Psalm 130:1-8; Ezekiel 23:1-49

Key Verse: (Psalm 130:4)

　　But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

　　The theme of our church in Year 2021 is to Return, Rebuild, and Redevelop.
Psalm 130 gives us valuable insights about how God’s people ‘return’ to the Temple, as it is part of the fifteen psalms (Ps 120 to 134) sung by the Hebrew worshippers on their way to Jerusalem while ascending Mount Zion, or according to some scholars, while walking up the steps of the Temple.

　　Where are we spiritually on our trip to worship our Lord? The poet recognized that he is in the depth and cries for Lord’s mercy at the beginning of this psalm. He further explained why the mercy is needed – such a great amount of sin committed by men that no one can stand before God, let alone serve Him.

　　In the Old Testament time, inside the Temple there were Ten Commandments carved on stone tablets and supposedly ‘carved’ on the hearts of God’s people. While traveling up towards the Temple and reflecting what men did and what God had done, the sensible poet realized how much he is short of God’s glory and so much mercy is needed.

　　Later, the poet was comforted by God and who He Is.  He’s probably been reminded that besides the Ten Commandments, there’s also the Mercy Seat in the Temple. God’s timing and plan is perfect; the eager, purposeful and hopeful long waiting will not be in vain. Not until the law’s scrutiny is satisfied by the One and Only Atonement that the full redemption is delivered from the Mercy Seat.

　　Jesus, we thank you for being our High Priest and the Savior. May we be reminded by this psalm in this lifelong pilgrim’s journey and walk in your light.  Amen.

Ezekiel 23:1-49

Key Verse: (Ezekiel 23:35)

　　Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Since you have forgotten me and thrust me behind your back, you must bear the consequences of your lewdness and prostitution.

　　Ezekiel 23 is full of harsh warning messages. The parable of the two sisters who mixed the worship to the Lord with pagan idolatry has many explicit graphical expressions on their terrible immoral actions as well as their terrifying inevitable consequences. The purpose of a warning is to try and correct a situation. Through prophet Ezekiel, God did warn the Israelites of their wrongdoing and the non-stop judgment, with the purpose to call His people to return to Him and Him alone.  The world may have many attractions and excitement, but the peace and the full redemption can only be found in Him.

　　(1 John 2:16) For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world.

　　Many economists called Year 2021 an ‘odd-ball’ year, because we had experienced an unprecedented pandemic. Even after two-thirds of the year, the outlook is still lack of clarity and still under a great degree of uncertainty. Many business leaders told their employees that ‘things will not be returned to the normal before the pandemic’.  It reflects certain reality and common thinking.

　　What should Christians think? Return, Return to the Lord and preach others to do so. If there’s anything we should strive to get back to normal in this odd-ball year, it is to return to the original relationship between God and men through the cross, and lead a ‘normal’ Christian life. 　　　— Ivy Lin

以西結書 22:1-31

　　在過去的半年當中，我有機會和一位國內的弟兄固定的做著初信造就的聚會。我因為年紀稍長一些，正在經歷的事情和已經經歷的事情與這位弟兄有許多雷同的地方，所以更能夠體諒互相正在經歷的事情，並且給予屬靈上面的鼓勵和方向。

　　其中，由於人生事業的規劃和未來工作的走向是他目前要面對最大的事情，這也理所當然地成為了這位弟兄最常諮詢並提問的話題。在討論過程中，我體會並也察覺到了人因為想要有更好的生活，而有著對於未知的未來想要迫切知道答案的渴望。這也就是為什麼一直以來有求神問卜這樣的文化存在。在台灣，為了找到答案，各式各樣的廟都有，像是為姻緣的月老廟、為求子的註生娘娘廟、為得到功名的孔子廟等等的，這些都是人為了想要得到的答案所設立的。這樣的現象甚至也侵蝕了基督教，以致有了成功神學的誕生。利用著人的弱點，假師傅藉著錯誤觀念的教導來贏得信徒的信任，也贏得了他們的金錢。這和26-28 節提到的一樣：

