This morning’s passage Ezekiel 11 (click to read)
So far, the book of Ezekiel has focused on how far the people of Jerusalem have fallen away from God, the extent of their sin and God’s judgment on Israel. We have been reminded that God is not blind. We cannot hide our sin from him.
Other reflections from Moneydig
Verses 1-12 in chapter 11 paint a vivid picture of the seriousness of our sin and the severity of God’s judgement. God is not to be trifled with. Notice though Ezekiel’s response when he realises just what he has been prophesying.
Then I fell face down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Alas, Sovereign Lord! Will you completely destroy the remnant of Israel?’
Ezekiel 11:13
What is our response to the knowledge that God’s judgement on sin is sure to come? We do well to remember the man in the linen clothes had marked those who lamented over the sin of the city instead of adding to it. (Ezekiel 9) For those of us who have turned to and trusted in Christ we can be sure we have been saved from God’s judgement – but what is our response for those who have not yet turned to Christ?
Ezekiel cried out to God; do we cry out to God? Do we have that same level of concern for others that Ezekiel had?
Notice God’s response to Ezekiel’s cry. Although the city of Jerusalem will fall, the temple will be destroyed and the whole city will join Ezekiel in exile, or worse they will fall by the sword. God will not abandon them. He will bring them back. Listen to God speaking in verses 18-19.
They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 18-19
God will use his anger and judgement not simply as a punishment. He will use it as a means of purifying his people; turning them back to him; changing their priorities in life; he will use it to create in them a new heart .
Have we looked on Jesus; his sacrifice; his atonement for our sin as being something that was done for us? Have we forgotten that Christ died for all, have we forgotten it is our role to stand in the gap and to cry out for those who have not yet understood Christ’s sacrifice? When was the last time like Ezekiel we cried out to God for loved ones, neighbours or family because we have understood the terrible judgment that lies ahead? When was the last time we wept for people who have not been marked by Christ?
The promised hope of Christ is not just for us, it’s not limited, there’s no-one beyond this hope which is why we should be crying out to God as Ezekiel did.
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for being blinded to the reality of your judgement, not just in my life but in the lives of those around us. This morning Lord I cry out not just for my sin but for the sin of friends, family and neighbours. Lord bring us back to Christ, save us from your judgement through Christ. Amen.