THREE PILLARS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT (EZEKIEL 14:12-23)

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Pillar of the Community”? This usually points to someone who is always there, always reliable. One that holds up the community. Always somebody you can rely on, having deep respect for, they are pillars of the community. 

David wrote, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the [a]beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.” (Psa. 27:4)

Ezekiel wrote of three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job. In this lesson we’ll meditate on these three and glean some helpful facts from their character and lives. 

These three men…

When Jesus said “I Am” he proclaimed Himself to be God. This lesson will expound on that fact, which angered many, and caused hope in the few.

In this lesson we learn how king Rehoboam took counsel from two, opposing parties, the counselors his father Solomon had, and from his own friends. Reading 1 Kings 12 we soon learn two major things. One, who told the truth and who lied, and second the two attitudes concerning governing people. Then we read on into chapter 13 and learn of another liar that caused the death of a man of God. We must decide are we going to listen to man, or God? Are we focused on physical, or spiritual things. 

We belong to God, we are God’s and we are going to look at the various ways that God has the right to make such a claim.  You are either a servant of sin, or a servant of righteousness, and here’s the thing–You make that choice. We all belong to God because He created us all (Gen. 1:1), we all live and breath and have our being (Acts 17:28) all because of God our Creator. Also, because God purchased us with the blood of His Son (Acts 20:28) and we died to sin, and have been set free from sin (Rom. 6:18), why would we want to go back? Lastly we belong to God by virtue of “occupation”, you are the temple of God, you are holy (1 Cor. 3:15-23). You were created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10). . .

1 Peter chapter 5 verses 8 and 9, “8 Be [a]sober, be [b]vigilant; [c]because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world”. There are things to be fearful about and particularly to draw from this verse. In this lesson I will bring out points considering the background of the book, the historical times, and make application for us in these times. 

King Ahab had married Jezebel who became Queen and between the two of them they began to introduce all sorts of idolatry into the nation of Israel. This is something that the Lord would not tolerate.
So, when Elijah appears before Ahab, he presents a challenge. We’re going to set up a contest between Jehovah and the other gods more specifically Baal and Asherah. You are going to build an altar to your gods and I’m going build an altar to Jehovah. And we’re going to get two oxen and we’re going cut one up and put it on your altar and we’re going cut the other one up and put it on my altar. But we’re not going to build the fire. What we’re going do is we’re going to call to our gods and will let the true God answer with fire. Then Elijah spoke to the people and said how long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God follow him but if Baal follow him. But the people answered him not a word. . . not a word!
I am afraid that the way this nation is going and I’m not talking about political one talking about the world that is gearing up to attack the people of God. As God’s children we must ask ourselves, how long will I falter between two opinions. . . 

From Solomon, who invested a great deal of time learning and imparting wisdom. Solomon in the opening chapter says, “12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be [e]exercised. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.” (Eccl. 1:12-14). Solomon probably as much as anyone in human history, was positioned to be able to look at human pursuit and evaluate all of the things that men chase after. Brother Cosner opens the scripture and teaches a simple but powerful message that has its roots in the closing words of the wise man. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Eccl. 12:13-14).