Prophecies of Ezekiel

The Biblical book of the Prophet Ezekiel displays a characteristic of many of the Old Testament writings in that the prophecies contained therein may be considered in two aspects. They applied to the events of that particular time, but they also contained principles which still apply today, and as such are prophecies which apply to future events. This is borne out by the similarity of the prophecies of this Old Testament book to the prophecies in the book of Revelation, written after the death and resurrection of Christ, which foretells events yet to come. Therefore it is well worthwhile to look at the prophecies in Ezekiel, not only in the light of history but also as a pointer to the end times of Revelation.

Like John in the book of Revelation, Ezekiel is transported into a place where he sees a vision of the majesty of heaven in all its glory, the creatures who worship there and the risen Lord Jesus reigning on His throne. As with John, Ezekiel is left in no doubt about the practices that God hates and the judgement that is coming:

Prophecy against the mountains of Israel (Chapter6)

Why would anyone prophecy against inanimate objects such as mountains? It was, in fact, the practices which were occurring on these mountains which were so abhorrent to God. The people were building altars to foreign gods, burning incense to idols of wood and stone and other practices.

Our God is a jealous God and will not share our affections with false idols. The first commandment of the ten is “You shall have no other Gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). The second is “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God...” (Exodus 20:4, 5).

Because of this idolatry, God foretold through Ezekiel the people of Israel would face destruction of these places in the mountains, conquest and death by the sword, famine and plague. It is similar to the outpouring of destruction, plague, famine and death which is foretold in Revelation and symbolised by the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Those Christians today who specialise in ministry outreach to people involved in occult practices report that high places and mountain regions are still targeted for these activities, though they are by no means exclusive to these areas. Idolatry encompasses a wide range of practices ranging from new age philosophies to false religions to infatuations with money or success, anything, in fact which takes the foremost priority in our lives that should be reserved for God.

Prophecy against Israel’s leaders (Chapter 11)

The leaders of the people were practicing evil and giving wicked advice. This is further detailed later in the book in chapter 22. Because the leaders were wicked and corrupt, other levels of society followed suit. God promised to destroy these leaders, and even when Ezekiel was prophesying, one of them died. This serves as a warning that those who undertake leadership in any form are accountable for their attitudes and the example they set to those for whom they are responsible.

Prophecy against false prophets (Chapter 13)

It is a solemn responsibility to declare that something is from God. In this case He demonstrated through Ezekiel His wrath with those who “prophecy out of their own imagination” (13:2). He warns: “Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations” when you say “the Lord declares” though I have not spoken” (13:7). The actions of these false prophets are compared to building a flimsy wall and covering it with whitewash – a cheap disguise. There is also reference to the use of magic charms.

Again, we can look to the Ten Commandments, the third of which is “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” (Exodus 20:7). Not only blasphemy but to imply that something is from God when it is merely for human gain is to misuse His name. Those who were prophesying falsely for their own gain were told they would face destruction.

Interestingly, in 13:10 God reproved these prophets for leading the people astray by saying “Peace” when there was no peace.  Similarly, in the book of Revelation we are told that there will be false promises of peace. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24 that there will be many deceptive false prophets and this will cumulate in the emergence of the one known as the false prophet in the time of tribulation detailed in Revelation.[i]

This prophecy serves to remind us as Christians today that we are not to banter around the Lord’s name or make exaggerated claims about our spiritual gifts or experiences for our own edification. We also pray and trust God for discernment and wisdom when reading, listening to speakers, watching documentaries and other ways that we use to deepen our knowledge of the things of God. How do they line up with scripture? Do they give God the honour and glory that is His alone? Do they proclaim Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the only way for salvation, through repentance and faith in Jesus, by His blood shed on the cross?

Prophecy against the South (Chapter 21)

Again, Ezekiel was instructed to prophesy against inanimate objects, in this case a forest, which was to be consumed by fire. Some versions of the Bible have this southern land named as the Negev, other commentators have suggested it refers to Judah or possibly Egypt. We can only infer that like the mountains which drew censure, this southern area was a place of sinful practices and indifference or hostility to God.

