Flattering Divination

The more things change, the more things stay the same. Prophets' messages to a stubborn people in the Old Testament appear as though they would not be out of place today. Although the Babylonian captivity seems like such a different time, place, and involved such a different group of people, a message sent through Ezekiel in Ezekiel 12 is as relevant today as it was then:

And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. For there shall be no more any vain vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. (Eze. 12:21-24)

Both the northern kingdom of Israel and southern kingdom of Judah had long been warned through numerous prophets of impending captivity if they did not cease from their sin, primarily idolatry. The people failed to heed to the pleas to change their ways. Of course, we know the prophecies were entirely true and accurate. If we were among them back then, would we have been as stubborn as they were? That is, would we have been as stubborn if we didn't have the benefit of history and hindsight as we do now? Unfortunately, our attitude today is not so different from that of the Israelites back then. We can think that if we're in the Church, then we're immune or resistant to such attitudes; but we're not. God's message through Ezekiel in chapter 12 strikes on a problem that persists to this day and even so in the Church.

God notes to Ezekiel that the people have become callused to the warnings. Ezekiel, already living in captivity, is bringing God's message to those also with Ezekiel from the first deportation of the residents of Judah to Babylon. Ezekiel has been warning of the impending siege and destruction coming to those who still remain back in Jerusalem. Yet, the people physically with Ezekiel still doubt that this warning of God will come true…while they're already in captivity.

(Read more)

Ben McManus

Updates

• New sermons from the February Mount Carmel Road meeting have been posted on the Sermons page. (3/4/25)
• Sermons by Charlie Shelnutt have been posted on the Sermons page. (3/4/25)
• New sermons from the February Taylor's Cross Roads meeting have been posted on the Sermons page. (2/15/25)
• Note: Our Contact form has not been working due to technical difficulties. Please email us directly at theharvesteronline@gmail.com to contact us.

Upcoming Meetings

Find us on Facebook