2025.08.31 Sunday 1st Service
Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-10
▣ Introduction_ The reason for and answer to suffering (captivity)
There was a very large, wealthy household that had built a fine house. I went to visit, and on the way from the first floor to the second, there was a painting hanging there. I wondered what it was and saw a large ship in a storm, holding out so as not to capsize. Why would they hang that picture? It could mean, “This is so hard.” Or it could mean, “Even in such trials, we will overcome.” It is true that there is great difficulty. Before he died, Napoleon said on an island, “That water out there—the ocean—is the tears shed by humanity.” He also said, “That wind blowing from behind the mountains is the sound of the sighs of humanity.” He meant, “It is painful.” We, in every era, in every nation, and every person, are in such suffering. Therefore, there is no need to be flustered. Nor should we be afraid. Nor should we be careless. We must not fear the world, but we are not afraid. In such a world, you never know where a problem will arise. You never know in which nation a war will break out. You never know what disease may spread and take lives. Israel, who should have been blessed, became captives again. God’s Word clearly gives an important answer here. It explains why this happened.
1. Isaiah
Isaiah explains it this way.
1) Reason
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” What does that mean? It means mankind left God. The beginning of humanity’s greatest curse is not knowing God. We are not beasts; we ought to know God, but we left Him. In other words, life became unrelated to God.
2) Answer
Therefore, He promised to send the Christ, the One who solves all problems, and to give the blessing of Immanuel. This is recorded in Isaiah 7:14.
2. Jeremiah
Jeremiah says this—also about the Babylonian captivity. Why did such suffering come? “Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
3. Lamentations
And why must we pray?
(1) Reason
After Jeremiah comes the book of Lamentations. There, the true reasons are revealed. Why did this happen? “If the Ethiopian’s skin does not change and the leopard’s spots do not change, why has this changed?” While lamenting, it puts it this way: “Our offspring were born, but there was no one to give them milk. Our little children’s tongues stuck to the roofs of their mouths. They were dying because they could not eat bread.”
(2) Answer
“Cry out to the LORD.” It explains this way. All of this is the Babylonian captivity disease.
4. Ezekiel
Today in Ezekiel we are given an important answer.
1) Reason
It is not merely that the next generation’s tongues stuck to the roofs of their mouths. How could the people of our God come to this? They became like dry bones—completely. They dried out and were scattered, unable to live. It became absolutely impossible.
2) Answer
Here He speaks of the secret to revive them. He tells the secret of turning Israel, who became dry bones, into a heavenly army. This is extremely important. In a sense, the book of Ezekiel could be considered a conclusion. If Isaiah is the introduction you must know from the beginning, Ezekiel is the conclusion: “Make you and the people of Israel into the army of heaven.” Not dead bones that have been utterly destroyed, but make them an army.
3) How
In this brief time today, how can we receive this answer? Whenever you worship, as we mentioned in the lesson, the living Word must seize you. If not, you will, in fact, never receive answers. Only then does prayer become living and active. Only then will the Word become living and active in your life, and that becomes evangelism and makes you a witness. You must be able to enjoy this throughout the six days. Then, when the Fri–Sat–Sun time comes and you hear the core message, something important emerges. You must keep enjoying these answers, but because that hasn’t been happening, God gave Ezekiel this important message today.
▣ Main Message_ Three words
Remember three words today.
- By the Chebar Canal (Ezek. 3)
It appears in chapter 3, though we read only chapter 37 today. Ezekiel was among the captives with them. So it was more vivid. Daniel was in the palace, but Ezekiel was on the field. There is an important phrase:
1) Ezekiel at the Chebar Canal who knew the cause and prayed
“Ezekiel was by the Chebar Canal.” What does that mean? Those who know the cause and pray will overcome. This is very important. “He was by the Chebar Canal.” It’s a phrase to ponder. The Bible mentions “mountains” often—people prayed there. Some were by the “sea.” The Bible also mentions “wilderness,” and “a desolate place”—similar. Among those, those who received the greatest answers were often on mountains, by rivers, or at the sea. He knew why they had gone into Babylonian captivity. So, among the captives of Babylon, he wrote this. The Chebar Canal links the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers; it is a canal. If you visit places like the Panama Canal, you can sense it—Chebar is such a canal. There Ezekiel prayed by the Chebar Canal.
