48"So I will put an end to lewdness in the land, that all women may take warning and not imitate you.
49You will suffer the penalty for your lewdness and bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord."
- P151
Ezekiel serves as judge to confront Israel and Judah about their detestable practices. The unfaithful people have committed a long list of sordid sins, including adultery, sacrificing their own children, defiling God’s sanctuary, and desecrating the Sabbath. They appear to have no regard for what is sacred as they even misuse the incense and olive oil that belong to God. Israel and Judah took whatever they wanted for their own selfish desires. - P152
We have the opportunity to take what we have been given, including our money, time, talents, and relationships, to be a blessing to others. Thus, we can receive His blessings with gratitude and use them to bring Him glory. - P152
Dear God, You have been generous in the gifts and blessings that You have bestowed upon me. I give thanks and surrender them anew to You. Guide me to utilize them for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P153
The Lord commands Ezekiel to confront both sisters for their adultery andchild sacrifice. They have also defiled the sanctuary and profaned the Lord‘sSabbaths. They sent for men from far away and placed God‘s own incenseand olive oil before them. The Lord calls for a mob against the two sisters anddecrees that they be given over to terror and plunder. - P151
Likened to prostitutes, God‘s people face impending punishment for trust-ing in other nations rather than remaining faithful to the Lord. Judgment ispronounced once again as the people will bear the consequences of idolatry.
- P152
God is holy and just. He cannot tolerate wrongdoing and must deal withlewdness in the land. While it can be terrifying, God‘s justice is good newsfor us. Even though there is great injustice in the world, we do not need tobemoan this reality without any sense of hope. We have reassurance thatGod is committed to our individual and communal good, and one day, Hewill make all things right. - P152
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