The readings for this week finish the book of Ezekiel with the final two chapters. The book of Ezekiel began with a vision of God’s glory upon His chariot. Due to Israel’s disobedience, the Lord would depart from His own temple, however, the Lord does not abandon His people. Instead, He came with His people into exile ensuring a remnant would one day return. This remnant would have new hearts that God would put in them, and that would just be the beginning of a restored relationship with the nations and ultimately creation. The themes of judgement and eventual restoration for God’s people and creation is continued in the small book of Joel. Lastly, we begin readings in the book of Daniel. This book emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all situations, and how God resists the proud and exalts the humble. It does this through looking at both situations that happen during Daniel’s time and prophetic events at the end of time. God is working on His plan of redemption to restore His people, the nations, and creation, and that is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading Links - Week 49
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament, starting with the beginning. How do we understand so many stories and lessons while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Ezekiel, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Ezekiel 47:1, 12. Where does the water come from, and what is its effect on the land? Read Ezekiel 48:35. What is the name of the city in the restored creation? Read Genesis 2:8-9. How has God brought creation full circle?
Read Joel 3:16-20. How is the restoration of creation connected to God’s people knowing He is the Lord? How has God connected His own faithfulness to the restoration of creation? Read Numbers 23:19.
Read Daniel 1:1-5. Notice the action attributed to God in Daniel 1:2. In its context here, how does this help us understand God’s sovereignty and His purposes?
Read Daniel 1:1 and 1:21. Daniel’s life spanned over seven decades in these two verses alone. What is the significance of this fact being mentioned so early in the book rather than at the end of it?
Read Daniel 6:10, 6:16, 6:25-27. How did Daniel’s faithfulness lead him to what appeared to be death? How did God bring about praise to His name through Daniel? How does this point us to Christ?
SHARE IT.
Read Joel 2:25. What restoration are you longing for? How will this be fulfilled perfectly in God’s kingdom?
Read Joel 2:26. What is the result of God’s restoration and mercy, especially in who is satisfied and praised?
Read Daniel 1:8. We read of what “Daniel resolved” to do. Think about his example in this. What are some resolutions that you have made in your Christian life? What need might there be now in your life for a further resolution of some kind?
Read Daniel 3:16-18. In which situations do you find it hardest to remain faithful to Christ?
Read Daniel 4:17. How does the knowledge that the Lord’s hand is behind all events comfort you today, both in your own life and when you consider current world events?
FINAL THOUGHT
Daniel and the other exiles were ripped from their homes, forced to be educated under a foreign pagan power, and ultimately threatened with death if they did not bend to the will of the king of Babylon. It is hard to imagine how challenging that would have been for any person in those circumstances, and their faithfulness is a testament to us. However, they ultimately point to the perfect faithfulness of Christ. He was threatened with death and killed by the political leaders. He was ripped apart in the ‘lion’s den’ of God’s wrath. He was burned in the ‘fiery furnace’ of God’s wrath. He was struck with the punishment of our pride which led us to serve ourselves above our Creator. Yet, as Daniel was raised out of the lion’s den to the praise of God, so too Christ was raised to bring many to Himself. Joel 2:32 states, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
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