Incense Before the Throne

Read Micah 6:1 through 7:20; Revelation 8:1–13 Revelation 8 is sobering. It’s interesting that John records a substantial pause in heaven—after the seal is opened but before the events begin. Was the pause consideration for the calamity ahead? Was the silence worship for God who could orchestrate this? We don’t know. But this is a link in the chain of events …

Consumer or Caretaker?

Read Ezekiel 34:1 through 36:38 Years ago, nearly every family had at least one animal. A trader might have a camel. A merchant might have a donkey. A farmer might have an ox to plow, a goat for milk, and a few sheep for wool and meat. Some people herded large flocks, but nothing on a modern scale. Today, global food …

Judgment or Mercy?

Read Ezekiel 17:1 through 19:14 The prophet Ezekiel proclaimed to the people of Israel that God would punish them if they continued to pursue wickedness. Why did they persist in their sinful ways when God offered them mercy? “Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, …