Thursday 04 October 2007
- Bible Book:
- Ezekiel
"A child shall not suffer for the iniquity of a parent, nor a parent suffer for the iniquity of a child; the righteousness of the righteous shall be his own, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be his own". (v.20)
Background
The book of Ezekiel contains the God-given messages and visionsof the prophet Ezekiel, who was one of those taken into exile inBabylonia by Nebuchadnezzar II in 597 BC. This was a traumatic timefor the people of Israel and the city of Jerusalem. In these earlychapters Ezekiel focuses on sin and punishment and warnings offurther disasters.
God's people have been so faithless and disobedient that the remedyrequired is the extreme one of destruction and exile. They haveresorted to the worship of idols; they have broken God's covenantin the agreements they have made with other nations; lawlessnessand violence are to be found everywhere.
In an attempt to avoid their responsibilities, the people areclaiming that they are being punished for the sins committed bytheir ancestors. Ezekiel is keen to reject such a view and in arather long-winded manner does so; each person and generation hasto accept responsibility for their behaviour and itsconsequences.
Thankfully, this message of judgement is not the final word. If thepeople will turn away from their wrongdoing there is the promise offorgiveness and restoration; in the case of Israel a return fromexile and a renewed prosperity. Such a promise is rooted in thegracious love of God.
To Ponder
How easy it is to seek to avoid responsibilityand to deflect blame on to others. Are there situations ofinjustice or suffering for which we ought to take a greaterresponsibility and what could we do to effect change?
To repent means to turn around and face a newdirection. Where is there a need for you to do just that?
Forgiveness is not to be earned; it is a freegift of God to be gratefully received. Give some attention toreceiving the gift.