Prophecy against Jerusalem and the land of Israel (Chapter21)

If one reads through chapter 22, we are given a no-holes-barred description of the practices which were occurring which grieved and angered and insulted our Heavenly Father to the extent that judgement and justice were to be meted out. Idolatry, bloodshed, oppression of the widows and orphans, contempt for parents, sexual immorality, bribery and corruption were prevalent. Priests were profaning what is holy and not distinguishing and teaching the difference between good and evil. Officials were making unjust gain. People were robbing one another. Verse 12 succinctly encapsulates it all –“And you have forgotten Me” declares the Sovereign Lord.”

There is a very sad verse at the end of this chapter. “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so that I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” This idea of standing in the gap is based upon the physical reality of protective walls and hedges which surrounded communities for protection- a breach in the wall allowed wild animals or attackers to gain entry and it would be necessary for anyone defending the community to literally stand in the gap. Its spiritual equivalent is for intercessors to both defend their faith communities and plead for those outside the community.

We are reminded that we live and breathe and have our being only by God’s grace. The book of Genesis records that the evil practices of mankind became so great that God destroyed all of the population with the exception of Noah and his family. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed not merely for their immorality and violence but also because they failed to care for the poor and needy. In chapter 16, Ezekiel makes reference to Sodom, a “sister” in his allegory of Jerusalem’s unfaithfulness to God.

Chapter 21 prophesies the great destruction which will be dispensed because of all this sin. Again, we look at this prophecy in the light of our world today. Is our world more morally upright than the nation of Israel which incurred God’s judgement? Are we, the church, standing in the gap for our unsaved neighbours?

Prophecies against surrounding nations

A prophecy against Ammon (Chapter 25)

Because the Ammonites rejoiced over the desecration of the sanctuary and the destruction of the Israelites, God decreed through Ezekiel that Ammon would be conquered.

A prophecy against Moab(Chapter 25)

The Moabites were also destined to be conquered because of their scorn towards Judah.

A prophesy against Edom (Chapter 25)

The Edomites were vengeful towards Judah. This is alluded to again in chapter 35, where the Edomites were singled out as being gleeful and malicious in their zeal to possess the pasture lands of Israel, and were destroyed by God as a consequence.

A prophecy against Philistia  (Chapter 25)

Like the Edomites, the Philistians are described as vengeful and malicious and similarly incurred God’s judgement and punishment.

Throughout these prophecies, we understand that although God had already pronounced judgement upon Israel, He did not accept the actions and attitudes of the surrounding nations towards His people.

Today the nations of the Middle East are still involved in great turmoil and conflict. We are reminded through these prophecies of the historical significance of the nation of Israel to God. There are many commentators who deeply study the events unfolding in the middle east in relation to what the Bible tells us in Revelation is yet to happen in this world and there is much study material available for those interested in this subject area. We also know that God is Sovereign over all and world events will only unfold according to His will and timing.

These prophecies serve to remind us that God is still involved in judging and defending His people, which today are His church. These also remind us on a more personal level to “judge not, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1), also “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19). The apostle Paul tells us that “love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6). We are not to gossip or take enjoyment from the sins of others, but to intercede and pray for them.

Prophecy against Tyre (Chapter 26) and the King of Tyre (chapter 28)

The flourishing Phoenician trading port of Tyre had become extremely wealthy and proud of its position. Again, it was Tyre’s scornful attitude towards the destruction of Israel with an expectation of prospering from Israel’s downfall that merited God’s wrath and prophecy of destruction by the Babylonians. The king of Tyre who had elevated his position to godly status was also doomed to destruction.

Chapter 28 of Ezekiel is significant in that the king of Tyre is not only representative of the earthly monarch of that time, but also describes Satan. We are given a description of Satan’s fall and the reason for it. Although “full of wisdom and perfect in beauty” (28:11) Satan became blinded to his true dependency on God : “In the pride of your heart you say “I am a god” (28:1). Satan in his pride falsely exalted himself to equality with God, and in the Garden of Eden tempted Eve with the same false promise “you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5). Praise God, through Jesus Christ mankind has the opportunity of redemption from sin through repentance and faith in Jesus. Satan is eternally cast out of heaven and he and his fallen angels are defeated and doomed to destruction.

