Podcasts about reading ezekiel

May 18, 2026Today's Reading: Ezekiel 36:22-28Daily Lectionary: Numbers 14:26-45; Numbers 15:1-41; Luke 18:35-19:10"O Lord, command what you will and grant what you command." (Confessions, St. Augustine of Hippo) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. People often put their names on valuable belongings, even items they treasure solely for sentimental reasons that are unfathomable to others. One's name is tantamount to possession and value. God's name upon His people, Israel, equals His possession of them as well as their value to Him. Beginning with Abraham, God did not choose His people based on their goodness, morality, or value. When God first called Abraham (originally Abram), he was a pagan who worshipped the pagan gods of his Chaldean family. Even as Abram/Abraham responded to the Lord's promise to him and His offspring, he still violated that trust in numerous ways, just as would Isaac, Jacob/Israel, and his sons. From there, it gets no better. From then through the time of the Judges, then the Kings and Prophets, God's people continued to stray from His will. Time and time again, there was grumbling against God, tempting God, fornication, and murder, and all of this emanating from their constant propensity for idolatry. How could God place His holy name upon such a wretched people as these? How could He call them His people, His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 7:6), even, “the apple of His eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10)? The answer is found in God's own declaration concerning Himself first in Exodus 34:6, and repeated not less than five times in Numbers, in Nehemiah, in the Psalms, and in the Prophets Joel and Jonah: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness…” In merciful and gracious steadfast love, God placed His name upon Israel. God's name is His reputation, and His reputation is mercy. Through Ezekiel, God reminded Israel that they had done nothing to earn His favor. "It is not for your sake … that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name." (Ezekiel 36:22) This is the very reason that you can trust your Baptism! When God sprinkled clean water on you, making you clean (Ezekiel 36:25), it came with His name placed upon you, the mark of Christ's cross placed upon your brow and heart. How is it that God would or could save you, a poor, miserable sinner? God's name is His reputation, and His reputation is mercy. He saves you not for your sake, but for the sake of His holy name, which you bear. “By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. O Christian, firmly hold this gift And give God thanks forever! It gives the power to uplift In all that you endeavor. When nothing else revives your soul, Your Baptism stands and makes you whole And then in death completes you. (LSB 596:5)Rev. Jeffrey Ries, pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA

April 20, 2026Today's Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16Daily Lectionary: Exodus 33:1-23; Luke 7:1-17“I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep.”  (Ezekiel 34:15a) In the Name of Jesus. Shepherds. Israel's history is full of them: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When Jacob moved his family to Egypt, they were segregated to Goshen because Hebrew shepherds were considered an abomination to the Egyptians (Genesis 46:34; cf. 43:32). Moses and David were shepherds (Exodus 3:1; 1 Sam 17:34-36). Joshua would shepherd Israel so that “the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd” (Numbers 27:17; cf. 1 Kings 22:17; Ezekiel 34:5). Additionally, the prophets, particularly Ezekiel, speak of Israel's kings as shepherds. Most of these king-shepherds abused the flock. King Ahab was one of the worst in the Northern Kingdom, and Manasseh was one of the worst in the Southern Kingdom. The children of Israel were like sheep without a shepherd. These king-shepherds did not strengthen, heal, and bind up the weak and sick. Instead, they ruthlessly subjected them. Preyed on them. Exposed them to wild beasts.   Ezekiel correctly makes the case that Judah's shepherds consumed their flock instead of feeding it. Instead of protecting, they slaughtered. Instead of gathering, they scattered. Consequently, the LORD takes His stand. He will “destroy” and “feed” the voracious-feeding-themselves “fat and strong” unfaithful shepherds “in justice.” They will get what they want as their punishment for their stubborn unbelief, corruption, and unrepentance. In addition, the LORD Himself promises to do what Israel's predatory shepherds will not and cannot do. He will be Israel's shepherd. “I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out … I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep.” He will rescue and gather the scattered. He will “feed them with good pasture” – even on the mountain heights. He will “seek the lost … bring back the strayed … bind up the injured, and … strengthen the weak.” Connect the dots. Ezekiel 34 is to the Old Testament what John 10 and Luke 15:3-7 are to the New Testament. Jesus— Immanuel / God with us— is the Good Shepherd of Ezekiel's prophecy! God the Father sends His only-begotten Son “to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). David was both “shepherd” and “prince” of Israel. As such, David prefigures Jesus, who is the greater salvational Shepherd-King! So, when Jesus identifies Himself as “the good shepherd,” He categorically proclaims Himself as the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy. And in Good Friday sacrificial love for you, His sheep, He “lays down his life” (Jn 10:15) and then takes it up again on Easter Sunday (Jn 10:17-18) to win your salvation by His blood as the sacrificial lamb who “takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Good Shepherd Jesus, continue to shepherd and pasture us in Your kingdom as we live in and from our Baptism as You repent, faith, and lead us in Your Word. Amen.

