Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry

Episode: November 26 – Ezekiel 21–22; Psalm 119:145–152; Colossians 3–4
Date: November 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, the host continues the journey through the ESV Bible in a year, featuring three readings: Ezekiel 21–22, Psalm 119:145–152, and Colossians 3–4. The selections present a striking contrast between the severe judgments of God against Jerusalem for their corruption and idolatry, the psalmist’s heartfelt cry for deliverance and faithfulness, and Paul’s practical guidance to the Colossians for living out their new life in Christ with compassion, love, and unity.

The episode’s purpose is to reflect on the seriousness of sin and judgment (Ezekiel), persistent spiritual longing (Psalms), and the call to transformed living (Colossians), tying the Old and New Testament messages together for daily encouragement and challenge.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ezekiel 21–22: The Sword of Judgment and the Sins of Jerusalem

Timestamps: 00:00–16:30

• Divine Judgment Visualized: The passage opens with vivid images: God sharpening his sword of judgment, preparing it “for slaughter” (00:05). No one is exempt, not the righteous nor the wicked.
• Prophetic Lament: The prophet is told to “groan with breaking heart and bitter grief” (00:48), embodying God’s sorrow over what is coming upon His people.
• Symbolic Actions & Signs: Ezekiel performs dramatic actions—striking his thigh, clapping hands—to signal the severity of the judgment (02:40).
• Condemnation of Leaders & People: Jerusalem’s princes and inhabitants are condemned for a full spectrum of sins: bloodshed, idolatry, extortion, sexual immorality, oppression of the vulnerable, and disregard for sacred things (07:05–10:20).
• Graphic Metaphors: The people are compared to “dross in a furnace,”—impure metals to be melted by fire, symbolizing God’s purifying judgment (12:10).
• Prophets, Priests, and the People: Prophets are accused of false visions, priests of violating God’s law, and the people of oppression and robbery, leaving God to say, “I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall… but I found none.” (14:35).

Memorable Quotes:

• “Behold, I am against you and will draw my sword from its sheath and will cut off from you both righteous and wicked… all flesh shall know that I am the Lord.” (01:10)
• “A ruin, ruin, ruin I will make it. This also shall not be… until he comes, the one to whom judgment belongs, and I will give it to him.” (06:50)
• “You have become guilty by the blood that you have shed and defiled by the idols that you have made… I have made you a reproach to the nations.” (08:30)
• “And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall… but I found none.” (14:35)

2. Psalm 119:145–152: A Cry for Help and Closeness to God

Timestamps: 16:31–17:45

• Whole-hearted Prayer: The psalmist cries to God “with my whole heart,” seeking both rescue and the strength to keep God’s statutes (16:35).
• Persistent Hope: Before dawn, the psalmist seeks help and meditates on God’s promises through the night.
• Confidence in God’s Nearness: Facing persecution, the writer clings to the truth: “You are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.” (17:30)
• Enduring Foundations: The psalmist’s faith is rooted in the eternal certainty of God’s testimonies.

Memorable Quotes:

• “With my whole heart, I cry; answer me, O Lord. I will keep your statutes.” (16:35)
• “You are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.” (17:30)

3. Colossians 3–4: New Life in Christ and Practical Instructions

Timestamps: 17:46–End

• New Identity in Christ: Believers are urged to “seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (17:50), and to set their minds on heavenly things.
• Putting Sin to Death: Paul lists specific “earthly” practices—sexual immorality, impurity, anger, slander—that must be left behind as signs of the “old self” (18:40).
• Unity and Transformation: The new community in Christ transcends cultural and social divisions: “Here there is not Greek and Jew… but Christ is all, and in all.” (19:05)
• Virtues of the New Life: Believers are called to dress themselves in “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” modeled after God’s love (19:20).
• The Supreme Importance of Love: Paul emphasizes, “Above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (19:55)
• Practical Relationships: Paul addresses Christian households and work relationships—urging mutual respect and duty between wives and husbands, children and parents, slaves and masters (20:20–21:40).
• Prayer and Witness: The church is to be steadfast in prayer, gracious in speech, and wise in relationships with outsiders, “making the best use of the time” (21:45).
• Final Greetings: Paul closes with personal greetings and encouragements, highlighting unity and partnership within the early church community (22:20–End).

Memorable Quotes:

• “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (18:10)
• “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self… and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” (18:55)
• “Above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (19:55)
• “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom… with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (20:10)
• “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (20:30)
• “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (21:42)
• “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (22:00)
• “Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” (24:05)

Notable Moments & Theological Connections

• Severe Consequences of Sin: Both Ezekiel and Colossians underscore that God’s holiness and justice require judgment—sin has real consequences, whether for ancient Israel or the personal habits of believers.
• The Hope of Restoration: Even in severe judgment, Ezekiel hints at future hope—“until he comes, the one to whom judgment belongs,” pointing toward the Messiah (06:50).
• Transformation by the Word: Colossians and the Psalm both stress letting God’s word dwell richly, fueling both outward change and inward hope.
• Unity in Christ: The breakdown of every social and cultural division in Christ (19:05) echoes today’s calls for reconciliation, rooted in gospel identity.

Conclusion

This episode weaves together warnings of divine judgment, the heart’s persistent plea for God, and the high calling of a new life shaped by Christ’s love and peace. Ezekiel’s warnings, the psalmist’s prayers, and Paul’s instructions provide a comprehensive snapshot of God’s justice, mercy, and transforming grace—challenging listeners to examine their lives, hope in God’s closeness, and walk in love as a renewed people.