　　「其中的祭司強解我的律法，褻瀆我的聖物，不分別聖的和俗的，也不使人分辨潔淨的和不潔淨的，又遮眼不顧我的安息日；我也在他們中間被褻慢。 其中的首領彷彿豺狼抓撕掠物，殺人流血，傷害人命，要得不義之財。 其中的先知為百姓用未泡透的灰抹牆，就是為他們見虛假的異象，用謊詐的占卜，說：『主耶和華如此說』，其實耶和華沒有說。(以西結書 22:26-28) 」

　　神也說了這些人的下場是什麼：

　　「所以我將惱恨倒在他們身上，用烈怒的火滅了他們，照他們所行的報應在他們頭上。這是主耶和華說的。(以西結書 22:31)」

　　在回答這位弟兄這個問題的時候，我們剛好在討論如何能夠知道並遵行神的旨意。因此我們把注意力放在了研讀聖經，也就是神的話的重要性。我們想要「聽到」神直接對我們說話，但是卻忽略了神早就已經把祂要對我們說的話留下來給我們了。聖經上的話完全足夠幫助我們做出人生中任何的決定。若不熟悉並遵行聖經，我們很容易就會被錯誤的教導給帶偏，並一步一步的走向錯誤的方向。

　　在這個能夠迅速獲得任何訊息的世界中，人們已經被慣壞並且習慣了即刻享受的現象。等待、忍耐、堅持是現今人們最難做的事情，但是它們卻是我們對愛神和神的信心應該要有的表現。我們必須要從神的話語中了解並且相信，神不會虧待祂的兒女，祂必會為我們預備最好的、最適合我們的。或順境或逆境，讓我們單單地相信神，不要被那些屬罪惡的給誘惑走了，神必定是會按照我們對祂的信心來祝福我們的。　　

　　「信就是所望之事的實底，是未見之事的確據。 (希伯來書 11:1 )」　　　— Bob Liu

以西结书 21:1-32

　　本章讲到神的刀必临到耶路撒冷和亚扪人，神的刀就是审判的刀，是指巴比伦的军队。

　　1-7节神明确的告诉以西结，祂要拔刀出鞘，永不回头，表明了神要审判耶路撒冷的决心，所有的土地都要在这预言的审判下，绝不姑息，神强调说祂拔刀出鞘要将义人和恶人一并剪除（3节），从南到北攻击一切有血气的（4节），可见耶路撒冷的罪，连义人也被牵连，这提醒我们当一个城市陷入在罪恶中不肯回头时，神审判这城市时，义人和恶人都要面对审判。我们做为神的儿女生活在这世上，面对社会上那些违背圣经真理的行为，并不是要两耳不闻窗外事，能躲多远就躲多远，而是要依靠神、亲近神，穿上属灵的军装来抵挡这些。

　　8-17节讲到神的刀是分四个阶段来临的。

　　1、8-11节：告诉以色列人这刀已经出鞘，这刀即快又亮，表明神的审判很快就会到来，而且因着神的公义，神的审判和管教是公正的、严厉的。
　　2、12节：先知捶打自己，先知之所以捶打自己和叹息，都是因为当时的以色列人不相信神的审判会来，仍然硬着颈项远离神。
　　3、13-15节：这刀定会第三次临到并会加倍，这表明神的刀不仅是击杀一两次，而且有第三次，这也预示着犹大将有第三次被掳。
　　4、16-17节：强调神的刀在哪，哪就会被审判，这也表明当时的以色列人罪恶深重，是真的惹怒了神。

