Ezekiel 33
Dear RTB’ers,
In previous chapters Ezekiel has been predicting the downfall of Jerusalem. Today we see that it has happened as predicted, In the twelfth year of our exile, in the tenth month, on the fifth day of the month, a fugitive from Jerusalem came to me and said, “The city has been struck down.” (v. 21) Ezekiel now has a new twofold mission, preaching individual responsibility and offering pastoral comfort.
Today’s first twenty verses are about individual responsibility. Much of what Ezekiel had been preaching in previous chapters had been about corporate responsibility – all of Jerusalem sinning – but now it’s individual responsibility. The word “each” is mentioned three times today, beginning with O house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to his ways. (v. 20b) Verses 23-29 then emphasize that personal accountability.
In today’s final paragraph we see the beginning of Ezekiel’s new mission of pastoral counseling. The exiles appear to be seeking the Lord, Come, and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord. (v. 30b) Unfortunately, little has changed in their hearts: And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as My people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain. (v. 31)
How often do I hear what I need to hear and resolve to do what I need to do, but then fail as I move forward. Sadly, like Jerusalem’s children I’m an exile on this earth, seeking Him and hearing Him, but failing in following Him. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. Wretched man that I am! (Romans 7:19, 24a) Yes, wretched…!
Blessings.
Fred