Read Ezekiel 23:36-49
This reading concludes the section speaking of the sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, and their detestable sins. The LORD wants Ezekiel to call them out and not be afraid to speak against Samaria and Jerusalem. Their judgment is set. The LORD decreed, “Bring an army against them and hand them over to be terrorized and plundered.”
When personification is used like this, it’s easier to assign human emotion or responses to these lewd acts. It was a nation, not an individual, who engaged in the shameful behaviors. From all the accounts we’ve read, these nations didn’t seem to care. These people were clearly more focused on their own agenda without regard for the consequences.
I may not always have been a rule follower, probably because I don’t like the word, “consequences.” I spent plenty of days during my teens “grounded” for something that displeased my parents. I learned early on that there will be consequences for selfish behavior. Yet despite my best efforts, I still find myself feeling guilty over wrong choices I make. The shame is real for me.
The image of child sacrifices has haunted me since I read it earlier in Ezekiel, and again in this passage. Talk about a “lewd” practice. I can’t imagine how people could sacrifice their children, burning their infants to death. How could those same parents turn around and go to worship in the temple after that? The passage doesn’t say they were “remorseful” or seeking forgiveness.
If we’re appalled by this vulgar behavior, we’re probably also troubled by what is happening in our world today to helpless children still in the womb. I know this is very controversial, but the parallels speak volumes to me. God didn’t like it then, and I’m sure he doesn’t like it now.
I come back to the idea of shame. The feelings of shame and guilt are real when we sin against God. That is, when we catch ourselves sinning or someone points out our blunders. We can be thankful we have a forgiving God who is keen on giving multiple chances. What we’re seeing God charge Ezekiel with here comes only after many attempts by God to get his people to repent and change their ways.
Are you struggling with the shame of something you did that hurt God or another person? 1 John 1:9 gives us great counsel, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” We don’t need to be stuck in our shame and guilt. Confess and be free.
Let’s pray. I need you today LORD. Show me the path you have for me to follow. Forgive me for all the wrong steps I have taken in my life. Help me to draw closer to your heart so I can reflect you to the community you have entrusted to me. Empower me to overcome adversity. Thank you for each new day and opportunity you lay before me. May my life bring honor to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