April 13, 2026Today's Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14Daily Lectionary: Exodus 22:20-23:13; Luke 4:16-30“Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We cannot imagine the horror Ezekiel felt in the valley of dry bones. God dropped Ezekiel there in that valley of despair, well past being clean among all that death. Ezekiel followed God, listened, and proclaimed the Word of God to those dry bones. Jesus still does this today. He takes a son of man and drops him where the church has called him to serve. Some in the valley, some on a mountain or hilltop, some in the city, suburbs, or country. Different scenery, yet as the son of man is led around, he notices all the dead, dry bones. In fact, he feels this dryness in his own bones as he dwells among them. This son of man, horrified at the death within him and with the death witnessed around him, is led by God to care for and serve those who are at that place. These sons of men are God's pastors and preachers, just like Ezekiel, and they listen and proclaim the Word of God to those dry bones. “The Lord says…so I prophesied as I was commanded.” The preachers see bone to its bone, and flesh and skin come upon them. Word preached, water poured, Body and Blood given under bread and wine. Breath prophesied, and the breath came into them, and they lived. The son of man God sent into that valley of dry bones does this work week in and week out, that God would raise these dry bones and strengthen them to stand and live according to the Word of their God, who gives them breath and life. This is the life of the church. This is your life, how God kills and makes alive. God preaches through His man called to you, and through that proclamation, through the Gospel joined to simple means, you have life and salvation. “And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Alleluia, alleluia! Oh, to breathe the Spirit's grace! Alleluia, alleluia! Oh, to see the Father's face!Alleluia, alleluia! Oh, to feel the Son's embrace! (LSB 491:4)

Homily from the Mass offered Sunday, March 22th - 1st Reading: Ezekiel 37:12-14 - 2nd Reading: Romans 8:8-11 - Gospel Reading: John 11:1-45 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Worship by Pastor Leah Holloway-Nilsen.  Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14.  Gospel: John 11:1-45.

Homily from the Mass offered Tuesday, March 17th -1st Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 - Gospel Reading: John 5:1-16 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

