom were overrun by Nabataean tribesmen.
The Philistines disappeared from history a century before the birth of Jesus.
Why?
Although the prophets concentrated mainly on Israel/Judah, all of them were very conscious that God was Lord of the whole world. There is no nation beyond the reach of his judgment: and what he condemns and punished in his own people, he condemns and punishes in other nations too.
Revenge is the matter of the Lord, don't delight for our enemy's downfall. So as to the wicked men and evil doers. We hate those wicked behavior but love their life to return to God.
How?
Discard the revenge mind. Don't criticize others, do our duty and pray for those wicked men and week brothers and sisters.

What is your stonghold

Ezekiel 24:15-27
Ezekiel's wife dies to be a sign of the Israel will be. They shell sigh but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; do not cover your lips, not eat the bread of men.
On the day when God take from them their stronghold, their joy and glory, the delight of their eyes and their soul's desire, and also their sons and daughters on that day a fugitive will come to you to report to you the news.
Ezekiel be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the Lord.
Why?
It is sad to Ezekiel to suffer his wife die. To be a God's servant all of these commands of the Lord, he have to obey. It is a difficult job to be a servant of God. But the Blessing from the Lord is higher also. Dead doesn't mean the worse thing, may be Ezekiel's wife may skip many mourn and suffering.
Out stronghold usually are our joy and reputation, delight of eyes and soul's desire. Those will be passed away soon.
How?
Reveal that my stronghold is my God, even the way of the Lord is difficult, it is not predicted by human being, but the achievement will be done by the Lord, not by ourselves.

Corrosion pot

Ezekiel 24:1-14
A parable said about city of Jerusalem when the king of Babylon has laid siege to Jerusalem
The Lord asked Ezekiel used a pot whose corrosion is in it, put in pieces of meat. Heap on the logs, kindle the fire, boil the meat well, mix in the spices, and let the bones be burned up. Then set it empty upon the coal, that its uncleanness may be melted in it, its corrosion consume.
On account of your unclean lewdness, because I would have cleansed you and you were not cleanse from your uncleanness, you shell not be cleaned anymore till I have satisfied my fury upon you.
corrosion腐蝕:  the act or process of corroding; condition of being corroded.
Why?
The has given them opportunity to repent and make them clean, but they refused, so the judgement comes upon them, Jerusalem will like a pot be burned up. 
The corrosion is the lewdness of Jerusalem, it is unclean.
The Lord treated them with mercy but they reject the words of God, God's judgement came, the Lord is righteousness forever.
The process of corroding take a while, it is like our life's faith to the Lord getting weak. It is take time, if we won't care, the corrosion be shown up.
How?
Deal Lord, please help me be ware about my deed and mind, don't getting corroding, blesses me shine and clean before you.

Righteous king is the Lord almighty

Ezekiel 23:1-49
Oholah and Oholibah two prostitutes is a parable to Israel and Judah.
You have forgotten me and cast me behind your back, you yourself must bear the consequences of your lewdness and whoring, says the Lord.
The righteous men shell pass judgment on them with the sentence of adulteresses, and with the sentence of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands.
The Lord did in Israel and Judah is to put and end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not commit lewdness as they have done.
Why?
People entered a peaceful land, the heart is easy turn to their wicked way. For the sin is host in flesh, so we need to remember the word of the Lord and keep good relationship with the Lord.
Humble before the Lord, Jesus Christ is our Lord for ever.
How?
The Lord is righteous king, fear the Lord almighty is good to me. Keep away all detestable things in my life. The judgement will come at the end.

Distinguish between the holy and the common

Ezekiel 22:1-31
The Lord pointed out all the wicked things the people of Israel have done.
Dross of copper, tin, iron and silver all will be melted in a furnace(Jerusalem).
Distinguish between the holy and the common.
The people of the land practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the foreigner, denying them justice.
I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.
Why?
There was not anyone do the right thing in that time.
Dross if waste matter, like garbage, so as they were in present of the Lord.
If there is one who build the wall and stand before God i the gap on behalf of the land, God won't destroy this city or nation, but it is no one there. 
All christian in this generation should be do the mission as the one above.
Have to do something and don't do something as popular matter in these generation.
How?
How can I distinguish the holy an the common? Follow the command of the Lord , under the blessing and reminder of the Holy Spirit, I will surely know what it right and wrong. 

