A Vision of Judgment and Redemption: Day 271 of Immerse Bible Reading Experience

In this episode of Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience, we follow a gripping vision revealed to Ezekiel during the sixth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity. The vision depicts stark punishments for the leaders and people of Judah due to their idolatry and detestable sins. As Ezekiel is transported to Jerusalem, he witnesses idols, secret sins, and the imminent divine judgment through symbolic acts and prophetic declarations. Despite the harsh revelations, a message of hope and future restoration is also conveyed, promising a renewed spirit and genuine obedience among the people of Israel. This episode provides a profound exploration of themes like divine justice, idolatry, and the unwavering sovereignty of God.

00:00 Introduction and Context
00:04 Ezekiel's Vision of Idolatry
03:27 Judgment on Jerusalem
05:35 The Glory of the Lord Departs
09:06 Prophecy Against the Leaders
17:44 False Prophets Condemned
11:22 The Uselessness of Jerusalem
27:27 Conclusion and Reflection

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4 

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 270: The Prophetic Journey of Ezekiel Amidst Exile and Divine Visions

In today's episode of Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience, we dive into Ezekiel’s prophecies, highlighting the Babylonian threat to Judah leading to Jerusalem's fall. Unlike Jeremiah, Ezekiel's messages came from within the Babylonian exile. As a priest, his concerns centered on purity and holiness, condemning Judah’s idolatry and the leaders' failures. God’s extraordinary signs through Ezekiel, including symbolic actions and powerful parables, aimed to illustrate inevitable judgment and future restoration. Notable visions include the departure of God's glory from the temple and the promise of Israel's renewal, symbolized by the valley of dry bones. The episode closes with the vivid account of Ezekiel’s divine encounter and his role as a watchman, warning Israel about impending doom and the hope for future redemption.

00:00 Introduction to Ezekiel's Prophecies
00:19 Ezekiel's Background and Early Exile
01:36 Messages of Judgment and Symbolic Actions
04:27 Visions of Restoration and Hope
06:02 Ezekiel's Vision of God's Glory
10:45 Ezekiel's Commission and Symbolic Acts
16:41 Prophecies Against Jerusalem
23:16 Judgment on Israel and Surrounding Nations
30:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4 

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 269: Immersed in Obadiah – A Prophetic Denunciation of Edom

Welcome to Immerse, the daily Bible reading experience. On day 269, we explore the book of Obadiah, which delivers a stark prophecy against the Edomites. Living south of the Dead Sea, the Edomites felt secure in their mountainous stronghold. However, their pride led to their downfall when they joined the Babylonians in attacking Jerusalem, only to later be betrayed and devastated by these very allies. Obadiah’s message, echoed by Jeremiah, warns of the complete destruction of Edom and emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty over all nations. This brief but potent book promises that Israel's exiles will return, reclaim their inheritance, and that God will reign from Mount Zion, ensuring justice and renewal for His people. Thank you for joining today's Immerse reading experience.

00:00 Introduction to Immerse: Daily Bible Reading
00:07 Historical Context of Edom and Judah
00:40 Prophetic Warnings to Edom
01:07 Obadiah's Oracle Against Edom
01:31 Fulfillment of Obadiah's Prophecy
01:57 Comparison with Jeremiah's Oracle
02:13 Promise of Israel's Restoration
02:44 Obadiah's Vision and Message
03:07 Judgment and Retribution for Edom
04:28 Consequences of Edom's Actions
05:50 The Lord's Judgment and Israel's Return
07:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4 

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Every marriage can benefit from a review of some relationship basics like accepting each other’s differences, navigating anger well, learning how to apologize, and being willing to serve your spouse. Dr. Gary Chapman shares stories about his own marriage and couples he’s counseled, offering Bible-based advice and encouragement about marriage. (Part 2 of 2)

Receive Dr. Chapman's book "A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage" and an audio download of today's broadcast for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Anxiety in a limited dose is a good thing. Healthy anxiety prompts us to pay bills, eat right, and stay out of snake pits. A dose of anxiety is helpful. A daily deluge of anxiety? Not so much. God designed our bodies to respond to a spike of stress and then return to normal. Unhealthy anxiety resists the reset. It is the alarm system that never shuts down.

Paul’s prescription for the anxious heart: He wrote, “Be full of joy in the Lord always…The Lord is coming soon. Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7 NCV).

Read more Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Day 268: The Lord's Judgment on Babylon - Jeremiah's Prophetic Words

Welcome to Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. Today, on day 268, we focus on the message the Lord gave to Jeremiah the prophet concerning Babylon and the Babylonians. This episode presents God's prophetic words about the fall and destruction of Babylon, highlighting the disgrace and devastation that will fall upon the city due to her sins and defiance against the Lord. The Israelites, described as lost sheep, will return home, bound to the Lord by an eternal covenant. The reading further explores the metaphorical and literal destruction of Babylon, the vengeance of the Lord for the desecration of His temple, and the punishment of Kings Zedekiah and Jehoiachin of Judah. Join us as we contemplate the powerful imagery and prophecies that Jeremiah delivers, foretelling Babylon's ultimate downfall and the restoration of Israel.

00:00 Introduction to the Daily Bible Reading
00:04 Prophecy Against Babylon
00:43 The Return of Israel and Judah
01:56 Judgment on Babylon's Idolatry
03:04 The Fall of Babylon
04:57 God's Vengeance on Babylon
06:53 The Destruction of Babylon's Idols
08:32 The Finality of Babylon's Destruction
18:53 Jeremiah's Message to Seraiah
20:27 The Siege of Jerusalem
22:01 The Exile and Destruction of Jerusalem
22:46 The Fate of the Temple Treasures
24:04 The Captivity of Judah
25:16 Release of Jehoiachin
25:57 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4 

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Every marriage can benefit from a review of some relationship basics like accepting each other’s differences, navigating anger well, learning how to apologize, and being willing to serve your spouse. Dr. Gary Chapman shares stories about his own marriage and couples he’s counseled, offering Bible-based advice and encouragement about marriage. (Part 1 of 2)

Receive Dr. Chapman's book "A Simple Guide for a Better Marriage" and an audio download of today's broadcast for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Three big ideas are critical for taming our thoughts:

Read more Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado.

Day 267: Jeremiah's Prophecies on Divine Judgement

In today's immerse Bible reading experience, we delve into the book of Jeremiah, where God conveys his divine judgment over various nations. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God describes his wrath likened to a cup of anger which all nations must drink. This episode underscores the extensive desolation faced by Jerusalem, Judah, Edom, Moab, Egypt, and other surrounding nations due to their disobedience and pride. The narrative includes vivid imagery of wars, terror, and divine retribution, while also offering a glimmer of hope with God’s promise to ultimately restore Israel and other nations. The reading concludes with the Lord's assurance to protect and eventually bring back his people from their exiles.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:04 The Cup of God's Wrath
04:06 Prophecies Against Nations
04:13 Judgment on Egypt
09:08 Judgment on Philistines
10:31 Judgment on Moab
18:08 Judgment on Ammonites
19:29 Judgment on Edom
22:24 Judgment on Damascus
23:10 Judgment on Kedar and Hazor
24:21 Judgment on Elam
25:15 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Prophets Now!

Volume 4 

Immerse: Prophets is the fourth of six volumes of the Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program. Prophets presents the First Testament prophets in groupings that represent four historical periods, beginning with the prophets who spoke before the fall of Israel’s northern kingdom (Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah), then before the fall of the southern kingdom (Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk), around the time of Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah, Obadiah, Ezekiel), and after the return from exile (Haggai, Zechariah, Joel, Malachi).

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”