January 14, 2026Today's Reading: Ezekiel 36:33-37:14Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 36:33-37:14; Romans 5:1-21“Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.' So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.” (Ezekiel 37:9–10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.One of the most memorable and strangest passages in Holy Scripture is the Valley of Dry Bones. It is a gruesome and fascinating text: dried human bones scattered across a barren valley reassemble into skeletons and then fully formed bodies at a word from the prophet.But then, after the rattling of bones reassembling, it is quiet once again. A valley now scattered with still, silent bodies. It isn't until Almighty God commands Ezekiel to speak breath into them that they live, breathe, and stand on their own feet. How weird is that? It's really weird until you realize that God speaking breath and life into darkness and death is pretty much how it always works. “Let there be…” and there is. “Lazarus, come out!” and he does. Ezekiel is given to see a future and a promise for God's people who are lost in exile in a foreign land, and he speaks to them in comfort and proclamation. “This is not the end of your life; God has a plan and a future for his faithful children.” It may seem like you are at wits' end, lost in a maze, or a wilderness, or a dark place with seemingly no way out and no future, but God has other things in mind for you. He has a promise and a future: life everlasting, and he gives it to you through the power of the breath, His Holy Spirit.Jesus breathes that Spirit on His disciples on Easter evening. That Spirit breathes on the assembled hearers at Pentecost, and that Spirit breathes new life and faith into you at your Baptism. The life, forgiveness, and salvation won for you in Christ Jesus's death and resurrection are given to you while you are still lost and dead in sin, given completely by God's grace and favor for you.When you feel like you have no way out, or that you are completely lost, hear the Word of the Lord and let His breath refresh you and revive you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Holy Spirit, enter in, And in our hearts Your work begin, Your dwelling place now make us. Sun of the soul, O Light divine, Around and in us brightly shine, To joy and gladness wake us That we may be Truly living, To You giving Prayer unceasing And in love be still increasing. (LSB 913:1)Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

January 9, 2026Today's Reading: Ezekiel 3:12-27Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 3:12-27; Ezekiel 4:1-11:25; Romans 2:1-16“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me…But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.' He who will hear, let him hear; and he who will refuse to hear, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 3:17, 27)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.One of the most comforting (and also scary) things that it frequently takes pastors a long time to realize is what the Lord God says to Ezekiel: “I will open your mouth and you shall say.” Pastors sometimes get a little squirrely because they can be too concerned about how the people in their charge will hear the Word of the Lord. But that isn't part of this discussion, is it?Pastors speak what has been given them to speak, because they have been charged to do so by the Lord of the Church. Whether or not those with ears want to hear is irrelevant; the Word must be proclaimed so that it may accomplish that for which He sent it forth, as Isaiah says. And this is what the hearers of that proclaimed Word need to hear: “[you] are a rebellious house.” Yes, the people of God, the hearers of His Holy Word, are rebellious, and they don't want to listen. Sound familiar? Ever been a little stubborn about hearing what you needed to hear? That's the Old Adam in you, that is your sinful nature, rebelling against the pure and holy Word of God because it is not pleasant for the dark sin within to be bathed in such holy light.Yet, God the Father gives you a pastor to proclaim His Word to you, whether you want to hear it or not, because you need to hear it. You need to know how much your God and Lord loves you. You need to hear that His Son, Jesus, became flesh for you to live your life, to die your death, to bear your sin, to make you new.It may not be pleasant to hear, and you may not like the fact that you cannot do all of this on your own, but that's how it is. Almighty God does all of the work of saving you through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son. He baptizes you into that death and resurrection, and he grants eternal life to those who trust in that truth. So hear and trust that Word, even if it is difficult.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Oh, what blessing to be near You And to listen to Your voice; Let me ever love and hear You, Let Your Word be now my choice! Many hardened sinners, Lord, Flee in terror at Your Word; But to all who feel sin's burden You give words of peace and pardon. (LSB 589:2)Author: Rev. Duane Bamsch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

The following reading is from the ⁠⁠ESV AudioBible, read by Michael Reeves⁠⁠.Scripture quotations are from theESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Crossway,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not betranslated in whole or in part into any other language.To support or become a friend of Union, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uniontheology.org/friends-of-union⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, November 9th -1st Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 - 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17 - Gospel Reading: John 2:13-22 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

September 15, 2025Today's Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-24Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 34:1-4, 8-11, 14-33; Nahum 1:1-3:19; Colossians 2:8-23“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel.” (Ezekiel 34:11-14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus' promise to be our Good Shepherd is one of the most memorable and comforting words in our Christian faith. Our Lord has promised to claim us, to feed us, to lead us, and to protect us. But God's promise to be a Good Shepherd to His people was not something that our Lord Jesus pulled out of nowhere. Throughout the Old Testament, the Lord God promises to shepherd His people Israel. Jesus' promise to be the shepherd of His people would be familiar to them, as similar words had been brought by the psalms and prophets of old. In the book of Ezekiel, God tells the people of Israel that He Himself would search for His sheep, that He would seek out those who were lost. Surely, God does this time and time again in Scripture when He delivers His people from evil, like His deliverance of Israel from exile in Assyria and Babylon, but His promises are all the more realized and completed in the person of Jesus Christ, who Himself, in flesh, comes to deliver, lead, and care for His people. The Lord, our Shepherd, came to dwell among us and to shepherd us directly. Through His death and resurrection, He rescues His sheep from sin, death, and the power of the devil. In the work of the Holy Spirit, our Lord Jesus gathers together all those sheep who had been scattered by the Fall and brings them to Himself in his generous love. Though we scatter and stray, falling into our sin, our Lord seeks us out, brings us to repent, forgives us, and renews us through His unending mercy and goodness. Finally, when our last hour comes, we will be brought to new pastures, to Paradise, where we will remain as His sheep forever and will scatter and stray no more. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me and on His shoulder gently laid and home rejoicing brought me. (LSB 709:3)Rev. Benjamin Heinz, pastor of Athens Lutheran Church in Athens, TN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

20250914 6PMp GH Know that Yahweh gives a new heart. Reading: Ezekiel 36:22-38 We begin with the story of a boy who realised he was treating God badly, and found that a verse in Ezekiel 36 applied directly to him. He found, over time his heart was changed and his life was changed in his attitude to God. In Ezekiel, God explains that he will give his people a new heart.  Why does Yahweh do that?  Israel have NOT depicted God faithfully, they have profaned the name of God.  Yet, for the sake of His name, God will give them a new heart.  And he will put his Spirit within them.  Jesus explains that a person must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.  Born of the Spirit. How shall we understand what Ezekiel has written?  His word talks of many events to come, not always understanding what time his words apply to.   God promises that he will give his people a new heart, a new start, a new life. Speaker: Gary Hill.

"The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord Is There." - Ezekiel 48:35

Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple, and I looked, and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple of the Lord. And I fell on my face. - Ezekiel 44:4

And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east. And the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. - Ezekiel 43:2

Now when he had finished measuring the interior of the temple area, he led me out by the gate that faced east, and measured the temple area all around. - Ezekiel 42:15

And the man said to me, "Son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel." - Ezekiel 40:4

And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. And I will turn you about and drive you forward, and bring you up from the uttermost parts of the north, and lead you against the mountains of Israel." - Ezekiel 39:1-2

You will advance, coming on like a storm. You will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your hordes, and many peoples with you. - Ezekiel 38:9

Then he said to me, "Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord." - Ezekiel 37:4-6

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules." - Ezekiel 36:26-27

Thus says the Lord God: "While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will deal with you; you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, all of it. Then they will know that I am the Lord." - Ezekiel 35:14-15

"And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God," declares the Lord God. - Ezekiel 34:31

"Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?" - Ezekiel 33:11

"It shall be the most lowly of the kingdoms, and never again exalt itself above the nations. And I will make them so small that they will never again rule over the nations." - Ezekiel 29:15

"Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you." - Ezekiel 28:17

The merchants among the peoples hiss at you; you have come to a dreadful end and shall be no more forever. - Ezekiel 27:36

"I will bring you to a dreadful end, and you shall be no more. Though you be sought for, you will never be found again, declares the Lord God." - Ezekiel 26:21

"I am the Lord. I have spoken; it shall come to pass; I will do it. I will not go back; I will not spare; I will not relent; according to your ways and your deeds you will be judged, declares the Lord God." - Ezekiel 24:14

And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. - Ezekiel 22:30

"As for you, son of man, groan; with breaking heart and bitter grief, groan before their eyes." - Ezekiel 21:6

"As I live, declares the Lord God, surely with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out I will be king over you." - Ezekiel 20:33

"Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?" - Ezekiel 18:23

"He despised the oath in breaking the covenant, and behold, he gave his hand and did all these things; he shall not escape." - Ezekiel 17:18

"Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations." - Ezekiel 14:6

Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not, for they are a rebellious house. - Ezekiel 12:2

And when he commanded the man clothed in linen, "Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim," he went in and stood beside a wheel. And a cherub stretched out his hand from between the cherubim to the fire that was between the cherubim, and took some of it and put it into the hands of the man clothed in linen, who took it and went out. - Ezekiel 10:6-7

And the Lord said to him, "Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it." - Ezekiel 9:4

"The king mourns, the prince is wrapped in despair, and the hands of the people of the land are paralyzed by terror. According to their way I will do to them, and according to their judgments I will judge them, and they shall know that I am the Lord." - Ezekiel 7:27

March 24, 2025 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 33:7-20Daily Lectionary: Genesis 29:1-30; Genesis 29:31-34:31; Mark 9:14-32“And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, Thus have you said: ‘Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we rot away because of them. How then can we live?' Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel? (Ezekiel 33:10-11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Who are you to judge?” “Live and let live.” “Mind your own business!” How often have you heard these words when you repeat what the Bible says about sin and holiness? Often, when people feel accused or condemned by God's Word, they challenge the person who shares God's Word with them of being nosy or of trying to be the “holiness police.” Another way to say this might be that they say, “Who died and made you God?”Well, no one. You aren't God. Neither was the prophet Ezekiel. While Ezekiel isn't God, God did send him as a watchman to warn the people of God. He calls people to repent, even when they complain that God isn't fair. Those who make up their own rules of how the world should work complain that God isn't fair to them. That's hypocrisy! So, are you like the people who need to hear Ezekiel's words, or are you like the prophet Ezekiel? The short answer is, “Yes!”  You need to be called to repentance. When you think you have it figured out, when you think that God isn't fair, when you resent God's Commandments; repent! The words of Ezekiel call you to turn from your sin so you aren't destroyed. On the other hand, when those around you sin and you see it, you are called to lovingly present the word of the Lord to them. They might not like it. They might get angry at you. They might say that you're “judgy” or trying to be the “holiness police.” But their behavior isn't against you. It's against God. God has called you to be salt in the world and a light on the hill that invites people to hear the Word that comes from the Lord. Share the Lord's Word as a watchman who cares for your neighbor, not to bully them into living like you do, but so that they aren't condemned forever but enjoy everlasting life with Jesus and with you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.If you cannot be a watchman, Standing high on Zion's wall, Pointing out the path to heaven, Off'ring life and peace to all, With your prayers and with your bounties You can do what God commands; You can be like faithful Aaron, Holding up the prophet's hands. (LSB 826:3)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me." - Ezekiel 3:17