Shine one me to light others

Ezekiel 21:1-32
Groan before them with broken heart and bitter grief.
A sword, a sword, sharpened and polished - sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.
Mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same country. one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites and another against Judah and fortified Jerusalem.
It will seem like a false omen to those who have sworn allegiance to him, but he will remind them of their guilt and take them captive.
Take off the turban, remove the crown.It will not be as it was:The lowly will be exalted and the exalted will be brought low.
The crown will not be restored until he to whom it rightfully belongs shall come; to him I will give it.
Why?
Prophet shows the groan with broken heart and bitter grief to express the coming fear and terror.
Both Jerusalem and Ammonites will be ruined by Babylon.
God will inverse the position of high and low. It is the Lord who sets righteous and humble one on high. 
When the wrath of the Lord come, n one can escape, righteous and wicked both be cut off. Don't try to keep myself righteous only, but preach gospel to other as we can.
How?
I am a light because of Jesus is the light, shine on us! Dear Lord, let me affect others to know that you are the Lord.

Persisting and stiff-necked person

Ezekiel 20:33-49
I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant. Jesus is the shepherd, under his rod, is under the Redeemer.
After the Lord bring them from the peoples and gather them out of the countries where they have been scattered. Bring them into the land Israel, they shall know that 'I am the Lord", when God deal with them for his name's sake, not according to your evil ways, not according to your corrupt deeds.
Say to them(elders): The Lord will kindle a fire in the forest of the Negeb. The blazing flame shall be scorched by it. All flesh shall see that I the Lord have kindled it; it shall not be quenched.
They are saying of me, 'Is he not a maker of parables?'
Against the South - Jerusalem and Judah
Wilderness of the peoples and there I will enter into judgement with you face to face. As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt. Wilderness of the peoples is the foreign countries where Israelites becomes slaves again there, the stiff-necked people will die.
Why?
Second wilderness is where the Lord purify Israelites when they come back from scattered nations once again. It is like most rebellious people are dead before they entered into promised land.
Ezekiel felt angry and disappointment, many Israelite elder inquire him but reject listen what he said. Just do what the Lord asked what I have to do. Don't give up, for the Lord is with us. The restoration will come when I keep going on.
The Rod is the disciplining, it is needed to us. Don't frustrate to face failure, God has his good purpose to me.
How?
Have faith to do the work for the Lord, some people refuse to listen doesn't affect the name of the Lord and His works. Do my obligation and trust in God. Be aware what I am persisting for, don't be a stiff-necked person.

God acted fot sake of His holy name

Ezekiel 20:1-32
Some elders came to Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord, but the Lord declared that he will not be inquired of by them.
Sabbaths is a sign between I (God) and them (Israelite), that they may know that I am the  Lord who sanctifies them.
They rejected my statutes and profaned my Sabbaths.
The Lord knows that their thought, "Let us be like the nations, like the tribes of the countries, and worship wood and stone!"
Why?
The Lord acted for sake of His name, but people did not respect to the name of God, profaned God's name. God had concern for his holy name(36:21).
Bamah: it is high place. Original meaning are combined from go and what.
God won't listen to the inquiry from the rebellion man, unless he is really search for Him. The Lord like to listen our pray.
God knows what we are thinking, He knows the wicked and right heart inside human being. Most people like to do the popular or fashion matter, but it is always not the right thing.
Some ceremony looks meaningless, but more important is let us remember what the meaning of the background.
How?
Keep the good regulation when we remember the meaning to the Lord and to our life.

Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing

Ezekiel 19:1-14
Take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel.
They like a lion grown up, strong, but be brought to Egypt. He is Jehoahaz約哈斯
They like a lion again, but be brought to Babylon. He is Zedekiah,西底家
They like vine in a vineyard, but was plucked up in fury, cast down to the ground.
They had glory history, but there is no more now.
Why?
Mother lion is Judah. The burned vineyard is Judah, she was ruined by Babylonian.
Sad to the Israel for their wicked deeds let them be casted down from God, and be look down in the nations.
The Lord can make a nation up and down, lift a man on high or tear down a man to the ground.
Psalm 34:10 The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
How?
Who am I? I am nothing if no God's blessing on me. Praise to be the Lord, he is my fortress, my king, my savior. Why shell I be anxious about tomorrow?

Behold all souls are mine

Ezekiel 18:1-32
Behold all souls are mine: the soul who sins shall die.
The son shell not suffer for the iniquity of the Father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son.
Is it not your ways that are not just?
Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die?
Why?
Every soul is independent to the Lord, everyone has to take responsibility to his deed.
Is the God not just? Usually we has the rule of ourselves, the just of the Lord is absolute.  If a wicked person turn away from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right. He shell not die. Inverse, a righteousness turn to wicked and does injustice, he shell die.
The Lord knows that depends on our own strength and the commandments, we can't be atonement. He gives us a new heart and new spirit, for He loves us.
Israelite has this mind because they though their suffering were caused by the forefather's sins.
How?
All souls are belongs to God, so we have to do the right thing for our soul. No other's fault, it is our obligation.

