Ezekiel chapter 8 verse 1 (NIV)
In the sixth year, in the sixth month on the fifth day, while I was sitting in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting before me, the hand of the Sovereign LORD came on me there.
Ezekiel chapter 8 verse 6(NIV)
And he said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing—the utterly detestable things the Israelites are doing here, things that will drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see things that are even more detestable.”
Ezekiel chapter 8 verse 18 (NIV)
Therefore I will deal with them in anger; I will not look on them with pity or spare them. Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them.”
Although the book of Ezekiel concerns the downfall of Israel, when the people were doing as they pleased, and they were convinced God didn’t notice, God made the truth very clear. We know that God sees all things and forgets nothing.
We also know that He is not interested in those who make a show of serving Him, even if they shout!
These were the last days of Israel as it has been at that time, and yet to me it’s almost as if we are reading a current news bulletin. So many in the West think that they can do as they please regardless of how that may impact around them. Just as disturbing in my opinion, is the rise of so called “Christian Nationalism” which tries to impose its view of God as the only way, although it seems to me that it’s judgemental overtones echo those of the scribes and pharisees, would earn the same response from the Lord.
On a positive note, however, it is comforting to know that God is both merciful and just, and it is beholden on those of us who have been the recipients of His mercy, to remember that Jesus said that only those without sin should cast the first stone. We need to show by our testimony that there is another, better way to live so that others can find it while it is still possible.
Dear Lord,
There is much I find difficult to understand about the attitudes of some who say they are your servants. Help me not to fall into the trap of judging behaviour according to my standards which fall so short of Yours. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.