"A CONSPIRACY of the People"

 

Ezekiel 22:29 "The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexxed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully."

     Despite the fact that the sad condition to which GOD's people found themselves came about due to corrupt, conspiratorial leadership, the people actually could blame no one but themselves: "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and MY people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof ?" (Jeremiah 5:21-31). The prophets, priests, and princes could not have continued in their treachery and deceit if the people had stood by the WORD of GOD and refused to follow these deceivers. Amazingly, what happened in Ezekiel's day is happening again today. Many of the tragic occurrences in the Christian world are the direct result of too many believers following the course of least resistance. They first tolerate false teaching and compromise in the churches they attend; next they learn to go along with it, and finally, they are taken over by it. Sometimes they complain when situations get bad, but by then it is generally too late. Conspiracies of every kind need to be exposed at the earliest possible moment even though the deceived would prefer not to be disturbed.

     Whenever GOD's people forsake HIM, the FOUNTAIN of LIVING WATERs, they are only left with "broken cisterns, that can hold no water" (Jeremiah 2:13 pictured above). Try as they may to find alternative sources of peace and satisfaction, all will fail them. Sadly, it is so easy to come to the place where we hypocritically honor the LORD with our lips while our heart is actually far from HIM (Isaiah 29:13 pictured above; Matthew 15:7-9). If we are to be of any use to GOD, then we must be willing to submit to HIS will. Those who forsake HIS WORD will fall victim to the conspirators and become "good for nothing" (Jeremiah 13:10). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"A CONSPIRACY of the Princes"

 

Ezekiel 22:27 "Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain."

     The conspiracy in Ezekiel's day involved not only religious leaders but political ones as well. Today's text describes the princes as ravenous wolves who used their political power to shed innocent blood, destroy souls, and acquire dishonest gain. In Isaiah 1:23 (pictured above) the LORD further described them as "rebellious," companions of thieves, "lovers of gifts, and seekers of rewards, refusing to give justice to the fatherless or widows. GOD also depicted these wicked leaders to Micah 7:1-7 as devious politicians who "do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up."

     Such descriptions sound as if they could have come from today's news reports regarding the deceit and fraud of political leaders in our own country and around the world. It is no wonder that GOD warns HIS people: "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help" (Psalm 146:3 pictured above). Several well-known, conservative religious leaders in our day wrongly encourage believers to support groups such as the Reconstructionists (Christians trying to rebuild society) or the Dominionists (Christians attempting to take over society), both of which emphasize an effort to bring about the kingdom of GOD upon the Earth through a mixture of political reform, economic planning, and religion. However, our responsibility is to preach the Gospel to every creature and thereby also teach them the WORD of GOD; for this is man's true need. Politicians cannot bring to pass CHRIST's kingdom; only HIS coming return can and will accomplish that glorious end. The prophecies on the Millennial kingdom will literally be fulfilled at that time. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation