Sunday, October 23, 2022

Ezekiel’s Visions (Ezekiel 36-39, 43, 47) QUESTIONS

After the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon (from Ezekiel 35 to the end of the book) Ezekiel’s message shifts from an indictment of Israel to a focus on the latter days.  These include the restoration of the House of Israel, the efforts of the ungodly in opposing the Lord’s work, the destruction of the wicked prior to Christ’s coming in glory, and His glorious reign as Israel’s Millennial King – with an emphasis on His House on earth, the Temple.


A New Heart

READ Ezekiel 36:30-32

What is the Lord describing here?

 

READ Ezra Taft Benson quote:

“Lehi taught that "no flesh can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah" (2 Nephi 2:8). Even the most just and upright man cannot save himself solely on his own merits, for, as the Apostle Paul tells us, "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Therefore, repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior. Many men and women in the world demonstrate great will-power and self-discipline in overcoming bad habits and the weaknesses of the flesh. Yet at the same time they give no thought to the Master, sometimes even openly rejecting Him. Such changes of behavior, even if in a positive direction, do not constitute true repentance. Repentance involves not just a change of actions, but a change of heart.  As we seek to qualify to be members of Christ's Church -- members in the sense in which He uses the term, members who have repented and come unto Him -- let us remember these principles. The gospel is the Lord's plan of happiness and repentance is designed to bring us joy. True repentance is based on and flows from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other way. True repentance involves a change of heart and not just a change of behavior (see Alma 5:13). Part of this mighty change of heart is to feel godly sorrow for our sins. This is what is meant by a broken heart and a contrite spirit. God's gifts are sufficient to help us overcome every sin and weakness if we will but turn to Him for help…It is not uncommon to find men and women in the world who feel remorse for the things they do wrong. Sometimes this is because their actions cause them or loved ones great sorrow and misery. Sometimes their sorrow is caused because they are caught and punished for their actions. Such worldly feelings do not constitute "godly sorrow" (2 Corinthians 7:10). Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and suffering. Our sins caused Him to bleed at every pore. This very real mental and spiritual anguish is what the scriptures refer to as having "a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (D&C 20:37). Such a spirit is the absolute prerequisite for true repentance.”  ("A Mighty Change of Heart," 1986.)

READ Mosiah 4:1-2 and Alma 36:12-16

How does one receive Godly Sorrow?

What causes the “inexpressible horror” of Godly Sorrow?

 

READ Ezekiel 36:26-29, 33-35 and Mosiah 4:3 and Mosiah 5:2

What is the Lord’s solution to Godly Sorrow?

 

READ Alma 36:17-22

What is this mighty change dependent on?

 

 

A Valley of Dry Bones

READ Ezekiel 37:1-11, 14

How does the Lord bring the bones back to life?

What does this vision symbolize?

If the light has just gone out in a candle, how do you bring the flame back to life without using a match?

 

 

A Vision of Two Sticks

READ Ezekiel 37:15-17

What do these two “sticks” symbolize?



The Winding Up Scene

READ Ezekiel 38:2, 8-9, 11,

What land or people is Gog attacking “like a storm”?

 

READ Ezekiel 38:18 and Ezekiel 39:4, 7

Who will turn back Gog from Zion?

 

 

A Vision of the Temple of God

20 years earlier than this prophesy, Ezekiel had received a similar apocalyptic vision where he saw the glory of the Lord depart from the Temple (see Ezekiel 9:3, 10:18-19, 11:22-23).

 

READ Ezekiel 43:1-2, 4-7

What is Ezekiel seeing?

What does He tell Ezekiel the Temple is?

 

READ Ezekiel 47:1-5

What happens the first time a person goes to the Temple?

What is the symbolism in the water getting deeper with each crossing?

Why does the water rise so high that it cannot be passed over?

What is the symbolism of “waters to swim in”?

 

READ Ezekiel 47:7-9

What is the impact of the river?

Where does the living water or river come from?

 

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