2) Ezekiel became mute
At that time, a new prophecy was given. Ezekiel’s wife died then. Ezekiel stopped all mourning and all customary acts. Chapter 33 records, “Ezekiel became mute.” Did he become mute by not speaking, or literally? That is not the point. If you truly want to receive answers, human words are unnecessary. Can human words accomplish it? If you truly want to change your destiny, words are unnecessary.
When I was in the second year of middle school, my father passed away. During the funeral, I did not cry. Some adults who lacked sense criticized me. They said I was heartless: “How can he not shed a single tear when his father has died?” I did not. Why? Words were unnecessary. I decided that when I grew up, I would succeed and do world evangelization. I decided never to talk about “money, money” for the rest of my life in the way the poor must. At that time, I decided not to be powerless, unable to evangelize, yet always babbling human words. That is why I have met you. How grateful I am.
Human words are unnecessary to turn dry bones into an army. That is the first condition. If you work at a company and there is much talk there, that person should not be there. Words are unnecessary. So it says he became mute. We would need to check once more whether he literally became mute or simply refrained from speaking—I do not know. “He became mute.”
3) God gave Ezekiel His Word and fulfilled it
God gave Ezekiel His Word and fulfilled it.
- Watchman (Ezek. 33)
Second, in chapter 33, God gave Ezekiel a second key word. Only when human words are unnecessary will God’s Word be given. At that time the word given was “watchman.”
1) Ezekiel 33
“Go and speak to those in danger now, so that they may live. If they do not hear and die, the responsibility is theirs; but if you do not tell them, the responsibility is yours.”
2) Ezekiel 34
In chapter 34, “Look at the many hungry sheep.”
3) Ezekiel 36
In chapter 36, He says, “Hear the word of the LORD.” The Word must come upon the watchman. Verse 1 records, “O mountains, hear the word of the LORD.” Why not “O people”? Why mountains? Because they do not change. He told the mountains to hear the word of the LORD. That is, it never changes. “I will bring back those who were taken.” In verse 11, “I will make you better than at first. You will no longer be bereaved of your children.” To Ezekiel, who did not rely on human speech, God gave His Word.
※ Human words are unnecessary. The living Word of God is necessary. That Word came, and he became a watchman.
If hardship comes to you, human words are unnecessary. God’s Word is necessary. A Word of power. The scattered remnants throughout the world need the living Word of God and His power. That Word came: the watchman.
- One who prophesies (spokesman) (Ezek. 37)
Third—remember and hold to this for answers; no need to complicate it. The third is: “Prophesy the Word. Prophesy to the breath (spirit).” What is that? A spokesman (one who declares on behalf). These three: Ezekiel, mute, standing by the Chebar Canal; Ezekiel, who received God’s Word and became a watchman; this is the blessing given to you. Now, speak the Word to the dead—be a spokesman. These three. This is what changes an age. Let’s consider a few aspects of such change.
1) “Can these dry bones live?”
God took Ezekiel to a valley. Everything had died. They had become bones—dried and scattered. It describes Israel’s condition. Suppose everything of yours has collapsed; there is no possibility. The bones are not even connected; they have dried and scattered—there is no hope. God showed him those bones and asked, “Ezekiel, can these bones live?” This is important. As a spokesman, as one who has the Word, as one who prays by the Chebar Canal, what must you know? He asked, “Can these bones live?” Can your church and your industry live? These are completely dry bones—can they live? At such moments we can give the wrong answer: “They cannot live.” That’s the wrong answer—unbelief. How can they live when all is dead? On the other hand, we could say, “Yes, they can live.” That is bluster. How can they live when all is dead? Ezekiel, who held to the covenant, answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.” In simple terms: “You can do it, Lord.”
