“BACK TO THE BASICS”
OUR DAILY BREAD (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
JANUARY 5, 2022
READ: Ezekiel 45 (Focus vs. 9–10, 17–20)
MEMORY VERSE
“Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right.” Ezekiel 45:9
BACKGROUND
Resolutions, it seems, are made to be broken. Some folks poke fun at this reality by proposing New Year’s vows that are—shall we say—attainable.
Here are a few from social media:
Wave to fellow motorists at stoplights.
Sign up for a marathon. Don’t run it.
Stop procrastinating—tomorrow.
Get lost without any help from Siri.
Unfriend everyone who posts their workout regimen.
The concept of a fresh start can be serious business, however.
The exiled people of Judah desperately needed one. Just over two decades into their seventy-year captivity, God brought encouragement to them through the prophet Ezekiel, promising, “I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob” (Ezekiel 39:25).
But the nation first needed to return to the basics—the instructions God had given to Moses eight hundred years earlier. This included observing a feast at the new year. For the ancient Jewish people, that began in early spring (45:18).
A major purpose of their festivals was to remind them of God’s character and His expectations. He told their leaders, “Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right” (v. 9), and he insisted on honesty (v. 10).
The lesson applies to us too. Our faith must be put into practice or it’s worthless (James 2:17). In this new year, as God provides what we need, may we live out our faith by returning to the basics: “Love the Lord your God,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39).
INSIGHT
The prophet Ezekiel (whose name means “God will strengthen”) was one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, and his season of service was during one of the most turbulent times in the nation’s history.
He was of the priestly line (the son of Buzi, Ezekiel 1:3), which may contribute to his clear knowledge of the temple.
As a human being, Ezekiel wasn’t immune to tragedy, as he was one of the Jewish exiles carried away to Babylon (probably with Jehoiachin in 597 BC), and he also endured the sudden death of his wife (24:18).
Filled with symbolism and apocalyptic expectation, Ezekiel’s message forms a good parallel to his contemporary Daniel—whose message contained those same elements (Daniel 7–12).
He was also a contemporary of Jeremiah. Aside from the vivid imagery he employed, Ezekiel’s writings are characterized by a significant use of the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy).
By: Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
In what ways do you sense you need to get back to the basics? How will you put this into practice in the new year?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
If you don’t get the basics right to begin with, you will have to keep re-visiting the basics – (Adapted) Buck Brannaman
Just as you can’t build a great building on a weak foundation so you can’t develop a strong faith on a weak foundation. (Adapted) Gordon Hinckley
Unfortunately, the faith of many believers is weak because it’s not built on a strong foundation.
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (My Re-Emphasis from Post)
“Our faith must be put into practice or it’s worthless…”
PRAYER
“Father, may Your Spirit show me the places where I need to put others before myself. Help me love You with all my heart.”
*YOUR TAKE? 
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“DAY BY DAY DEAR LORD…” Robin Lamont
Day by day
Day by day
Oh, Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day
Day by day
Day by day
Oh, Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day
Day by day
Day by day
Day by day…
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (THIS WEEK)
THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – ONLY 28 CHAPTERS
*A GREAT WAY TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO READ “WHOLE” BOOKS OF THE BIBLE NOT JUST VERSES AND/OR CHAPTERS THIS YEAR. PR WILL LOVE TO KNOW IF YOU TAKE ON THIS CHALLENGE 