PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Ezekiel 9-10
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of injustice.” (Ezekiel 9:9)
We need to realize that the detestable ways of the people were really bad.
We read these judgments in the context of our times, but those times were worse.
There were no human rights, and what courts there were served the king, not the law.
Foreigners, slaves, women, children, the elderly, the disabled – all were victims.
God is not just being hyper-sensitive… things were really bad.
And it was being practiced and sanctioned by rulers and religious leaders.
What was happening then would have made your stomach sick.
These judgments were not just an emotional outburst of an angry God.
They came after years and years of appeals and warnings.
As a Jesus follower, I do not take pleasure in these judgment words.
But I do get them; like Jesus I ought to hate such corruption and cruelty.
Like Jesus I ought to do what I can to heal, to help, to show self-denying love.
But in the end, if God’s love and goodness are refused, what else can be done?
Love and goodness are available for all, but what remains for those who refuse them?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to love you and all people, and to hate the things that are not loving or good, that harm and demean you and people and your world.
God’s glory departs from the earthly temple and God allows his chosen people to be disciplined – God’s spirit manifested in the many images of presence – leaves as well. Yet God spares those who lament – who detest the practices that are to blame for God’s moving out. I too must watch myself – if I feel abandoned by God – is it not my own fault – have I too chosen to neglect to listen to God’s spirit? Lord God you are beyond my understanding – but I do know that you are just and you are loving and you do care about me! Thank you Lord for staying!
‘I have done as You commanded.’
At all times I need to praise the living God. When the world around me falls apart, man doing what is right in His own eyes, forsaking God in all his ways, God permits the evil ways to take hold. The only choice for man is to serve God. He give Life to all who seek Him and live in His Wat. Help me in Your Way Lord yo alwaus love and serve You.
All of my life, I will praise the Living God, my heart full of joy, I will bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
And never forget his gifts.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
He pardons all our sins.
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
His mercy never ends.