Reflection On Ezekiel 18
Refutation Of Generational Blame.
Scriptural Verses:
Ezekiel 18: 2 – 4
“What do you people mean by quoting this proverb about the land of Israel: “ ‘The parents eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel. For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.
Ez34:7
maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
Ez18;23
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?
This is a very interesting chapter that underlines the mercy of GOD.
It is very clear here that GOD HIMSELF is refuting here the popularly held notion that children will suffer consequences of the sins of their parents and ancestors. This appears a contradiction to his earlier words to Moses in Exodus 34:7
A careful look will underline one truth that GOD is willing to do anything to bring every soul to HIMSELF, yet not condoning sin at any level.
TAKE AWAY
1.GOD judges individuals, not families, nor their bloodlines so the notion that a person’s background determines their destiny may not hold true.
2. Everyone is responsible for his/ own sin, but GOD”s mercy is available for those who want to repent
3. Repentance leads to new life, old things passing away.
4. Sin leads to death, if repentance is rejected
3. A righteous person who gets involved with sin, will not be saved because of his past righteous life
4. A wicked person who turns away and repents will not have his previous wickedness held against him
Prayers
Dear LORD, thank and thank you and thank you for your mercies and saving grace that has set us free indeed.
Thoughts On Ezekiel 19.
This chapter is a lamentation for the rulers of Israel, using the imagery of a lioness and a vine, highlighting their downfall and destruction of Judah due to their sins and God’s judgment.
The Highlights:
Lament For The Princes:
The chapter begins with God instructing Ezekiel to take up a lamentation for the Princes of Israel.Verse1.
The Lioness And Her Cubs:
Ezekiel compares the kingdom of Judah to a lioness and its rulers to her cubs,emphasizing their initial strength and power but ultimately their destruction. Verses 2 and 9.
Jehoahaz And Jehoiachin:
The chapter focuses on the fate of two Kings: Jehoahaz, who was taken captive to Egypt and Jehoiachin who was taken to Babylon. Verses 4-9.
The Vine Imagery:
The chapter shifts to the image of a vine, once flourishing and fruitful, now destroyed, its strong branches broken and burned. Verses 10-12
Judah’s Destruction:
The vine’s imagery represents the destruction of Judah, its branches (rulers) no longer able to provide strength or leadership. Verses 13-14.
No Strong Rod:
The final verses emphasize there is no longer a “strong rod” or a ruler capable of leading Judah, signifying the end of Davidic dynasty and the nation’s exile. Verse 14.
Lament For The People:
The lament is not just for the ruler but also for the people of Israel who are experiencing the consequences of their sins and the judgment of God. Verse 1.
God’s Judgment:
The chapter serves as a warning that God’s judgment is certain and that those who ignore His commands will face the consequences. Verses 4, 9, 12-14.
Lesson:
Thanks to God who has delivered us from the law of sin and death through Christ Jesus!
Romans 8:1-2.
THANK YOU JESUS FOR SAVING US!
Reflections On Ezekiel 20
Today, we study the Book of Ezekiel Chapter 20,where the dangers of disobedience were highlighted.
Reflections:
“Dangers Of Disobedience”
Key Scripture
“But they rebelled against me and would not obey me,”
(Ezekiel 20:8)
In the Kingdom of God, obedience is very important. Indeed, DISOBEDIENCE IS CONSIDERED AS REBELLION!
The House of Israel was instructed by God to avoid the “idols of Egypt” through “STATUTES,” “JUDGMENT,” & SABBATHS.
Sadly, Isreal DESPISED the judgments of the Lord & DEFILED HIS SABBATHS.
This resulted in the fury of the Lord against the people and the generation that followed.
Eventually, the Mercy of God prevailed over judgment (Ezek.20:41)
Lessons
God values Obedience more than RITUALS
(1 Samuel 15:22)
DISOBEDIENCE is considered as a SIN OF WITCHCRAFT and comparable to INIQUITY & IDOLATORY!
(1 Samuel 15:23)
Obedience to CHRIST is a demonstration of our love for Him.
(John 14:15)
The TRIUMPH of the Church is predicated on our own “COMPLETE OBEDIENCE”
(2 Corinthians 10:6)
Conclusion
1. DISOBEDIENCE IS DANGEROUS!
2. OBEDIENCE COMMANDS BLESSINGS!!
(Deut. 28:1-13)
Folks, we recommend:
PROMPT, COMPLETE OBEDIENCE & THE BLESSINGS WILL FLOW.
Hallelujah!
Prayer
Father, grant us the GRACE for Obedience and Loyalty in the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
