5Then all people will know that I the Lord have drawn my sword from its sheath; it will not return again.’ - P120
1The word of the Lord came to me:
2"Son of man, set your face against Jerusalem and preach against the sanctuary. Prophesy against the land of Israel
3and say to her: ‘This is what the Lord says: I am against you. I will draw my sword from its sheath and cut off from you both the righteous and the wicked.
- P120
12Cry out and wail, son of man, for it is against my people; it is against all the princes of Israel. They are thrown to the sword along with my people. Therefore beat your breast. - P121
The Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy that a sword is drawn against Jerusalemand will not be sheathed again. The Lord will cut off from Jerusalem both therighteous and the wicked. He commands Ezekiel to wail and beat his breastfor the sword will slay the princes of Israel along with God‘s people. - P121
We may not like to hear it, but God’s judgment on nations often leads to the death of both the wicked and the righteous. This is a sad reality of the fallen world in which we live, and this is what Ezekiel is describing. When Babylon invades the land because of the foolishness and sin of political and religious leaders, as well as the wickedness of many among the people, both the faithful and the unfaithful will perish. Hard truths like this remind us of our calling to be salt and light in our communities and nations. - P122
The witness of Christians influences our world for good. This is why our Lord teaches us to pray for His kingdom to come. - P122
In response to the coming judgment that will affect both the righteous andthe wicked, God commands Ezekiel to mourn. This is something we arecalled to do as Christians. Like Ezekiel, Jesus, too, groaned in His spirit andwept for His people. When we see the turmoil and pain of our lost world, we cannot help but grieve. - P122
As those living by and in the truth of God‘s salvation through Christ, we cannot help but recognize the destructive powerof sin and grieve for those who are ensnared in its deception. And yet, it isthis very grief that ascends to heaven as prayers for others. We can be certainthat the day is coming when those prayers will be answered in full. - P122
Lord Jesus, the destruction sin brings often makes this world a painful place to live. Keep my heart sensitive to what breaks Your heart, but even as I grieve over the evil and suffering around me, remind me of the hope that is found in You. In Your name, amen. - P122
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