　　接下来18节到最后讲述了神的刀是分两条路而行的，一条是向耶路撒冷，一条是向亚扪，因为他们对神的悖逆和所犯的罪恶，他们都会得到神的审判，其中24节【主耶和华如此说：“因你们的过犯显露，使你们的罪孽被记念，以致你们的罪恶在行为上都彰显出来。又因你们被记念，就被捉住。】提醒我很多，这节经文神告诉百姓如果他们认罪悔改，神会饶恕他们的罪，但如果他们不肯承认自己的罪孽，他们的罪孽就会彰显出来，并要受到审判惩罚。这让我想到在我们的生活中，我们在不经意间总会有罪的一面显露出来，或是面对着罪的诱惑，比如说谎、奉承和占小便宜得利益。如果当我们出现或面对这样的事情时，不能马上立刻地向神祷告认罪，求神帮助，而是以“这是善意的谎言”、“说讨人喜欢的话，让听者开心总是对的”和“我占这点便宜不算什么，有的人知法犯法，比我这个严重的多了也没事”，诸如此类的借口来遮盖我们的罪，这和本章中的以色列人有什么区别？要知道我们的一举一动、心思意念神都知道，我们不能以世界的标准和人的标准来衡量我们，而是要以神的标准来规范我们的行为，我们做什么说什么不是给人看，而是给神看。求神每天鉴察我们的心，让我们远离罪的辖制和诱惑。

　　慈爱的天父，求您保守我们的心，坚定我们的心，让我们的生命一天新似一天，使我们的生命能越来越像您，活出您所喜悦的样子，谢谢您的爱和怜悯。以上祷告是奉主耶稣基督的圣名求，阿们！　　　— Xin Jin

Ezekiel 20:1-49

　　Ezekiel Chapter 20 records the continuing rebellion of Israel.  In verse 1 we read of a gathering of certain elders of Israel and their desire to inquire of the Lord.  This gathering took place 5 years to the day before Jerusalem was put to the torch.  In verses 2-8a, the Lord, through Ezekiel, expresses His displeasure at the continued rebellion and idol worship being performed by His chosen people – the same as the abominations of their fathers.  God was not willing to be inquired of by these so called ‘leaders’ – they were not – they ‘led’ the people away from God.

　　Three times in verses 8b-32, The Lord reminded the elders “Then I said I would pour out my wrath upon them….” as He speaks a synopsis of what He gave His chosen people in Egypt and the wilderness verses what the Israelites chose over Him.  He talks of how He repeatedly withheld His wrath.   Verses 30-32 are very sobering and sum up the rebelliousness:  ³⁰ “Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Will you defile yourselves after the manner of your fathers and go whoring after their detestable things? ³¹ When you present your gifts and offer up your children in fire,^[c] you defile yourselves with all your idols to this day. And shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, declares the Lord God, I will not be inquired of by you.³² “What is in your mind shall never happen—the thought, ‘Let us be like the nations, like the tribes of the countries, and worship wood and stone.’”

　　What happens in the remaining verses 32-44 is shocking!  The Lord promises to restore Israel AGAIN!  His Love for His creation is beyond wonder.  He vows in verse 34: ‘I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out’.  In verse 38-44, He says He will purge out the rebels and transgressors but the faithful remnant would again worship at His holy mountain.

　　Pause and Reflect on this:  The glory of the grace of God is that He deals with us in mercy and not as our sins deserve.

　　Ezekiel ends this chapter with a short prophecy (vs 45-48) against the south which is explained in chapter 21:1-5.  (Tune in tomorrow for that.) Babylon will come for Judah……

　　In summary, I am again struck with God’s tenacious and stalwart love for a sinful, rebellious people.  His love for sinners and His desire to draw us into right relationship with Him is beyond comprehension.  Jesus – The beloved Son – died for us on the cross and opened the only way for us to be right before the Father.  By His blood we are saved.　　　— Mary Mauderer

Ezekiel 19:1-14

　　This lament is a song composed to mourn and prophesy the demise of the Judahite monarchy. Lion was a proverbial term for the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9). It symbolizes majesty, courage and power. The southern kingdom of Judah has deteriorated spiritually to the point comparable to, if not worse than their northern brothers in Israel. Despite seeing the judgement of the northern Israel kingdom, the last four kings of Judah were all evil kings: Jehoahaz, Jehoaikim, Jehoaichin and Zedekiah. God told Ezekiel to lament for the kings of Judah. The lament corresponds to 2 Kings 23-25 and 2 Chronicles 36.

