In the midst of performing for approval, Jesus bids us, "Come to me and find rest."

Rev. Brandon VanMarel finishes up the first main section of Ezekiel.

The day Ezekiel has been prophesying has now come - Nebuchadnezzar, the instrument of the Lord, lays siege against Israel.  Israel has become a stench before the Lord.

With the use of an explicit metaphor, Ezekiel lays Israel's sins before her.

As the prophecy of judgment builds to a climax, Ezekiel again brings the charges before Israel; there's no part of the law that they haven't broken.  They have brought the judgment upon themselves.

What we worship either will save you or ruin you - and there's only One Name under heaven by which we might be saved.

Ezekiel expands his writing genre into the realm of lamentation - a funeral dirge for Israel, a people alive but dead.  But while it may seem that the dynasty of David is over, there is One who reigns forever on that throne.

In response to the Lord's judgment against Israel, they respond with a defense that is very familiar to us: "It's not our fault!" or "But it's not fair!"  But the Lord through Ezekiel shows that they aren't being judged for the previous generations' sins (for that would be unjust), but for their own.  And yet still, even so, there's that gracious call, "turn and live!"

The Lord gives Ezekiel a riddle and a parable to give to Israel.  It's a riddle and parable that demonstrates Israel's unfaithfulness and God's faithfulness.

Rev. Brandon VanMarel preaches at Trinity Grace Church from Deuteronomy 6.