Ezekiel 45-46; Luke 1

Zechariah doubted the news the angel had announced about his elderly wife falling pregnant and having a child. Because he doubted, he paid the consequence of not being able to speak until it was time to name his child. When God delivers a strong and clear message to his servants they are not to doubt the authenticity of his message. Scripture tells us implicitly to trust the Lord with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5) and not to allow fear and doubt to creep in and undermine our confidence in God. Despite what the world would say we can always rely on the truth of God’s word.

Ezekiel 42-44; Revelation 22

As the vision of John's Revelation concludes we are left with a great sense of expectation and desire to see God's kingdom and work come to fruition. His work has been done and passed on to us to be witnesses to it's truth and realisation. It does not contradict all the similar Old Testament prophecies but compliments then completely. As followers and disciples of Christ we have much to live for and the reward of eternal life awaits us as we exercise our faith daily.

Ezekiel 40-41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

Ezekiel's Temple sits on a base of about 130 meters square and is very small in comparison to the New Jerusalem which is a cube measuring 2,200 kilometres. Yet both are exquisite in their design and planning. The temple appears to be planned for the reign of Christ in the Millennium and the New Jerusalem will be the home for believers after that. Measuring both structures gives substance to each vision and shows me that God has a clear idea of what the future will look like. I have confidence, therefore, that he will bring this about in his own time and way.

Ezekiel 38-39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

Almost 700 years separates the visions of Ezekiel and John yet they are remarkably similar. Both speak to events which are unfolding today and leads us to acknowledge that we are in the last days. The future is painted in dark foreboding symbols, fear and trepidation is universal. But for the believers, Psalm 145 is full of hope and encouragement. His wrath is not meant for us. We may witness the apocalyptic tragedy as it unfolds but it will be from the safety of his arms in Glory.

Ezekiel 36-37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

The scripture readings today paint a picture of a newly re-birthed Israel which is a genuine fulfilment of what was prophesied. The Psalms and Revelation speak of future events which are yet to play out. Because we can see how the Lord fulfilled his promise to Israel by rebuilding them as a nation we can be equally confident that he will bring about the future events as detailed in the word of God. Therefore we can look towards the time when Jesus will return and establish his authority over the nations of the Earth and rule the whole world from Jerusalem. As we observe world events unfolding in tune with scripture we must be ever ready for his return.

Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18

It would appear that we cannot store up our righteousness and then sleep on it. If we become comfortable with the world and lose our saltiness that's how we will stand before the Lord. In essence, that's the plight of the virgins who ran out of oil and were prevented from entering the wedding ceremony (Mt 25:1-13). In these last days we must make every effort to keep our lamps burning and ever-prepared, clothed in the armour of God.

Daniel 3-4; psalm 81; Revelation 17

The scriptures show me that those individuals who arrogantly assert their power authority above that of God forces God to substantiate his authority over them. In essence the challenge God into an argument they cannot win and drag a lot of other people in with them. The scriptures show me that there is no man or nation that can challenge God or make him do what they want. By humbling ourselves before God we stand with him and against those powerful forces that align themselves against him. We may be small and insignificant but we belong to a powerful and mighty God.