　　The lioness represents Judah, while the cubs are the princes (kings) of Judah. The first cub probably refers to King Jehoahaz. He tore his prey and devoured men (v. 3) referring to him as an evil man (2 Kings 23:30-32). In return, God judged Jehoahaz through Pharaoh Neco.

Jehoahaz was put in chains and carried off to Egypt where he died (v. 4).

　　In verse 5, the dashed hopes and expectations were probably due to their loss of King Jehoahaz. The second cub could be referring to their new king- King Jehoaikim and or for the most part his nephew, King Jehoaichin. They too were evil kings (v. 6-7; Jeremiah 22:13-17; 2 Kings 24:9; 2 Chronicles 36:5,9), so God judged them through Nebuchadnezzar by sending the Babylonians and her other vassals: Arameans, Moabites and Ammonites to raid Judah (v.8-9; 2 Kings 24:2). Jehoaikim’s evilness was also depicted in Jeremiah 22:13-17. Jehoaikim and Jehoiachin, his family and his officials were also taken as captives to Babylon (v. 9,13; 2 Chronicles 36:6,10; 2Kings 24:12).

　　In verse 10, the nation is now compared to a fruitful vine, planted by the water. It’s branches were full and strong fit for a ruler scepter (v. 11). It has full foliage and conspicuous height (v. 11). These descriptions were probably referring to the glorious days of Judah – under the spiritual leadership of the good King David and of King Solomon.

　　In verse 12, we read that the vine was uprooted in a fury and thrown to the ground. This is consistent with the judgement that the prophets had prophesied about Judah. The Babylonianians from the east (east wind) were God’s instrument of judgement. The siege of Jerusalem, the captivity and exile (v.13) of the people and their kings were the result of God’s judgement upon Judah’s rebellion. The people mocked God’s prophet, and despised His words despite God’s patience and compassion on them (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). Finally the last king, Zedekiah’s refusal to listen to the advice of prophets (2 Chronicles 36:12-14) and the broken oath he made in God’s name with King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Chronicles 36:13), led to the judgement of fire which consumed Jerusalem and ended the dynasty of David (v. 14).

　　The lament mourned for the kings of Judah. Human kings are not God’s idea from the beginning (1 Samuel 8:7). Let us be careful not to set our eyes on men, for all has fallen and may lead us astray. May we look to Jesus Christ for He is the true Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5); He alone is our eternal Lord and King. 　　　— Lai Yee Leong

以西结书 Ezekiel 18:1-32 (Scroll down for English)

　　刚到美国不久，就听到保险广告不断重复一个词：“无过”。（No fault）很过了些日子才弄明白，原来，“无过”保险，好像是出了交通意外，不必追究谁是对错，反正我没错，全是你错他错政府的错社会的错妖怪幽灵的外星人的错。想不到，原来二千五百年前的以色列，就已经天才地、创造性地、全面地发展出一套“无过”的前卫理论：“父亲吃了酸葡萄，儿子的牙酸倒了。”这说法传到神的耳中，神质疑说：“你们在以色列地怎么用这俗语？”（2）

　　以色列的“酸葡萄”理论与伊索寓言，不是同一个等级。以色列酸葡萄理论其实是争辩说：我行为固然恶劣可憎，心中无神目中无人，但这可不是我的错，因为我爹就这德行，所以我也成了流氓痞子。怎么着嘛？差不多同时期的中国孔圣人还在咧咧“吾日三省吾身”，以色列人已经弯道超车在推崇“无过”了。再早些时的以色列所罗门王有一句著名的睿语：“日光之下并无新事。”（传1:9）信焉。

　　本章5-9节与10-13节是公义、正直、合理与行恶的对比，前者“按诚实行事，这人是公义的，必定存活”，神说；后者则“行这一切可憎的事，必要死亡，他的罪必归到他身上”。神的公义行出来，就是要赏善罚恶，罪人无论如何自称“无过”，无论如何推搪，都逃不脱神的公义审判。但神也为罪人设立了通往存活的门。“但恶人若回头离开所作的一切罪恶，谨守我一切的律例，行正直与合理的事，他必定存活，不致死亡。他所犯的一切罪过都不被记念，因所行的义，他必存活。”（21-22）

