5 March 2002

Text: Ezekiel 12

THE SIN OF REBELLION
1. God termed the sin of Israel as "rebellion."
"They are a rebellious house…" Eze. 12:1

2. The charge of "rebellion" is lots more serious than meets the eye.
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft
and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry…" 1 Sam. 15:23

3. Things associated with the sin of rebellion
"Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house,
which has eyes to see but does not see,
and ears to hear but does not hear.." Eze. 12:2 (Cf. Isaiah 6:9-10)
a) The Lord's Word was being rejected

b) There was a hardening of the heart against the Lord

4. The punishment for the sin of rebellion
CAPTIVITY Eze. 12:3-7

Ezekiel was to act out what it meant to live as a refugee in a foreign land.
He was to be a SIGN (object lesson) to the people.
a) Ezekiel is to carry his few belongings wherever he went Eze.12:4-7

b) He is to have his meals in a state of stress and anxiety Eze. 12:19

THE INTENDED LESSON FROM BEING SENT INTO CAPTIVITY
"Then they shall know that I am the Lord…" Eze. 12:15, 16, 20

A PROVERBIAL SAYING OF THE PEOPLE REFUTED
Proverb of the People
"The days are prolonged, and every vision fails…" Eze. 12:22

1. This proverb represented the general view of the people concerning the Word of God.
2. The people did not have a high regard for God and His Word because He does not seem to be very prompt in the keeping of His promises
3. An added problem:-"False vision or flattering divination" Eze. 12:24

THE OATH OF THE LORD TO FULFIL HIS WORD
"I am the Lord.
I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass;
It will no more be postponed; for in your days, O rebellious house,
I will say the word and perform it" Eze. 12:25 (Cf. Eze. 12:28; 2 Peter 3:9)