In Ezekiel chapter 16, we read of the proverb, "Like mother, like daughter." In chapter 18, I could not help but think of a very similar saying, "Like father, like son." Is that true though? Not necessarily. In chapter 18, God clearly tells the Israelites (and us) that we are each held accountable for our own choices and actions. I imagine there must have been some confusion and questions about this because of previous promises of punishments and blessings for future generations. However, God clearly speaks to each individual in this chapter and sums it up nicely in the last sentence:
"Repent and live!"
~Ezekiel 18:32
As children of our parents, we were influenced in all areas of our lives. Some of us still are. We may have been influenced toward negative behaviors, positive behaviors, or a combination of both. Whatever our situations were (and still may be), we have the God-given freedom and responsibility to make our own choices. God also tells us in these chapters, that when we are in sin, we can choose to turn from our sin and we will live. God reminds us that when this happens "none of the offenses [we have] committed will be remembered" (18:22). We have a choice of which direction to go. Will we choose sin or life?
"Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.
Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed,
and get a new heart and a new spirit."
~ Ezekiel 18:30-31
We often think of this choice in terms of our salvation. However, it can also be a day-to-day decision for us in certain areas of our lives. We can also help influence others as spiritual parents and learn from others as spiritual children. What a blessing God gives us through the opportunity to fellowship, speak truth, and grow with other believers!
God has to discipline and punish us for sin. Sometimes, He has to bring us to a very painful place for us to want to repent. In chapter 20, God reminded the elders of the sin the Israelites had committed. He also reminded that their fellowship with God was broken because of sin: "I will not let you inquire of me." (20:31). This is a reminder to me that to be in close fellowship with God, my heart needs to be clean. I need to turn away from (repent of) my sin and request forgiveness. This is my choice and my responsibility. Lord, help me to be aware of sin in my life and consciously choose not to sin.
'"The Lord knows those who are his", and
"Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness."'
~II Timothy 2:19
Terry, this is one of those times that I mentioned a while back, where I have to count the things I DO know about God to somewhat understand these things I DON'T know. Chapter 18 seemed to go against what I already knew.....anybody else struggle to read through all of that?? Sins of the father and righteousness of the father are discussed over and over. And, righteousness here, seems to be how we treat others, according to our own behavior. Justice, maybe? So many things to think over today.....
ReplyDeleteAs always Terry, such a thought-provoking post! You made so many great points it is hard to just comment on a few. One thing you said about making a decision day-to-day to follow God made me think about the Wednesday night class I am taking called "Magnificent Obsession". In that study, Anne Graham Lotz says over and over and over about how we can pursue the "magnificent obsession" one choice at a time day by day. SO TRUE!!! It is so very often the little choices we make everyday that can add up to big blessings or big problems! I do not want God to have to bring me to a painful place to have me repent, but boy have I really nailed that one recently! God loves us too much to leave us the way we are...praise the Lord for that!!!
ReplyDeleteIn my Sunday school class we talked about how sin and death are linked all throughout scripture. We see that illustrated again here- as well as the personal responsibility we each have for our own choices. I think that's what Ezekiel is trying to get across here- while God may have to punish generations corporately at times, we each are still responsible for the choices we personally make. This removes our excuse of being a "victim" and warns against riding someone else's coattails so to speak. So much good stuff!!
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