Ezekiel 21:3 …and say to her: ‘This is what the Lord says: I am against you. I will draw my sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.
The people ignored the signs and the warnings and the prophecies of the coming judgement for a very long time. And while it’s easy for me to sit in judgment, I get it. When you are riding high, you begin to feel untouchable, like nothing can go against you, like life will always go your way. It’s easy to shut out the nagging voice that says you’re headed the wrong way.
Ezekiel 21:6 “Therefore groan, son of man! Groan before them with broken heart and bitter grief.
Not surprisingly, I guess, since hope is so important to me, in the midst of all the bad news of the coming destruction (brought on by the Israelites refusal to return and repent), I still see the hope of the Lord in verse 27 of this chapter. Yes, it’s going to get really bad. Judgement is never pleasant. But it won’t always be that way. Restoration is coming eventually. God hasn’t turned His back forever.
Ezekiel 21:7 And when they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you shall say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt with fear and every hand go limp; every spirit will become faint and every leg will be wet with urine.’ It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign Lord.”
Lord, Forgive me when I don’t listen and don’t heed Your voice. Forgive me when I get caught up in the ways of the world and lose sight of my purpose in You. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Help me hold on to You with both hands. Draw me closer. Amen.
Ezekiel 21:27 A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin! The crown will not be restored until he to whom it rightfully belongs shall come; to him I will give it.’
Have a blessed day.