　　和合本略去了21节起首的“但”字。这“但”字，承先启后，神在这里石破天惊地作了一个与恶人的灭亡回然不同的宣告：离弃罪恶，既往不咎。神又是怜悯的神，“主耶和华说，恶人死亡，岂是我喜悦的吗？不是喜悦他回头离开所行的道存活吗？”（23）随后他又说，“我不喜悦那死人之死，所以你们当回头而存活。”（32）

　　生命和灭亡，两条路，铺陈在以色列人面前。可惜心硬的以色列人选择的是一意孤行，在离弃神的路上越走越远，至终国破、被掳、二千年磨难、也不愿回头而存活，换取哭泣先知耶利米的千古一哀：“先前满有人民的城，现在何竟独坐。先前在列国中为大的，现在竟如寡妇。先前在诸省中为王后的，现在成为进贡的。”（哀1:1）

　　历史岂不是一面镜子么？两点岂不成为一条直线么？数不清的数据搜集，岂不可靠地预测将来的行为么？美国本是蒙神恩眷的地土，人民因为敬畏神而大受祝福。不过，今天的美国，令人担忧地选择走离弃神的路，就像二千多年前的以色列一样。我们当中许多人，历尽艰辛来到这片蒙福的地土，成家立室生儿育女，却不知这片地土，是否会在神公义的烈怒中越发颤抖。所以，刻不容缓，我们

1. 在祷告中，建立我们自己的家庭为敬畏神的单位，作育我们的下一代，成长为跟随主的一代，而不是以“自由”的名义让他们自生自灭
2. 为这个国度祷告，为掌权的、在位的祷告，为万人祷告，求神怜悯
3. 为教会祷告，为我们自己祷告，让我们成为福音的流通管道，把主耶稣的救恩传给人。在这时代，人们需要主。

Ezekiel 18:1-32

　　Before long after setting feet on the U.S. soil the term “no fault” sounded loud from the advertisements for insurance. In time it gradually came to an understanding that the so-called “no fault” seemed to be promoting such a concept, that regardless of what one did to cause traffic accidents, there was no fault to the insured, it would all be the other guys’ fault, whoever these guys were. And out of our imagination, the people of Israel came up with a “no fault” system, “The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” Upon hearing this God questioned, “What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel?” (1)

　　This proverb is nowhere comparable to that of the Sour Grapes in Aesop’s Fables. The proverb populated among the Israel people reflected such a mindset, that they indeed were sinners and went astray, but they insisted that they were no fault, because their fathers lived like this, and therefore they were brought up to be like their fathers. In the same historical period, Confucius the Chinese educator advised that he self-examine himself three times a day to check and see if he had done something indecent earlier the day, the people of Israel promoted “no fault” some thousands of miles away.

　　Verses 5-9 and 10-13 lay the contrasts of uprightness and evil, the former “follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign LORD.” As for the latter, “Because he has done all these detestable things, he will surely be put to death and his blood will be on his own head.” The righteous God will reward the righteous and punish the evil, sinners cannot escape God’s judgment by blabbing “no fault”. Out of his righteous harshness, however, God graciously gives a way out, “But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live.” (21-22) God reinstates that he is a God of mercy. He calls sinners, “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!”

　　Life or death, two directions and two paths were laid before Israel, but the harden hearted people chose to stay on their downward way. Far away they went their own way from the LORD their God, finally the nation was conquered by their enemies, people were captured and exiled. They so refused to repent and live as God advised that the misery was mourned by Jeremiah the weeping prophet. “How deserted lies the city, once so full of people! How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations! She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave.” (Lamentations 1:1)

　　Isn’t history a mirror for today? Doesn’t two points form a straight line? Wouldn’t sufficient data forecasts future behaviors dependably? America used to be the land of God’s grace. But we have observed that detouring from God’s righteousness American is going her own way today like Israel two some thousand years ago. Many of us at GCBC tried hard to come to this land of opportunities and well established. We have built up families and careers, but now we worry about that America will be subject to the wrath of God because of the up-roaring sinfulness. Let’s be alert. We 

1. Build up our families as devoted units to edify our next generations, teach them to fear God and keep his commandments, rather than let them go in the name of “freedom”
2. Pray for America, pray for the leaders of the different layers, and the people around us. May God’s compassion come.
3. Pray for the Church and ourselves, pray that God empower us and make us the channel of the gospel of Christ Jesus. People need the Lord in time like this.