Respect the covenant

Ezekiel 17:1-24
Two eagles and a vine: First eagle is Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, who took King Jehoiachin captive. The seed he plants is Zedekiah. But Zedekiah soon turned to Egypt, bring the Babylonians back to destroy Jerusalem.
In 587, within three or four years, the prediction of 17-21 came true. But God will take a 'cutting' from the line of Israel's king(the cedar) which will take root.
They despised the oath by breaking the covenant. House of Jerusalem will die in  Babylon.
King of Judah despised God's oath and broke his covenant. God will bring down on his head their oath.
The Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. He dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.
Why?
Verse 8 It seems best to take this as stressing the act that Zedekiah was well off under Nebuchadnezzar.
Zedekiah make a treaty with king of Babylon, but he broke the covenant. So as Israelite broke the oath with the Lord by breaking the covenant with God.
The Lord make a nation grown up and make a kingdom lower and broken.
We have a few covenant in life. There are Baptise and Marriage basically.
How?
When I am a Christian I have the covenant with the Lord, He is my father, I am his son, his lamb on his pasture. I have covenant with my wife when I married her. Covenant is not a restriction but is a blessing.

Prevail these world through Jesus

Ezekiel 16:44-63
Judah and Israel were walked in the same way and did detestable things. They are sister. Judah did more depraved 墮落than her sister Israel.
Bear you disgrace and be ashamed of all you have done in giving them comfort.
You will bear the consequences of your lewness and out detestable practices.
The Lord will restore and establish them with new covenant. God will make atonement for them for all they have done.
Sin of Sodom are 1)arrogant, 2)overfed and 3)unconcerned; 4)they did not help the poor and needy. They were 5)haughty and 6)did detestable things.
Why?
God must punish those evildoers, making a new covenant with them that will last for ever.
Samaris: Capital of the northern kingdom; detroyed in 722/1
Sodom: the Dead Sea city wiped out for its gross immorality.
Wrath of the Lord caused by the deeds of people, there were die because of their sin.
Learn the good thing, but don't learn the wrose practice. This world is full of evil.
Disgrace and be ashamed things had happened in Sodom, it is still existing in this world.
How?
Judge right or wrong from the word of the Lord, prevail this world through Jesus Christ. The same sexual marriage is a detestable thing.

trusted in

Ezekeil 16:15-43
But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You are the very opposite, for you give payment and none is given to you.
Because you poured out your wealth and exposed yout nakedness in your promiscuity with your lovers, and because you gave them your children's blood and because of all your detestable idols, therefore I am going to gather all your lovers against you from all around and will strip you in front of them.
I will put a stop to your prostitution, and you will no longer pay your lovers. then my wrath against you will subside and my jealous anger will trun away from you.
The sexual image in this parable is a natural one, especially in view of the sexual rites and prostitution linked with worship of pagan gods.
Why?
Adultery was punishable by death.
God was forgotten, the covenant (like marriage-vow) broken. God must punish them.
The relation between Israelite and God like wife and husband. So as we are with the Lord.
Jealous anger comes from the deep love, because has these love the disappoint turn it to jealous anger.
How?
What I am turst in? I am trust in God.

Thanks giving to the Lord for everything

Ezekiel 16:1-14
The Lord wanted Ezekiel let Jerusalem know that all he had is the Lord gave to them. When she was born she was despised鄙視.
It is the Lord loved them, toke care them, made them grow like a plant of the field.
God took Israel up when she was nothing - an abandoned baby that no one has cared for - and lavished his love on her, making her into a great and glorious nation. She owned him everything.
Why?
This  is the issue of the faithfulness. How can we forget the grace of the Lord? The prosperity may turn us away from the Lord, the success may lead us set credit on ourselves.
The unseen God makes it, he is blessing his people who knows him.
How pity is who doesn't know the Lord Almighty.
How?
Thanks giving to the Lord for everything. I never forget the Lord blessed me so much, His grace came upon on me. No matter under what situation has faith to the Lord. Serve the Lord is my job, and is my honor.

