Ezekiel 12:21 – 23:39
Overview
Today’s reading in the book of Ezekiel continues to talk about the his prophecies with regards to the ruin of Jerusalem. God tells Ezekiel to act out the exile for the people so they will understand. Other prophesies include false prophets and his prophesy to the elders. There were also several parables spoken including the parable of the vine, God’s marriage to the unfaithful Judah, parable of two eagles, parable of the two sisters and others. Later in today’s reading it was interesting to see the elders come to Ezekiel and inquire of God.
Scripture Ezekiel 13:6-7
6 Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. Even though the LORD has not sent them, they say, “The LORD declares,” and expect him to fulfill their words. 7 Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, “The LORD declares,” though I have not spoken?
Observation
There were many “false prophets” speaking out before and during the exile. They were misleading the people and spreading lies. God is telling Exekiel that their visions are lies and God is not speaking to them. God is not in their message yet they go out proclaiming the false message and hope that God confirms their proclamation.
Application
A false prophet is someone who claims that God has spoken to them yet their proclamation does not come true and is proven false. These people speak “the Word of the Lord” BUT their message does not come from God, simply their own imaginations. An example of this would be Harold Camping. He is a nationally known evangelist who has prophesied that the Lord will return on May 21, 2011. This is not the first time he has done this. He proclaimed the Lord would return in 1994. He also said that nobody would be save between 1988 and 1994. He also teaches that the church age has ended and we should not go to church. Matthew 24:36 says “”No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” We need to read God’s word and be prepared to respond to people like this false prophet.
Prayer
Father, Your Word is truth and it teaches and rebukes. I pray that I can be prepared to respond to lies and defend truth.