— David Yip

以西結書 17:1-24；詩篇129:1-8

　　本章是神給先知以西結的「二大鷹」的神諭，結合猶大末期的歷史（列王紀下24, 25章、歷代志下35, 36章），就容易明白神諭所指。

　　1-10節神諭中的第一隻大鷹是巴比倫，黎巴嫩的香柏樹是耶路撒冷，第二隻大鷹是埃及。

　　11-21節是神自己對神諭的解釋，當巴比倫擊敗了猶大，攻破耶路撒冷，擄走百姓，猶大王西底家向巴比倫王臣服立約，以保猶大百姓在被擄之地得以平安生存，這是出於神對猶大的審判與刑罰，也是神保存選民的應許。

　　猶大是「悖逆之家」(v12)，悖逆耶和華神，屢戒不改，終至國家滅亡，百姓被擄，罪有應得，咎由自取。猶大君王「輕看誓言，背棄盟約」(v18)，既與巴比倫立約，又背叛轉而投向埃及；既與耶和華神立約，卻背約轉去拜偶像假神，所以主耶和華如此說：「我指著我的永生起誓，他既輕看指我所起的誓，背棄指我所立的約，我必要使這罪歸在他頭上。」(v19)

　　神是守約施慈愛的神，又立耶穌基督為新約的中保，使我們在主的應許中得平安喜樂與豐盛的生命。神是我們的磐石、高台與避難所，雖然世道險惡，末世災難頻仍，撒旦對基督徒的攻擊愈發厲害，但我們在基督裡，有聖靈內住，安慰、引導，加力量給我們，使我們能靠主得勝。切切不可背約，遠離主就遠離了主的保守，遠離了主的恩惠。

　　22-24節，神仍應許自己的子民，當刑期滿了，刑罰過了，還要再復興神選民的國度。神的應許果然應驗，猶大百姓被擄七十年後得以歸回重建聖殿聖城；猶大亡國2500年後得以重建以色列國。神的作為奇妙，神的應許信實。

　　「……我耶和華使高樹矮小，矮樹高大；青樹枯乾，枯樹發旺。我耶和華如此說，也如此行了。」(v24) 但以理書2:21說，祂改變時候、日期，廢王、立王，將智慧賜與智慧人，將知識賜與聰明人。

　　神是掌權的主，一切的權柄都是出於神，沒有權柄不是出於神的，凡掌權的都是神所命的。(羅13:1) 神阻擋驕傲的人，賜恩給謙卑的人。(雅4:6，彼前5:5)
叛逆背約乃是因為驕傲，自以為是、自以為義；願意在基督裡謹守神的真理教訓、神的約，就是謙卑的人。求主幫助我們，謙卑地在主面前，信心堅定，謹守遵行神的旨意、聖經真理的教訓。

詩篇129:1-8

　　接著讀詩篇129篇，特別有感動。

　　v4　耶和華是公義的；他砍斷了惡人的繩索。v2　敵人屢次苦害我，卻沒有勝了我。凡苦害以色列的，恨惡錫安的都蒙羞退後，不會有人對他們說：願耶和華所賜的福歸與你們！我們奉耶和華的名給你們祝福！

　　然而，這樣的祝福必臨到愛主的兒女：願耶和華所賜的福歸與你們！我們奉耶和華的名給你們祝福！　　　— Solomon Liu

以西結書 16:1-63

　　成為基督徒必定是走過不同的經歷，像是認罪、悔改、接受救恩、得救、交託主權、成聖、向主祈求、得到禱告的回應等等類似這樣的過程。而每個人在這些階段都有屬於自己獨特的光景和經歷。

