The Lord tells Ezekiel to judge Jerusalem for its bloodshed and detestablepractices. The people treat their parents with contempt, oppress the foreigner, and mistreat the vulnerable. They despise God‘s holy things, desecrate HisSabbaths, and indulge in sexual immorality. Therefore, God will dispersethem among the nations. - P131
Jerusalem is referred to as the holy city in many passages throughout the Old Testament. In this passage, God renames it the city of bloodshed. Those called by God to be a light to the nations will instead become a laughingstock. God’s judgment is coming, and He makes it clear that the impending doom is something the people are bringing on themselves because of their idolatry and violence. Idolatry is not limited to the worship of wood and stone; it comes in other forms, including greed (Col. 3:5). - P132
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be light in our communities, nations, and world. We are to show others the heart and ways of God. Let us take care lest any violence or idolatry in us dims our light. - P132
Jerusalem has become a city of bloodshed because it is led by godless lead-ers. They use their power in self-serving and unjust ways and those whosuffer most are the weak and vulnerable. Widows, orphans, and foreignersare crushed by the powerful who constantly engage in bribes and extor-tion and seek unjust gain. As we read the prophet‘s words, we cannot helpbut wonder whether the leaders are the result of a corrupt society or thereason for the corruption. Likely, both are true. - P132
Whether or not we are inleadership, giving in to our evil desires will affect not just us but the peoplearound us and, eventually, society itself. We must guard ourselves againstthe many temptations that threaten us and those around us. - P132
Lord Jesus, examine my heart with Your light. Teach me to pray in humility, seeking Your correction in my life as I seek Your righteousness in my community and this world. In Your name, amen. - P133
me. As you can probably guess, that story had a very unhappy ending. Godwas right, as always, and I was left feeling heartbroken and dejected. If onlyI had listened to the Lord, I could have avoided so much pain and sorrow. Today‘s passage warns us of the consequences of disobeying the Lord. Godis a God of justice and He allows us to face the consequences of our disobe-dience in order to shape us, guide us, and ultimately bring us back to Him. In my heartache, I sought the Lord and prayed for healing, forgiveness, and wisdom. God is merciful and compassionate and He does not turn uswhen we come to Him with a contrite heart. " - P133
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from allunrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). away - P133
|