2) “Prophesy to these bones the Word of God.”
Then He said, “Prophesy to these bones.” Prophecy here is not my words; it is to declare God’s Word. We use the term “Word” respectfully in Korean speech—when addressing someone above us. We say, “Please speak ( 말씀 ),” to a parent or someone we respect; to a child, we would say, “say ( 말 ).” We also use terms like “speech pattern” and “tone.” A single harsh tone can drive someone to suicide; a single helpful word can revive someone. Then how much more to “prophesy the Word of God.” For pastors, this is crucial—never share your own thoughts; declare God’s Word. When that was done, the bones began to live and move.
(1) God’s Word
God’s Word is the Word of creation. The Word is God. The Word became flesh and came to this earth. The Word is living and active. Declare this Word. This is extremely important.
(2) Wait until the Word is fulfilled; when it is, follow it
Elders and pastors, do not be impatient. Wait until the Word is fulfilled; when it is, follow it. Cause the Word to be fulfilled in your field of industry. Then it will do. Simply put, the prophesied Word of God was fulfilled. He saw that timetable.
3) “Prophesy to the breath.”
After that, He said, “Breathe the breath (spirit) into them.” Not that you breathe it in, but “Prophesy to the breath.” You have the qualification to declare God’s Word. Right?
(1) You have the qualification and authority to declare God’s Word
You have the qualification and authority to declare God’s Word. Convey it.
When I came to Yeongdo in 1987, I said, “In the morning first service, I will start from Genesis.” And, “In the evening, because we must evangelize, I will start from Acts.” “Because God’s Word is living, by the time we finish Genesis, God will have worked within it.” And that is what happened. Even before Genesis ended, people from across the nation and the world began to come to our church to receive training. Those who worry about “What will become of us?”—it will be fine.
(2) To the dying, declare the power and life of the throne; declare to the breath so the Holy Spirit will work
“Declare God’s Word to those who are dying. Declare to the breath so the power and life of the throne will enter, so the Holy Spirit will work. It is not you who breathe it in; declare it.” Remember this.
(3) If you take true courage, it is imprinted in your brain; it connects to your soul, meets the Word, and meets the throne
People do not realize how tremendous our soul and brain are. If you say, “I’m going to die,” it becomes imprinted in the brain; the brain instructs accordingly. This is scientific—medical. If you truly muster courage and say, “I can do it,” the brain understands and instructs accordingly. “You can live.” This connects with our soul; it meets the Word, and meets the throne. Tremendous. Therefore, you must go with this important power.
※ In the name of Jesus Christ, declare the Word and declare to the breath. This is what turns them into an army.
Because you already have the Word, first declare the Word wherever you go. Declare to the breath. In the name of Christ. In some cases, binding the darkness is also a declaration. “In the name of Jesus Christ, let this Satan be bound.” Right? These astounding people rose and became an army.
▣ Conclusion_ How you worship is crucial (Ezek. 47)
In conclusion, that was not the end. He led him into the temple in chapter 47. What does that mean? How you now worship is crucial. There is something very important here.
- You must entrust everything to God. Change your worries, thoughts, words, and prayers (Ezek. 47:1–5).
He led him where the water flowed. The water came up to the ankles—after measuring a thousand cubits. “Walk.” Easy enough. Then He took him to deeper water. The water reached the knees; still manageable. Then deeper; the water reached the waist—walking became harder. A bit deeper; water up to the chest—walking was nearly impossible; he had to swim. A little further; the water became deep—you could not walk. What must you do? Entrust your body to the water and swim. That is the message.
1) God has a plan of the Word for you
Today you must entrust everything—cast your cares. Why? Because God has a plan of the Word for you. Surely. Elders, the first thing to beware of is worry—cast it off. Why? Because you are important. In the end, when you finish life, it will be as you have spoken. It will be as you worried. Remember this.
