Ezekiel 19 - 24

How Dare You Ask

The chapters in today's reading are particularly bleak, especially chapter 23.  The tone is set at the beginning with a funeral dirge for the kings of Judah and for Judah itself. Then in chapter 20, some leaders of Israel come to Ezekiel and have him request a message from the Lord.  Because of their sin and repeated idolatry, the had essentially taken themselves and their nation and all the people out of the economy of God.

The Lord gives a fateful message to Ezekiel for the leaders, "How dare you come to ask em for a message?  As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, I will tell you nothing."  This is a pathetic state for anyone to be in.  If the Lord refuses to speak to a person, then all that is left is doom and destruction.  After stating this, the Lord enumerates, through Ezekiel, all the reasons for His non-reply. The people have continually worshiped idols.  The people have continually rebelled.  They did not keep His Law.  They did not observe the sabbath. Their children were taught incorrectly and continue the process.

For us as Christians, the message of Ezekiel is one of warning.  If we refuse to heed the message of grace and refuse the Holy Spirit, we will be as those of ancient Judah and Israel - unable to hear from the Lord.  May God be with us. May we surrender our will to Him!