4For everyone belongs to me, ...

4For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child—both alike belong to me. The one who sins is the one who will die.

5"Suppose there is a righteous man who does what is just and right.

- P87

6He does not eat at the mountain shrines or look to the idols of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or have sexual relations with a woman during her period.

7He does not oppress anyone, but returns what he took in pledge for a loan. He does not commit robbery but gives his food to the hungry and provides clothing for the naked.

8He does not lend to them at interest or take a profit from them. He withholds his hand from doing wrong and judges fairly between two parties.

9He follows my decrees and faithfully keeps my laws. That man is righteous; he will surely live, declares the Sovereign Lord.

- P89

17He withholds his hand from mistreating the poor and takes no interest or profit from them. He keeps my laws and follows my decrees. He will not die for his father’s sin; he will surely live.

18But his father will die for his own sin, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was wrong among his people.

19"Yet you ask, ‘Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live.

20The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.

- P91

The Lord rejects the Israelites‘ saying that children are to be punished fortheir parents‘ sins. He declares that every person is accountable for their ownactions.  - P89

A righteous person will live, and the person who sins will die. Childrenare not punished for their parents‘ sins as long as they do what is right. - P89

The people of Judah quote a proverb to justify their sense of victimhood, suggesting that they suffer because of the sins of their forefathers. This mindset reflects an attempt to shift blame and avoid personal responsibility. However, through Ezekiel, God corrects this thinking by declaring that every soul belongs to Him, and each person is accountable for their own actions. When people blame others—including previous generations—they adopt a fatalistic attitude and reject the opportunity to repent and change. - P92

God’s justice is fair, and He judges each person individually. This truth is freeing because it means our choices matter, and we are not doomed by our past or lineage. We are invited to respond to God personally and directly. - P92

The prophet presents a three-generational example: a righteous man, awicked son, and a righteous grandson. This case study illustrates that eachperson is held accountable before God based on their own actions. Righ-teousness or wickedness is not inherited; it is lived out. This challenges thefalse belief that we are better or more deserving than those who come beforeus.  - P92

It also confronts the tendency to blame our background or culture forour failings. God does not judge us collectively by family or generationallines but deals with us individually. This passage is an invitation to soberself-reflection. We should take personal responsibility for our choices andoffer true repentance for our sins, turning to God for His mercy.
- P92

Righteous Father, thank you for Your justice and mercy. Help me to take responsibility for my own actions and not hide behind excuses or blame. - P92

Teach me to walk humbly, repent sincerely, and trust in Your grace to transform my life. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P92

18He despised the oath by bre...

18He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Because he had given his hand in pledge and yet did all these things, he shall not escape.

- P84

19"‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: As surely as I live, I will repay him for despising my oath and breaking my covenant.

20I will spread my net for him, and he will be caught in my snare. I will bring him to Babylon and execute judgment on him there because he was unfaithful to me.

- P85

23On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.

24All the trees of the forest will know that I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. "‘I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.’"

- P85

The Lord explains the parable. The king of Babylon carried off Jerusalem‘srulers. Thus, the kingdom was brought low. But the king of Israel rebelledand sent envoys to Egypt. The Lord declares judgment on the disloyal kingbut promises to plant a sprig atop a high mountain where it will grow into asplendid cedar, bearing fruit and offering shade to many birds. - P85

Under the leadership of Zedekiah, Jerusalem could have been preserved. However, Zedekiah breaks the treaty with Babylon by turning to Egypt for help. In doing so, he is rebelling not only against Babylon but also against God, who has entrusted the city to him. Zedekiah’s rebellion leads to Jerusalem’s destruction, as even the mighty army of Egypt is unable to save the city. - P86

Faithfulness during difficult seasons can be a challenge but placing all of our trust in someone other than God can lead to even worse conditions. We may think that we are solving the problem, but we are actually rebelling against God. - P86

Let us continue to be faithful and trust in Him, even when the way forward seems challenging or unclear. - P86