More prophecies against surrounding countries

A prophecy against Sidon

This ancient Phoenician capital, often mentioned in conjunction with Tyre, was also a trading port, and like Tyre, is described here as malicious in its attitude towards Israel and suffered conquest as a consequence.

A prophecy against Egypt

Like Tyre, the Egyptian nation had become so wealthy and powerful that they had elevated their king to god status and had forgotten the God who had created all things: “You say the Nile is mine, I made it for myself” (29:3). Desolation, famine and plague are predicted.  Egypt’s allies, Cush and Put, Lydia, Arabia and Libya were all destined to be conquered alongside. (30:5)

A prophecy against the shepherds of Israel. (Chapter 34)

The religious leaders were not caring for their flock, but only for their own interests. They did not strengthen the weak or heal the sick, tend the injured or search for strays. They ruled harshly and allowed the flock to be scattered. For this God warns that they will be held accountable.

Not only are the shepherds being warned here. All believers are warned that God knows their hearts and their actions and that he will judge between one sheep and another. We are to encourage, care for and share with each other fairly. Disunity, church hurt and bullying are serious before God.

A great promise is held in this chapter for those who have been hurt within the church. “I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.” There are many, many godly shepherds and sheep in the church today, but Jesus himself will minister to those who turn to Him when earthly ministries fall short.

Prophecy to the mountains of Israel(Chapter36)

Towards the end of the book of Ezekiel, the prophet provides two prophecies “to”, rather than “against” the nation of Israel. They demonstrate that in His grace, God provides mercy as well as judgement to those who repent and turn to Him in faith.

Whereas in chapter 6 God casts judgement on the mountains of Israel, He now promises the land will experience fruitfulness, increase, prosperity and purity.He had already promised in chapter six that He would not destroy everybody but would spare a remnant who would turn to Him in repentance and faith. Throughout scripture God demonstrates His desire to do this: consider Noah and his family; Abraham's pleas for the sparing of Lot and his family, and Peter's encouragement as he recalls the prophecies of the evil times and tribulation which are still coming: "He [Jesus] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

Similarly, towards the end of the book of Revelation we are given a picture of the “New Jerusalem”, the kingdom of Christ in all its wonder and glory.

For Christians, we experience the abundant life promised in the New Testament and the blessings and fruits of the Holy Spirit now when we are redeemed in Christ, and the promise of experiencing the wonders of Heaven when we finally go to our home with Him.

Prophecy to the breath in the valley of dry bones (chapter 37)

This well known vision of dry bones which the Lord restores to life holds the promise that those who are martyred for their faith will become alive again in Christ. This great promise is outlined again in the descriptions of the martyrs in Hebrews 11: “They were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.”  

Revelation chapter six records the fact that God has not forgotten His martyrs: “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.”

As believers we have the promise of eternal life with Christ. This prophecy of the dry bones coming to life also symbolises the death that we as humans experience through sin and the hope of new life we have in Christ. When we become Christians through acceptance of Christ as our Saviour through His death on the cross, we are born again. (John 3). Christ breathes a new existence into us, one that is eternal. We will physically die in this life, but have the promise of resurrection to live with Christ forever. 1Thesselonians 4:16 describes the resurrection of the saints when the events of Revelation are fulfilled: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

A prophecy against Gog (Chapter 38)

This final prophecy against a people or nation is directed to a coalition of nations which will invade Israel led by Gog and including Persia, Cush, Put Gomer and Beth Togarmah and is widely interpreted as being an attack which has not yet occurred and may well be part of the tribulation period described in Revelation. The reader is advised to pursue further personal study  as there is a plethora of resources to study if one is interested in the subject. In a broad sense Gog may represent a general term for the enemies of God’s people. The book of Revelation leads us in no doubt that there is a time coming when God’s people will be persecuted on an unprecedented scale; yet at the same time God reminds us that He is sovereign. Study of these matters may be sobering for the Christian, but we have the assurance of God’s provision for all that we need to equip us to live in the situations in which He places us. As Paul says in Philippians 3 “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” A relationship with Christ is the most precious thing that we can ever hope to gain in this world.

