Discipleship Daily Reflections

23 August 2022

By Rev Dr D Mundenda

*Theme*: The Unholy History of a nation (2)

*Common Lectionary Readings*

Psalm 109:21-3

Ezekiel 20:18-32

Revelation 3:7-13

*Theme text*: Ezekiel 20: 30 Therefore say to the Israelites: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Will you defile yourselves the way your ancestors did and lust after their vile images? 

*Background*

The narration by Ezekiel of the litany of sins continues from the reflections we had yesterday. The inquiry by the elders provoked the narrative. The rebellious nature of the Israelites continues, now in the third generation. One would expect that seeing and knowing the wrath of God imputed on their ancestors would warn the children and discourage them from behaving as the generation before they did. On the contrary, the children continued in the sins of their forefathers. Despite the rebellion, God still gave them the Promised Land. Only those twenty years and younger entered the land. (Ez 20:15-16 & Num 14:29-30)

The third generation also profaned the Sabbath and created the images detested by God. The almighty implores them to Keep my Sabbaths holy that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God. The Almighty withdrew his wrath for his name’s sake and relented his anger. God offered a new lease of life to the third generation in the Promised Land. They, however, did not heed the call but lusted after idols. This generation equated God with mere nature. So, God opined to expel them from the land.

*Points to note*

Due to continuous rebellion, God swore that he would, “Also with uplifted hand, I swore to them in the wilderness that I would disperse them among the nations and scatter them through the countries. (v.23).

Our forefathers or the generation before us could have sinned against God. Like Ezekiel said to the third generation, their predicament was due to their failures to obey God and his statutes. The current generation continues to suffer due to their rebellion.

As God barred the first generation from entering the promised Land, God had to expel the community of Ezekiel from the land due to idolatry. The previous generation suffered for their sins; the current suffered for their sins too. We agonize over our sins too.

Since the current generation continued their idolatrous life, God would not look into their face. The current generation faces shame. God said, “…you continue to defile yourselves with all your idols. Am I to let you inquire of me, you Israelites? As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I will not let you ask of me.

We will not hear God if we continue in our sins. Ezekiel thus asked, “What is this place you go to?”

The narrative should assist us in our time to reflect on the degree of damage to the laws and Imago Dei. Hatred, witchcraft, substances abuses, corruption, and altars built for pagan worship filled with abominations have filled the nation. Surely God would not let us inquire of him. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us face our shortcomings and repent of them. You have eternal plans with us. Our sins are the hindrances to the blessings you promised. Lord Jesus, have mercy on us. We repent of our sins. Amen