Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 (NRSV)
Read Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 18The word of the Lord came to me: Verse 2What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, "The parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge"? Verse 3As I live, says the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. Verse 4Know that all lives are mine; the life of the parent as well as the life of the child is mine: it is only the person who sins that shall die. Verse 25Yet you say, "The way of the Lord is unfair." Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? Verse 26When the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it; for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die. Verse 27Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. Verse 28Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die. Verse 29Yet the house of Israel says, "The way of the Lord is unfair." O house of Israel, are my ways unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair?
Verse 30Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, all of you according to your ways, says the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions; otherwise iniquity will be your ruin. Verse 31Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? Verse 32For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live.
Devotion
It's not fair! When my daughter was a teenager, the refrain often left her lips-usually in response to a denial of privileges, like car keys to a rave party or sleepovers in an abuser's home. She was right. It isn't fair. Those kinds of parental dilemmas require more than fairness. They require love. And love can be tough. But tough love can be right, though unfair. It is right to shield our children from drugs, alcohol and abusive adults. It is terribly unfair that we live in a world that makes it necessary.
Imagine Israel's response to Ezekiel's message: "It's not fair! We are already in exile, we've lost our homeland, and we're grieving for lost family and friends. Aren't we entitled to a little fun, a little distraction from all our troubles?"
The Lord replies as a tough-loving parent, fearing for a child's safety. "Turn away-your sin will be your ruin-turn, and live!"
Prayer
God of Protection, though it is my nature to rebel, I am grateful for your righteous anger that keeps me safe from my self-destructive desires. Open my eyes to see the wisdom of your ways, and open my heart to desire them. For your righteousness' sake, Amen.