In Summary

The prophecies of Ezekiel demonstrate to us that

• God hates iniquity and sin and is well aware of what is happening in the world. Far from being aloof to the actions of mankind, He will respond. Wickedness deserves God's judgement and He is a just and righteous God. Yet He is also a gracious and merciful Father who provided Jesus His Son to take our punishment for us when we commit our lives to God through repentance and faith in Christ. Only through Jesus are we saved from the final judgement of God on this world which the scriptures tell us is coming.
• God takes no pleasure in the death of unbelievers (Ezekiel 18:32). As Christians it is our responsibility to warn unbelievers of their need for repentance and to intercede for them.
• We are to be aware of our human capacity for sin and pride and self-sufficiency and be continually mindful of both our dependency on God and the need to give Him the glory which He alone deserves.
• God restores new life and wonderful hope to those who turn to Him in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ His Son.

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 11: 19,20.

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[i] For further information on the prophesies of Revelation, I recommend “Because the Time is Near” by John Macarthur,  Moody Publishers Chicago 2007

"Peace and joy above your circumstances"

These six words leapt out from the sermon I heard in church this morning. Thanks Pastor Jodi. (I attend a Baptist church which has two lady ministers on the pastoral team.) We can live with peace and joy no matter what else is happening in our lives.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Sharing a chuckle at day's end

Birds are sociable creatures. Every afternoon around 5pm a group of kookaburras congregates in or around my garden. I think they are probably the adult offspring of the same parent birds. They fly in singly from different directions and sit close together on a TV antennae or tree branch and cackle away for a few minutes. There's up to seven of them together at the one time.

After a busy and demanding work schedule, it's relaxing to step into the garden and listen to the birds. They remind us to laugh with them.

I like to think of my house and garden as a place of solace and care for both people and animals, domestic and wild (animals, not people!). I've tried to create an environment that encourages native animals. We have native trees and shrubs and water features and lots of low growing plants, rocks and logs for habitat. We also have a veggie garden and fruit trees for human food ( if the possums don't get there first!). I seldom use pesticides.

I love to photograph the wonders of God's creation. With the exception of the photo of the cross and the ballet slippers, both of which were from a free-shareware site; and a church photo taken by my son Tom, all the photographs on this blog are my own. I love the beauty and grace of birds, their power and wonderful colours. God created such amazing creatures. One needs great patience to photograph birds. What's the old saying - don't work with children or animals? You can't tell a bird to sit still and pose! For every adequate photo, there's usually a bevy of blurry bird shots or ones with their tails up and heads disappeared.

Around the time the kookaburras call in the afternoon, there's usually a line up for dive practice at the local swimming pool....

Unfailing Love

Psalm 33:18  “the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love”

Psalm 52:8 “I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.”

Psalm 147:11 “the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”

“Unfailing love.” “Unfailing love”. Throughout the Biblical book of Psalms, these two words resonate again and again. They occur more than 25 times in this one book. These two words incorporate such an awesome promise that at times we can hardly grasp the depths of its meaning.

The Apostle Paul tells us many aspects of love in verses 4-7 of 1 Corinthians 12 – love is patient and kind, does not envy etc. This is followed in the simple statement in verse 8: “Love never fails”.

From the time of the fall, when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, we have lived as sinful humanity in a fallen world. “We know that the whole creation has been groaning, as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Romans 8:22). There are no perfect relationships in this world. Family members can be abusive. Marriages break down. Business associates can betray and cheat one another. Friendships can end in strife and bitterness. Church communities can be prime targets for hurt and division. All of us fail the ones we love at some point or another.

Yet we are loved unfailingly. We don’t even have to be Christians for God to love us: “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christ did not fail when He was tested by Satan in the wilderness. He did not fail in his earthly ministry. He did not fail in obedience to His Father, but glorified God through His death on the cross for sinful humanity. And He will not fail each person who comes to Him in repentance and prayers of faith.

God loved each person He created and had a plan for each life long before we were physically created in our mother’s womb. He loves and longs for relationship with each person from birth to our earthly life’s end.

