[오늘의 한문장] 리빙라이프 Living Life 2025.8 (영문판)

The Lord tells a parable of two sisters, Oholah and Oholibah, representingSamaria and Jerusalem. Both commit prostitution with neighboring nations.
- P139

Oholah lusted after the Assyrians, so the Lord delivered her into their hands.
Oholibah is worse, going after the Assyrians, the Chaldeans, and the Babylo-nians, and longing for the days when she was a prostitute in Egypt. - P139

This allegory portrays two sisters prostituting themselves, alluding to Israel and Judah making alliances with other nations. The older sister represents Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom, which adopts the culture and idolatry of Assyria. The unfaithfulness of God’s people begins in Egypt, where they were once enslaved. Even though God miraculously delivered them, they disregard their commitment and return to their idolatrous ways. - P142

The story reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to God. He has rescued us as only He can, and we should offer our worship to Him alone. Let us search our hearts and seek to root out any idols that tempt us away from God. May we remain faithful, devoting our entire attention to Him. - P142

The younger sister depicts Judah making an alliance with the Babylonians.
The people of Judah should know what happens to those who are unfaithfulto God because they witnessed the judgment of Israel. Yet Judah also en-tnessed the judgmgages in idolatry. In rather provocative language, Judah is described as beingconsumed with the power and wealth of the Babylonians.  - P142

When we hear ofpolitical or spiritual leaders who are exposed for their misdeeds, let us treatthem as cautionary tales, being fully aware that we are not immune to such Ftemptations.  - P142

Let us ask the Lord to shield us and to help us keep our eyesfocused on Him.  - P142

May we not indulge in envy but pursue contentment inGod, knowing that His plans for our lives are perfect.

Heavenly Father, when I read this allegory, I recognize that I am also vulnerable to envy and idolatry. Cleanse me from my sin and remind me that You are all I need. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P142

30˝I looked for someone among...

30"I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.

31So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign Lord." - P135

The Lord compares Israel to dross in a furnace and says He will gather themin His wrath and melt them down. The land is full of conspiracy, oppression,
and violence. Prophets see false visions, priests violate the law, and leadersdevour people. The Lord looks for someone to stand in the gap but finds noone, so judgment will come soon. - P135

Once God’s treasured possession, Israel is now nothing more than dross, the residue left from purifying silver in a fiery furnace. As Babylon’s army invades the land, the people flee to the walled city of Jerusalem for safety. But their faith is misplaced: Jerusalem is, at this time, the furnace of God’s judgment. - P136

So many things this world considers safe and secure are, in reality, nothing more than sandcastles on the seashore. As the tide of sin’s consequences rises, they are swept away. - P136

As Christians, we are called to seek refuge in our Lord and build our lives on the firm foundation of His teachings and life. Doing so will not exempt us from hardships, but it will give us the courage and faith we need in distressing times. - P136

Once again, God exposes the root of the rot in the nation. He calls it aconspiracy: The nation‘s leaders are creating chaos through unjust rule. Goddescribes it as gaps or weak places in the supposedly secure city walls. Thereligious leaders cover up the flimsy walls with whitewash. Deception is theorder of the day.  - P136

Courageous souls are needed to take a stand against thegodlessness in the land, but no one can be found because it is easier to letevil run rampant and eventually come to see it as normal than to confrontit. As those called to be light, we are to "have nothing to do with the fruit-less deeds of darkness, but rather expose them" (Eph. 5:11). - P136

"God seeks someone to intercede with him on behalf of his sinful people today."
-D. A. Carson - P136

Lord, I want to help establish Your rule and kingdom in this world. May my life serve as a witness of Your transforming and saving power so that others may know the salvation You freely offer. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. - P137

[오늘의 한문장] 리빙라이프 Living Life 2025.8 (영문판)

The Lord tells Ezekiel to judge Jerusalem for its bloodshed and detestablepractices. The people treat their parents with contempt, oppress the foreigner,
and mistreat the vulnerable. They despise God‘s holy things, desecrate HisSabbaths, and indulge in sexual immorality. Therefore, God will dispersethem among the nations. - P131

Jerusalem is referred to as the holy city in many passages throughout the Old Testament. In this passage, God renames it the city of bloodshed. Those called by God to be a light to the nations will instead become a laughingstock. God’s judgment is coming, and He makes it clear that the impending doom is something the people are bringing on themselves because of their idolatry and violence. Idolatry is not limited to the worship of wood and stone; it comes in other forms, including greed (Col. 3:5). - P132

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be light in our communities, nations, and world. We are to show others the heart and ways of God. Let us take care lest any violence or idolatry in us dims our light. - P132

Jerusalem has become a city of bloodshed because it is led by godless lead-ers. They use their power in self-serving and unjust ways and those whosuffer most are the weak and vulnerable. Widows, orphans, and foreignersare crushed by the powerful who constantly engage in bribes and extor-tion and seek unjust gain. As we read the prophet‘s words, we cannot helpbut wonder whether the leaders are the result of a corrupt society or thereason for the corruption. Likely, both are true.  - P132

Whether or not we are inleadership, giving in to our evil desires will affect not just us but the peoplearound us and, eventually, society itself. We must guard ourselves againstthe many temptations that threaten us and those around us. - P132

Lord Jesus, examine my heart with Your light. Teach me to pray in humility, seeking Your correction in my life as I seek Your righteousness in my community and this world. In Your name, amen. - P133

me. As you can probably guess, that story had a very unhappy ending. Godwas right, as always, and I was left feeling heartbroken and dejected. If onlyI had listened to the Lord, I could have avoided so much pain and sorrow.
Today‘s passage warns us of the consequences of disobeying the Lord. Godis a God of justice and He allows us to face the consequences of our disobe-dience in order to shape us, guide us, and ultimately bring us back to Him.
In my heartache, I sought the Lord and prayed for healing, forgiveness,
and wisdom. God is merciful and compassionate and He does not turn uswhen we come to Him with a contrite heart. " - P133

If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from allunrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
away - P133

Nebuchadnezzar believes his g...

Nebuchadnezzar believes his gods are leading him. He stops at a crossroadsto determine whether to destroy the Ammonites or the Israelites first. Butin reality, God is the One who foretells the outcome of the pagan king‘sdivination. Without realizing it, the world‘s most powerful ruler is nothingmore than an instrument in the hands of the Almighty.  - P128

And so Babylon‘spowerful army is on its way to Jerusalem, where it will ravage and destroythe city of God because the sin of His people has reached its limits. Yet, inthe midst of these dark days, a light remains: God promises to restore thecrown to the one to whom it rightfully belongs.  - P128

Christ, the rightful Kingforetold by the Scriptures, has come. And no matter what powers seem torule this world, God‘s hand is leading all of history to the perfect fulfillmentof His reign. - P128

Dear Jesus, thank you for being the King who restores our relationship withGod. Shape and mold us by Your will so that we may live free from sin. InYour name, amen. - P129

5Then all people will know th...

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