　　這些經歷往往在當下的時候總是感觸良多、印象深刻，甚至是痛苦銘心的，以至於我們完完全全的、清清楚楚的感受到了神的同在、恩典、憐憫、慈愛、大能、饒恕。

　　但是可惜的是，我們常常聽到有信徒在度過了平安和安穩還有得到從神那來的祝福後，卻硬生生的把神的作為給忘記了；亦或是因為自己「不需要了」、「沒有危機了」而離開了神，回到了自己原來的樣子，像是什麼都沒有發生過。
也有信徒因為一次的經歷，就到處打著神的名號去招搖撞騙，為的是增加自己的的名聲和利益，但卻完全沒有屬靈的生命，甚至是過著一個充滿了罪惡的生活。

　　弟兄姊妹，我們的神是如此的心疼和沮喪啊！祂在我們最需要的時候、被罪困住的時候、感覺沒有盼望的時後搭救了我們。祂把跌倒了後的我們扶持了起來，醫治了我們的傷口，給了我們面對每一天、每一件事、每一個人的盼望，但我們卻背離祂而去，使祂傷心難過。

　　不僅是這樣，23節說「你行這一切惡事之後（主耶和華說：你有禍了！有禍了！）」我們若是繼續做這些神所恨惡的行為，禍定是會降到我們身上的，這是神說的！我們在讀到有關惡人的經文的時候不要第一個想到其他人，因為我們管不著別人，也改變不了別人，我們應該是先要反省並檢查自己是否也是有著惡人的行為，然後趕緊認罪悔改。至於別人如何，神都看到了，祂必會審判，在祂面前作惡多端的一個都跑不掉，因為祂是公義的神。　　　— Bob Liu

以西结书 14:1-24；15:1-8

以西结书 14章

　　 本章讲到几个以色列的长老来求问神的心意，神直截了当的反问他们说，因为他们早已把假神请到他们的心中，他们的心里根本没有容得下神的地方了，这些假神是使他们一直陷于罪中的绊脚石，以至于他们不断地在罪面前扑倒，在他们己经崇拜假神的时候来求问神，神怎会回答他们。
所以第4节神对以色列人说，既然他们要求问祂，祂就会在以色列拜假神的行为上先审判他们，让他们回转，然后再回答。
第5节神说：“以色列人藉着假神与我生疏”，神用“生疏”来描述祂与以色列人的关系，能感受到神的心痛和伤心，这也提醒我们，有时我们也把一些所谓的“绊脚石”接到了我们的心里，使我们和神的关系变得生疏，可能我们都没有察觉，但实际上这些绊脚石已经阻挡了我们和神的关系。

　　在这一章的后半部分，神三次强调当最终的审判来临之时，以色列中虽有像挪亚、但以理、约伯这样的义人，但他们的义到那时只能救他们自己，连他们的儿女也不会因他们得救（14节、15节、20节），神用这样的说法是再告诉这些在信仰飘忽不定的以色列人，如果他们自己不彻底悔改，弃绝他们心中的偶像，谦卑地来到神面前，光想着靠着他们当中仅有的义人为他们祷告而免除神对他们的管教和审判，那是不可能的。

　　这也提醒我们，我们每一个人最终都是要独立面对神的，如果我们光是依靠身边属灵的兄弟姐妹的祷告，只是例行公事的去教会参加敬拜听听牧师的教导，而自己没有一个悔过、接纳主、放下老我、更新自己的心，到那日我们真正面对神时，神也不会喜悦和接纳我们。