A life committed to God is amazing. He loves me. He leads, guides, teaches, comforts, provides, blesses, encourages and much, much more. I’ve experienced some extremely difficult challenges in my life. God didn’t promise a life of ease for His followers. But I’ve known more peace and joy with Him in times of trouble than I would ever know in a different life without Him.

God’s love never fails. And with His guiding Holy Spirit ever present with us, He will help us to love others more closely to the way that we really should.

Perseverance

When we look at the lives of people in the Bible, often there was a time period that required a good deal of patience. They didn't receive what they desired instantly. They didn't achieve the tasks that we remember them for without prior suffering or delay.
Some, like Daniel and Joseph, spent time in prison. Moses and Jacob, also David, spent many years performing the lowly task of tending sheep. Sarah and Hannah experienced the prolonged anguish of waiting for a much-desired pregnancy. The woman with the issue of blood had been suffering for twelve years before Jesus healed her.
 A few years ago I knew a lovely Christian couple who experienced a strong missionary calling to South America. They completed their missionary training which included learning another language, raised the necessary finances and had their plane flights booked to leave when the husband was  suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. Only after several years were they able to undertake their proposed mission. Praise God for both the man's healing and renewed ability to minister on the mission field.
I don't presume to always understand why God allows events to unfold the way they do, however I believe that God provides the examples of Biblical people who persevered for our encouragement. Praise God, we know the end of their stories.We know how they were used, or delivered, or received the promises they believed in.
God is looking for people who are whole-heartedly devoted to Him. They are following Jesus even when suffering, or disappointed or delayed or confused.When their ministry aspirations are in tatters or the world has cheated them or the church has hurt them and burnt them out, they are still clinging to His word.
I love watching demonstrations of blacksmithing. The toughest metal has been forged in fire. Then it's taken out and hammered on an anvil. Only then is it strong enough and shaped correctly to protect the horse's feet when galloping over stoney ground.
Have you been working for many years in a job which seems monotonous, but you do it faithfully and well to support your family? Have you been praying for many years for someone you love to come to Christ? Have you patiently endured a family or marriage relationship which is causing you sorrow? Spent many years as a helpless child experiencing the effects of  family conflict or divorce or abuse?  Been unjustly accused? Some of these things change over time, others will not cease until we enter eternity with Christ, but one thing is sure:
 

“....he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5).

God is with us. He knows the desires of our hearts. He is not unconcerned when we suffer, far from it. Sometimes we can look back on a period of trial and say- that grew me, that enabled me to minister to others in a way I would not be able to unless I had experienced that thing. It deepened my dependency on God. It made me grow closer in relationship with Him. 

Joseph, when referring to his trials, tells us in Genesis 50:20:

 "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

And the apostle Paul encourages us in Romans 8:28:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

 
 Simeon and Anna had been expectantly and faithfully serving God for many decades when the birth of the Messiah was revealed to them. It was their joy to serve Him and their faithfulness was rewarded with even greater joy. Despite any external circumstances, it is still our joy today to honour and serve Jesus, knowing that we have the most wonderful relationship we could ever hope to have in this world, and the promise of a joyful eternity with Him.
I pray that the love and encouragement of God our Father, Jesus Christ His Son and His Holy Spirit will be very present in your life today.

Hope Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for Your indwelling Spirit,

Only in You do we find the safety we seek,

Prevail over all the strife and hardship we pray,

Every fear will vanish in Your presence.

Polarized, the peoples descend into bitterness,

Earthly solutions fail, we blindly wander,

After shock and anger, regret and sorrow, still

Countless questions emerge and remain unanswered,

Each heart crying for its unfulfilled solace

Light in the darkness, reveal Yourself, we pray

Only You are our hope and eternal song,

Vast eons of time pass, yet You are unchanging

Ever waiting for those who call upon Your name.

For every voice that cries Your name

All are welcomed into Your kingdom

In repentance and faith we look to you

To all who believe in Jesus Christ

He will never turn away.

Have mercy upon this sinful world we pray,

Open your arms to the grieving and the fearful,

Presence of God, promise of joy unceasing,

Eternal God, we place our hope in You.

