Read Ezekiel 21:1-17
Both the righteous and the wicked would fall. If there were any believers left in Jerusalem, surely they’d flee at hearing these words. The sword of the Lord would have no mercy on them. As I understand it, this was not the “final” judgment being spoken of where the righteous are protected. But the words should still be a bit frightening and spur the believers into action.
Clearly, the LORD intended the severity of the sword would draw attention from the world. God wanted to make a bold statement that would reveal his power.
Would the people think this yet another riddle to figure out? From our last reading, we sense Ezekiel’s frustration as he shared with God the response he was getting from the people. We must never discount the difficult nature of a prophet’s calling. Sometimes the truth is very painful.
The LORD instructs Ezekiel here to groan out his frustrations. Make a spectacle, in other words, so that the people can see that the messages being shared are as devastating as they sound. Ezekiel’s own lament would give the people a glimpse of God’s own breaking heart. Can you think of a time when you groaned in the agony of a loss or fear of something happening in your life?
God wants us to cry out to him. He wants us to see him moving in the world. Those are the messages I see in today’s reading for us. While the sword of the LORD represents his judgment in this text, when Paul describes the armor of God in Ephesians 6, the sword represents the Word of God. It can be both. Without the Word of God, we would have no idea about God’s judgment, his desires for us, nor his promises of love and protection.
What does today’s reading say to you? Are you feeling energized to be more transparent in your own faith so that others will see and know God through you? We can use these judgment prophecies to speak to us and draw us closer to the heart of God.
Let’s pray. Forgive me LORD for times when I just rush past words that are hard to read in your Word. Each verse is a gift to help us know you more and draw closer to you. I cry out today for mercy and grace to navigate the hard parts of life. Yet I also rejoice with thanksgiving for all the blessings amidst the pain. You are a great and wonderful God. Thank you for how you are working in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