　　另一方面神强调这三位义人的儿女也不会得救，这也提醒和告诉我们做为家长，我们不能错误的理解为只要我们虔诚的敬拜主，我们的孩子也会有敬虔的基因，要明白信仰是不会遗传的，信仰是需要传承的。我们做为父母的每天要保守自己的心，亲近神，恪守自己的行为，言传身教的给孩子们做好榜样，成为孩子们属灵路上的帮助者，带领孩子们学习神的话语，在他们心中种下信仰的种子，引导他们来到主的面前，求主让圣灵充满他们，让圣灵在他们的生命中做工，让那颗种子生根、发芽、不断成长，让他们成为神手中合用的器皿，一代一代的传承下去。

以西结书 15章

　　本章神用无用的葡萄树比喻以色列人，葡萄树的木材扭曲而软，不能用来制造器具，这表明葡萄树如果不能结果子，葡萄树就是最无用的木材，再好也不能派上用场，就只能当柴烧。神在这里把以色列人比喻成不结果子的无用的葡萄树是想告诉这些骄傲、悖逆的以色列民，神拣选他们做神的选民，并不是因为他们比别的种族优越什么，完全是因为祂的怜悯恩慈，神拣选他们，从患难逼迫中拯救他们，牧养他们，供应他们，让他们日渐强大，与他们立约，教导他们也是为了让他们能活在神的旨意里。但以色列民不但没有感恩的心，却离弃神，所以神必要按着他们所行的审判他们，把无用的葡萄树丢在火里。

　　这也提醒我们今天能成为基督徒，不是因为我们比别人更富有、更善良、更有悟性，而是因为神的恩典和爱，我们才蒙恩得救，才成为主耶稣葡萄树上的枝子，所以我们要常常存着感恩的心，来到主面前，求主给我们能力，让我们在世上为主做光做盐，求主帮助我们成为能结果子的葡萄树。

　　【我是葡萄树，你们是枝子，常在我里面的，我也常在他里面，这人就多结果子。因为离了我，你们就不能做什么。（约翰福音15:5）】　　　— Xin Jin

Ezekiel 13:1-23

False Prophets Condemned

　　　A false prophet is a person who spreads false teachings or messages while claiming to speak the Word of God. In the Bible, false prophets also spoke on behalf of false gods. False prophets functioned in their prophetic role illegitimately or for the purpose of deception. The Bible denounces false prophets for leading people astray.

　　　In the Old Testament, the actual term false prophet does not occur, but references to false prophets are evident and abundant. In Jeremiah 14:14, a clear description of false prophets is given: “Then the LORD said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds’”.

　　　The primary difference between a true prophet of God and false prophets was their source of information. Rather than speak the Word of the Lord, false prophets delivered messages that originated in their own hearts and minds: “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD’”  (Jeremiah 23:16). God distances Himself from all false prophets: “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied” (Jeremiah 23:21).

　　　As we read Ezekiel 13, we see this true prophet of God instructed by the Lord to speak against the (false) ‘prophets of Israel’.  He uses two images to describe them: 1.  ‘jackals’ – wild dogs that feed on dead and live prey and often hunt cooperatively.  These ‘wild dogs’ live among the ruins, separate from society and useless to it.   2.  and ‘flimsy walls’ that are whitewashed, untrustworthy and impermanent.

　　　The false prophets do not risk themselves for the people of Israel.  When the enemy comes against Israel, they do not run into the breaches (gaps) to protect the people like Moses did; they fade away.  Ultimately, only Jesus Christ can stand in the breach between God and humanity.  Praise to the Father for sending the Son.

　　　God promises to raise His hand against the false prophets and in verses 9-16, we read how God will expose their lies.

　　　In verses 17-23, Ezekiel addresses the imposter prophetess’ who are practitioners of magic and sorcery, selling amulets and charms.  He promises to deliver from them those that have been falsely imprisoned with their ‘magic’.  He ends the chapter with the familiar words ‘And you shall know that I am the LORD’!

Summary: 

　　　As Ezekiel talks about these deceivers, we are give some characteristics to look out for.  We know false prophets will continue to rise, ultimately ending with the Antichrist.  And our Jesus will come from heaven on His white horse and defeat it.  The Bible – His Living Word (Jesus) is our greatest defense and our guide to truth.  May we have the love and discipline to study the Scriptures daily.　　　— Mary Mauderer