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.

Daniel 1-2; Revelation 16

The seven bowls of God’s wrath lead progressively through several layers of suffering until the final bowl where all the nations of the world are flattened by a massive earthquake. Nothing stands in the presence of God. At any time during this process, will anyone repent? No. Apparently people will have some understanding that the suffering is inflicted by God but will not repent and turn to him. Men, having taken the mark of the Beast thus the Holy Spirit has no desire to draw them or allow them the grace to see their sin and repent. But man still has an opportunity today because the Spirit of God is still active. Today, if you hear his voice say yes and be saved from the living hell that will spill from the bowls of the wrath of God.

Lamentations 3-5; Revelation 15

In Exodus 34:6 we read that “... the Lord … is slow to anger…” but when he does get angry, nothing can prevent the outcome. The person who righteously understands this knows implicitly that the “.. fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7) and will measure what they do by what God requires. And we know that God’s standard is based on love. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as we love ourselves. When we fail in this we have the sacrifice of the perfect lamb of God to restore us and keep us in the presence of God.

Lamentations 1-2; Obadiah; Revelation 14

Israel and Judah refused to believe the warnings of the prophets and so the their ghastly final outcome is faithfully recorded in the Scriptures. So it is with the final outcome of man, which is yet to play out. We now have had the warnings emblazoned in scripture for the past 2000 years and lately even popularised in movies. Yet comparatively few pay attention to the message of repentance and holy living. The choice before us is abundantly clear; choose Christ and live, grab hold of the lifeline God has thrown to you, don’t ignore his provision of life.

Jeremiah 42-44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

When men give into fear they do things which leads them away from God and into trouble. The godly person knows this conflict and must overcome it by faith in Christ. Facing fear is more common than as apparent. Fear of what people may think, fear of financial hardship or fear of sickness are things which may cause us to wither and retreat. At these times we need to draw on the promises of God, reinforce our faith and stand quietly and firmly in his truth.

1 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 36; Jeremiah 40-41; Revelation 12

Sometimes God's people are forced to suffer as God inflicts punishment on the nations they inhabit. In their suffering they cry out to God and in the midst of tribulation they discover God's covering. We should never fear when faced with difficulties and the tribulations of life. By trusting God and continuing to honour him, we will discover how much he loves us. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4)

Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11

When the pride and arrogance of man confronts the power and authority of God there is no competition. Nothing stands in its own strength before a Holy God. That is why taking “... captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ, ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) is necessary in keeping us humble. Acknowledging our weaknesses and failings prayerfully is a necessary, and for most of us, a daily confession which leads to a healthy, godly life in Christ.

Ezekiel 25-28; Revelation 10

Ezekiel gives a vivid description of how the Lord dealt with the nations which not only opposed him but gloated over Israel's demise. Now that the Lord has called Israel into being a nation once again, the surrounding nations should be very careful not to provoke the Lord and repeat the disasters these nations in the past brought upon themselves. To the people of faith this will be no surprise because God always lets his people know his plans well ahead of time. Those who don't believe in him are in for a nasty surprise as the end of the age plays out.

Ezekiel 22-24; Revelation 9

The scripture tells me that the heart of man is “... deceitfully wicked above all things ... who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). The power of a sinful heart Is broken when it's intentions are confessed at the cross of Christ, but it's deathly echo lingers on calling us back to the old life of sin and destitution. To give in to this dark voice is a rejection of the life and purpose of Christ. There are excellent life examples of those who recognise their folly and repent but humanly speaking it is almost impossible. (Hebrews 10:26). As the Day of the Lord draws closer we must make every effort to stand brightly and strongly in faith for the Lord.

Ezekiel 20-21; Revelation 8

When Jesus instituted the act of communion through the eating of bread and drinking of wine he said, “... do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) The consequences of forgetting God's love and walking in rebellion had set Israel on a path of destruction and this is equally true for us today. Remembering to honour God with all our heart, mind and strength requires practice and effort. Training our children to understand this is equally important. In our human capacity it is easy to lapse into easy living and forget about God, which is why faithful endurance is such an important component of Christian life.

Ezekiel 17-19; Revelation 7

The importance of each individual to God is Illustrated in the readings today. Ezekiel shows how each person is responsible for their own sin and how they walk with the Lord. Revelation shows me how God selects and rewards those who obey and worship him. As individuals we are just as important to God as the group and individuals are bound to the group by the love of God. It's a perfect community where no one is left out or forgotten and each part is in held high esteem because of the high price Jesus paid for each and everyone.