Read Ezekiel 20:1-26
What surprised you more—that leaders of Israel came to God for answers or that God refused to give them what they wanted? We’re not told who these men were or what their agenda really was. But Ezekiel was faithful and expected God to respond.
God’s response was more of a rebuke, putting those Israelites in their place. Just in case those leaders weren’t familiar with what had happened centuries before, they were now informed. It never ceases to amaze me how many chances God gave his rebellious people. Our human frailty would not have allowed us to be as patient.
There is one line repeated several times in the LORD’s message. “Obedience would have given them life.” If they had only chosen God over all of the other distractions in their lives. That’s a heart check for us, too. What and who are we devoted to? Are we still obeying God’s word?
God wants to give his children good things. This message proves how time and time again God gives. He gave the land, freedom, instruction, and Sabbath days. All of these gifts are to help us have a good life, a life blessed by God. It’s hard to imagine people can give all of that up for idols and selfish desires.
Do you think the people believed God would continue giving chance after chance? After all, God’s fury was cooled more than once for one reason or another. For instance, God didn’t want to look weak by smiting his own people, the very people he had gone to such lengths to rescue from Egypt.
What also struck me were several references to abusing the Sabbath God had decreed. That seems to be an important one to God. Yet, how many of us today have a sabbath each week, a day when we rest from work and remember the greatness of God? I try to that more and more because I feel the benefit. The more time we spend with God, the more time there seems to be to get the important work done.
When I think of observing the Sabbath, I can’t help but think of Jesus. We’re watching “The Chosen” series with our youth ministry group. Seeing Jesus heal on the Sabbath and be rebuked so harshly for it by the teachers of the law speaks volumes when I read this text. There were some people who paid attention to God’s desire.
Yet, Jesus himself had plenty to say about those rebukes. Jesus continued to make waves with the priests and leaders of his own day. They couldn’t see Jesus was the fulfillment of the law. Matthew 5:17-20 records Jesus as saying this: “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. “But I warn you—unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!
Jesus’ coming is the message for us. He confirms and fulfills all that the LORD spoke through Ezekiel. God simply wanted his people’s obedience. When we obey Christ and his call on our lives, we are showing the great act of obedience. Jesus is life!
Let’s pray. LORD, seeing a message for us today through Scripture is always a gift to invigorate us. Thank you for how you are working in my life and in the lives of those around me. Help me to slow down and be present in each moment that you give me. Help me not to be rushing ahead of you and your timing. Thank you for your love and protection. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
