judgment of God – Be Still…

Ezekiel 24:15-27 – She Died?

I can’t believe she’s dead. I’m not a fan of this passage at all! It’s one thing to lose a beloved spouse, but quite another not to be able to mourn the loss because God tells you not to! The text doesn’t say Ezekiel didn’t mourn in private, only that he is not to display any of those behaviors publicly. But when you live a life of ministry you are more visible than most, and people are watching.

We’re halfway through the book of Ezekiel, and now everything God used Ezekiel to say has happened. Now what? This first section was focused on the fall of Israel, and the next two focus on the judgment of nations and future blessings for Israel. Continue reading “Ezekiel 24:15-27 – She Died?”

Ezekiel 23:36-49 – Shameless

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. Continue reading “Ezekiel 23:36-49 – Shameless”

Ezekiel 7:14-27 – Not a Pretty Sight

Read Ezekiel 7:14-27

Ezekiel’s heart must be breaking to hear of the desolation and despair that will befall his beloved homeland. Thankfully, there will be survivors who manage to escape to the mountains. They will look back with remorse, “horror and shame will cover them.”

It sounds like these escapees will finally come to the realization of what they had done. However, it is too late for them. God will turn his back on them so as not to watch them be plundered and defiled. All that had brought joy and pride to these people will be gone forever. Continue reading “Ezekiel 7:14-27 – Not a Pretty Sight”

Amos 3:3-15 – Who is Guilty?

Read Amos 3:3-15

God found Israel so guilty of sinning he said, “My people have forgotten how to do right.” Do you ever look around at your fellow humans and think the same thing? There is certainly a lot happening in our day that is contrary to God’s will and intention for us.

We are all guilty. We are all sinners. Many will be in denial and try to condone their behavior. The Israelites were very good at doing that as we can see. God is calling them out, but are we not guilty, too, of listening to the world and following popular thought? Is even being tolerant of behavior we know to be sinful a sin?