Useless vine

Ezekiel 15:1-8
The inhabitants of Jerusalem like the useless vine will be burn in fire, it was used for nothing.
The Lord sets his face against them because they have acted faithlessly.
Why?
The Lord loves Israelite like his wife, when his wife turn to other men, the love is turn to jealous.
Wood of vine does not like other wood, it can't surpass any wood. It means Israelites do not surpass than other nations, is was the blessing and leading by the Lord, they could stood firm.
How?
Without God's blessing I have nothing.

Righeousness saves our own live

Ezekiel 14:12-23
Noah, Daniel and Job are righteousness, they will deliver but their own lives by their own righteousness. These three men are admitted by the Lord.
When the wrath of the Lord pour out upon the land, God will cut off from the land  man and beast by four disastrous acts of judgment, no one can exist.
Behold, some survivors will be left in it, sons and daughters who will be brought our; behold, when they come out to you, and you see their ways and their deeds, you will be consoled for the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem.
You will know that God have not done without cause all that God has done in it.
Why?
People have to be judged by their own deed and their sins. No one can help others to get rid of their sin.
How horrible of the wrath of the Lord, famine, sword,  and pestilence(plague) and wild beast. No one can escape from the judgement of the Lord.
It looks God is violent to treat them, but when Ezekiel saw some survivors of Israel, he will know that the Lord have not done it without cause. Even they escaped from Jerusalem, they are doing many evil things.
How?
Everyone has to bear his own responsibility of his deed when the judgement of the Lord comes. What kind of the reap we have depends on what we have sprayed the seed on field.

Turn away your face from all your abominations

Ezekiel 14:1-11
Estranged from me through their idols.  
 to turn away in feeling or affection; make unfriendly or hostile; alienatethe affections of: Their quarrel estranged the two friends.
The prophets of Israel taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and yet comes to a prophet to consult me through him, I the Lord will answer him myself. I will set my face against that man.
The punishment of the prophet and the punishment of the inquirer shall be alike.
Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your face from all your abominations.
Why?
Ezekiel did not know who has idols in his heart, but the Lord knows it. So the Lord told Ezekiel and warned them. Hope they may repent and turn away from their idols.
Most Christian won't take idols in his heart, but may take some materials to be his idols, such as iPhone, dressing or famous singers.
The prophet and the inquirer have the same punishment for they take idols in their hearts, they deceive each others.
How?
I am not rich and a little poor, but don't take the high tech products into my heart, all of those will fading, if it is needed to me in my living, the Lord will let me have it. Don't let it to be my stumble in my faith. Rejoice for the Lord Almighty.

Understand what is truth and false by God's word

Ezekiel 13:1-16
Woe to the foolish prophets, when they say, "the Lord declares", when the Lord has not sent them. They said false visions and uttered lying divination.
You will know I am the Sovereign Lord- 1)false prophets will not be able enter the land of Israel, 2)those prophets of Israel who prophesied to Jerusalem and saw visions of peace for her when there was no peace, 3)God will tear off their veils and save God's people from their hands and they will no longer fall prey to their power, 4)God will save his people from the magic charm's  hands.
The daughters of Israel who prophesy out of their own imagination. They ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own.... lying to my people who listen to lies, your have killed those who should not have died and have spared those who should not live.
The magic may have to do with amulets符咒, or represent some kind of 'bindling' power. The hunt is for 'lives' - the whole person - not 'souls'
Why?
The false prophets were like plaster, concealing the crumbling structure of the nation, but unable to stop it falling.
Unlike the false prophets, when God says something will happen, he means it - and he has the power to carry it out. There is often a conditional aspect to prophecy, even so: the response of the people may bring about a change in the way God carries out his plans.
False prophet is against the ten commandments - You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
How?
Make clear what is truth and false by God's words and the principle of the bible. Don't astrayed by the false vision.

God's words will be fulfilled.

Ezekiel 12:17-28
Ezekiel shows the vision of eating food in anxiety and drink their water in despair, for their land will be stripped of everything in it because of the violence of all who live there.
"The days go by and every vision comes to nothing" . but the Lord says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, the days are near when every vision will be fulfilled.
'The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.' the Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled.
Why?
It was as God said it would be, and within a very short space of time.
vision is different with proverb, vision is came from the Lord, but people see it as proverb, they don't care it because it is in many years from now.
The words of the Lord will be fulfilled, he is faithful God. But these world will come to an end, turn to the Lord, he is not delay but is waiting for our repenting and getting the eternal life.
Eating food in anxiety and drink their water in despair are worse to everyone. That is not life and relax, under the blessing of the Lord only we enjoy the life and relax.
How?
God's words will be fulfilled. Fear the Lord.