2) The One who guards you and the church 100% is the LORD God
“I have nothing”—not so. Change your words, thoughts, and prayers. As a child I always said, “I don’t need money. Why? Because I am not poor. My parents may be poor, but not me.” Why must I live like that? Right? It was fulfilled exactly. “I can overcome sickness.” Why? Because I must do world evangelization. If God makes me sick, so be it—I can go home. Why should that be a problem for me? Do not worry. Many worry. The One who guards you 100% and guards the church 100% is the LORD God.
3) Job 3:25; 1 Pet. 5:7–8; Eph. 4:26–27; Eph. 6:18
Why were they taken captive? Because they had to do world evangelization—and since they did not realize it, He sent them. Simple. Cast all your cares on God.
In Job 3:25, Satan struck the area Job constantly worried about. “Cast all your anxieties on Him. Your adversary the devil prowls around, seeking someone to devour”—he knows what you worry about. Do not be angry and sin; do not give the devil a foothold (Eph. 4:27). The devil uses many strategies to topple you. Therefore, “pray at all times in the Spirit” (Eph. 6:18). He led him there. In the temple, as the water rose and I was immersed, I had to entrust myself. I preach this, but my personal experience is lacking—because my mother imprinted a fear of water in me in childhood. I still cannot swim. If I fall in, I must walk out—that’s how I am. Childhood imprinting is fearful. Someone texted me: “Swimming is simple. Just entrust your body.” I understand the words, but still. God led humanity into deep water. Even if you cannot swim, it’s okay. Entrust all your anxieties.
- The water flowing from the pulpit revived the sea and every living thing (Ezek. 47:6–9)
Then He brought him to the riverbank. This power began to revive the sea. Indeed, verse 9 says the water from the sanctuary revived the sea and every living creature. - This water went to each tribe and began to revive the dead land (Ezek. 48)
It revived the fruit trees. Where did it go? To each tribe. It began to revive the dead land. That is chapter 48—revival began to spread. Indeed.
※ Worship that revives three things
Through the Word, worship revives three things. The Word becomes living and active, prayer becomes living and active, and the evidence of evangelism becomes living and active—that is what you see throughout the six days.
We mentioned Rockefeller—not that he is the issue; you can receive even greater answers. Rockefeller only evangelized America; we are doing world evangelization. We spoke of Wanamaker—one who triumphed holding to the living Word. And of Lincoln—those people only saved America. With this covenant—the living Word—you are the ones doing world evangelization. Hold firmly to this covenant.
1) You must actually have the Word
The most important thing is to actually possess the Word. Even pastors—let alone elders—when I meet them, I mostly do not speak; I listen. I hear their difficulties and pains, but they do not have the Word. You will never receive answers. Pastors must revive the spirit of the church; otherwise, it is a big problem. It is not by our ability; we must have the Word.
2) Do not transmit your personality; transmit the Word
Many assistant ministers—are you going to transmit your personality? You will all be dismissed if so. Transmit the Word. In this age, important elders should not be mired in difficulties; they must hold to the Word. Evidence will surely come one day—the Word will come alive.
I said this yesterday: preaching and teaching are my “work.” My suit is my work clothes. When I am not preaching and go out, I wear jeans—my “special” clothes. Yesterday I had a meal with some of our executive elders. Elder Kim Gi-Su looked at me and said, “Wow, pastor, that’s very stylish.” I thought to myself, “This elder has the keenest spiritual eyesight I’ve ever seen,” because no one has ever called me stylish. No one. But that elder did. People are pleased when someone understands them even a little.
3) If we enjoy the Word of God working within us, we have nothing to fear
If you enjoy the Word of God working within you, there is nothing to fear. You will surely do world evangelization. Let us pray.
Prayer. We give thanks to God. We thank You for calling us to do world evangelization. Grant power and fresh grace. May all the glory be to God. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.