Servants, Leaders and Companions

When we become a Christian, our lives are forever changed. We gain so much in the way of new life and blessing. With this comes the responsibility to adopt new roles. I would suggest that each person newly birthed in Christ has a threefold responsibility in their calling.

We are called first and foremost to be followers, or servants. It’s not always easy to have a servant heart when one has been used to a culture that glorifies personal development and selfish ambitions and desires. The Christian life involves sacrifice. Our Saviour gave His all for us. The Bible tells us to “deny yourself” and “take up your cross daily.” (Luke 9).

Serving Christ means looking to Him as an example. Ephesians 5 tells us to “be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God^]as a fragrant aroma.” We read the Bible to understand more of God’s ways and attributes and how we should live. We fellowship with other Christians for teaching and to support and encourage one another. We pray for guidance. As we grow in Christ we hope to become more like Him – “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)                                           

Serving others is very much a part of the Christian life and is one of our chief witnesses to the world that we are His. We are told to “serve one another with love” (Galatians 5:13). I once read of a church where anyone who wanted to be part of any kind of ministry had to first be listed on the cleaning roster. If you weren’t willing to clean the toilets, there was no place for you in the more popular ministries such as the music teams. This was a simple but effective method of encouraging a servant heart in the congregation.

It has been said that the church is the only organisation which exists for the benefit of its non-members. Not exactly true, because the church certainly has tremendous benefits for its members, but by the same token, our great commission given to the church at the time of Christ’s ascension was to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20). We all have a mission field, whether it lies in our local neighbourhood or overseas. As such we are to serve those around us, ministering to their needs, so that they might sense and see the Holy Spirit at work in our and their lives.

Leadership is a topic which has come under discussion in the western church in recent years, in some cases to such an extent that it’s in danger of becoming a false idol, however, in its truest sense, leadership is a powerful gifting to the church body. We need godly leaders and God does indeed set aside certain individuals whom he calls to spearhead the church. This is biblical. For some it is a given calling to lead throughout their lives, as with a pastoral calling. I would suggest though that as Christians develop in their personal walk with God, He places many, and even most of His followers in less formal situations requiring leadership skills.

"You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ … But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:5-9)

These verses proclaim what is known as the priesthood of believers. In Old Testament times, people could only approach God through the priests. Now, because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ on the cross, each Christian believer can do what only a priest was formerly able to do- pray directly to God, intercede for others, teach about the Bible and lead others to Christ. I think that there can be no greater privilege of leadership on this earth than that of leading another in the prayer of repentance and faith in Jesus.

The privilege of leadership is also granted to those who lead ministries, who lead families, who supervise others in work situations and who are called upon to take the initiative in crisis situations. For some, leadership is a life long calling, for others it may be for a limited season.

Beyond serving or following and leading, as Christians we are all called to be people who will come alongside others. One of my favourite names for the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is the Parakletos, a Greek word meaning “one who comes alongside.” Ephesians 5 exhorts believers to “be filled with the spirit.” Being filled with the Holy Spirit of God means that we inherit His attributes of great love and compassion for others and desire to care for them. The word "companion" is derived from the Roman term "com" meaning together and the Latin word "panis" meaning bread, so a companion is one who shares your bread. As Christians we often share food and other practical necessities. We also share Christ, the bread of life.

 Other names for the Holy Spirit are Counsellor and Comforter, Advocate and Intercessor. It is these attributes of the Holy Spirit in us which enable Christians to care for others in a way which witnesses for the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit may provide us with insight into a situation which will allow intervention for its resolution, or may prompt us to contact a person in need of care. He provides the right words to minister. This world is a place of increasing personal suffering- pain, anguish, loneliness, depression, sickness and grief. It is only the love of Christ which can break through the darkness and offer real hope to those hurting.

Not only do Christians walk alongside others in times of hurting, but also come alongside in times of joy. We demonstrate genuine Christian love and laughter as we celebrate the deep and good things which Christ has blessed us with. 

We follow Christ. We both lead and are led by others. We come alongside others to share the love of Jesus. None of these things are exclusive, mostly Christians practise all three together in their spiritual walk. We live, no longer for just our own benefit, but for the love of others and particularly for the loving service of our Heavenly Father. To God be the glory.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)