And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house. - Ezekiel 2:6-7

January 15, 2025  Today's Reading: Ezekiel 37:15-28Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 37:15-28; Romans 6:1-23“My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes” (Ezekiel 37:24)In the Name of Jesus. Amen. A united nation under Solomon was ripped apart following his death. A carousel of kings would follow in both kingdoms, most of them being evil. Over time, Israel would succumb to their sins with stiff necks and hard hearts towards all the prophets' pleas for repentance.Ezekiel, like the other prophets, doesn't mince words. He calls out Israel's filthy sins, begging for her repentance. As the imminent exile approaches God's rebellious flock, His mercy, love, and faithfulness don't disappear. The LORD's promise to make Abraham a father of “many nations” doesn't fade, considering Israel's horrid sins. Even her idolatry and unbelief don't rouse God to forsake His Word to Abraham eternally. In this reading, we see the mercy, love, and faithfulness of God. Fragmented and scattered, ransacked by sin, idols, and “detestable things,” God promises to untie and make “one nation” in the land on the mountains of Israel (v22). At first, it might seem like a geographical promise and a return to prestige, glory, and power, surpassing the kingships of David and Solomon. However, further reading indicates this unity transcends earthly boundaries. David is long dead by this point, and yet God says, “My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd.” God promises His sanctuary forevermore in their midst twice (v26 and v28). God is promising something more, something greater than earthly land with temporal kings.The fulfillment of Ezekiel's preaching, God's inspired Word, comes in the establishment of the Church under the “Son of David,” the “Good Shepherd” Himself, Jesus. The Holy Christian Church is the one “body” of believers united always in Christ Who is the Head of His Church and Shepherd of His people. This is God's work to gather and unite, to build a Church Jesus “obtained with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Thus, we shouldn't despair over a fragmented world. We shouldn't panic and fear all the divisions wrought by Satan. God unites His Church, and Hell can't tear it asunder. This is our courage to strive patiently for unity on earth. The Church walks boldly in the ways of God, heeding His Word and resting in peace, for she's not alone. Always at the Head is the Good Shepherd, the One Who has established His Kingdom forever. Reigning even now is Jesus, Who died to make us the people of His pasture, “heirs of God” and “fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). In the Name of Jesus. Amen.“O Comforter of priceless worth, Send peace and unity on earth; Support us in our final strife And lead us out of death to life” (LSB 655:3)-Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel. Today's topic of discussion is Sunday's Lectionary for Series B of the Three Year Lectionary. Festival: Seventh Sunday after Pentecost 1st Reading: Ezekiel 2:1-5 Psalm: Psalm 123 Epistle: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Gospel: Mark 6:1-13 Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email tombaker@brick.net.

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel. Today's topic of discussion is Sunday's Lectionary for Series B of the Three Year Lectionary. Festival: Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6) 1st Reading: Ezekiel 17:22-24 Psalm: Psalm 1 Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (11-17) Gospel: Mark 4:26-34 Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email tombaker@brick.net.

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel. Today's topic of discussion is Sunday's Lectionary for Series B of the Three Year Lectionary. Festival: The Day of Pentecost 1st Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm: Psalm 139:1-12 (13-16) Epistle: Acts 2:1-21 Gospel: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email tombaker@brick.net.

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel. Today's topic of discussion is Sunday's Lectionary for Series A of the Three Year Lectionary. Festival: Last Sunday of the Church Year (Proper 29) 1st Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm: Psalm 95:1-7a Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email tombaker@brick.net.

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel. Today's topic of discussion is Sunday's Lectionary for Series A of the Three Year Lectionary. Festival: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21) 1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 Psalm: Psalm 25:1-10 Epistle: Philippians 2:1-4 (5-13) 14-18 Gospel: Matthew 21:23-27 (28-32) Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email tombaker@brick.net.

"To Every Man an Answer 7/21/2023" from July 21, 2023 by CSN International. 1. Question about a Christian website on the end times. 2. Sober Mind topic; former bar owner who destroyed his bar for the same reason. 3. Mother in law is a teacher fighting a transgender school policy? 4. What is the treaty with the many? Daniel 9:27 5. Reading Ezekiel 34:12, is this about the rapture? 6. Reading Luke 7:28, Are we greater than John the Baptist?

Lauds (Morning Prayer) for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, February 12th, 2023. Thanks for praying with us, for inquiries, requests, feedback, please email singthehours@gmail.com. Visit our website at www.singthehours.org To support this work, please visit www.patreon.com/singthehours or for direct support venmo @singthehours Deus in Adjutorium – "O God, come to my assistance"Hymn: “Holy Holy Holy," Heber (1826)Psalm 118 Canticle: Daniel 3v52-57 Psalm 150 Reading: Ezekiel 36v25-27Responsory: We give thanks to you, O God, as we call upon your name.Canticle of Zechariah (Luke 1v68-79)Intercessions: We praise you, Lord, and trust in you.The Lord’s PrayerConcluding PrayersAve Maria (Latin, Gregorian) The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes), ©1974, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Readings and Old and New Testament Canticles (except the Gospel Canticles) are from the New American Bible © 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C.