In contrast to the earlier warnings of judgment, God now speaks a promiseof restoration. He declares that He will plant a tender sprig, a symbol ofrenewed hope and new beginnings. From what was broken and cut down,
God will bring forth flourishing life. The sprig is promised to grow into asplendid tree that bears fruit and provides shelter for birds. The imageryreflects God‘s sovereignty and grace.  - P86

He offers restoration, not because Hispeople deserve it, but because of His great love. We are reminded that noone is beyond His reach. God can redeem the most hopeless of situations.
- P86

Even when we fall, God is able and willing to restore. His ways are higherthan ours, and His grace greater than our failures. - P86

There may be times when we endure hardships that cause us to seek relieffrom wherever we can. We may not be facing the kind of judgment thatEzekiel prophesied, but the challenges we are experiencing feel so relentlessand burdensome that we become overwhelmed and despondent. We beginto question whether it is even possible to have any hope.  - P87

However, it is important to remember that we have a God who is with us in our sufferings.
He is our hope As Christians, there is always hope in our lives because wehave Christ Jesus, who showed us that He is not distant from our sufferings.
He humbled Himself, willingly accepting suffering and the punishmentthat we deserved so that He could atone for our sins.  - P87

Because of His sufferLing, we have the gift of new life in Him. We never have to remain in despairbecause we can always look to God Himself who is our living hope. - P87

Lord, I confess that faithfulness is sometimes difficult, especially when the path is uncomfortable or unclear. Strengthen my heart to trust You in challenging seasons. - P87

Help me to submit to Your leading and resist the temptation to try to solve my problems without You. In Your name I pray, amen. - P87

1The word of the Lord came to...

1The word of the Lord came to me:

2"Son of man, set forth an allegory and tell it to the Israelites as a parable.
- P80

1The word of the Lord came to me:

2"Son of man, set forth an allegory and tell it to the Israelites as a parable.
- P81

The Lord gives Ezekiel a parable: a great eagle breaks off the topmost shoot ofa cedar and plants it in fertile soil. It grows into a low, spreading vine. Anothergreat eagle appears, and the vine turns toward it. The Lord declares that thevine will not thrive. It will be uprooted and stripped of its fruit. It will withercompletely and die. - P81

A vivid parable illustrates the fall of Judah. The great eagle with powerful wings and long, colorful feathers represents Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The eagle takes hold of the top of the cedar, plucks the topmost shoot, and plants it in a foreign land, demonstrating the way Judah’s king, Jehoiachin, was taken to Babylon. - P82

Through this parable, God communicates the reality of Judah’s judgment. Ezekiel is entrusted with the difficult task of delivering this sobering message to the people. The parable is not just for dramatic effect; it serves to awaken the rebellious nation. - P82

As God’s messengers today, we, too, sometimes face the challenge of speaking difficult truths. We can prayerfully rely on His wisdom to communicate them clearly and compassionately. - P82

Ezekiel continues the parable, shifting focus to the vine that is planted bythe eagle. The vine represents Zedekiah, who is placed by Nebuchadnez-zar as a vassal king in Jerusalem. At first, the vine begins to flourish, butanother eagle comes, and the vine reaches out to this second eagle instead.
- P82

The parable describes the disloyalty of Zedekiah, who violated the politicaltreaty with Babylon by turning to Egypt. The rebellion brings destruction,
not only to the king but also to the city he is entrusted to protect. We arereminded that rebellion and disloyalty bring ruin. Zedekiah‘s trust in Egyptreveals his heart.  - P82

In our relationship with God and people, we must con-sider carefully where we place our trust in God, in others, or in ourselves. - P82

When we face challenges, it can be tempting to take matters into our ownhands rather than seek God and trust in His plans. We may want a faster oreasier way to deal with our sufferings, but in doing this, we make the samemistake discussed in the parable of today‘s passage. The story of the twoeagles and the vine shows Judah‘s error of allying with Egypt instead of ac-cepting God‘s judgment through Babylonian rule. The parable emphasizesthat the king will not be successful in his quest as he takes matters into hisown hands because he has not been faithful to keep his side of the treaty.
- P83

Some of us might sympathize with the king. He seems to be doing whathe thinks is best for his people. However, the king is disregarding God‘sauthority as well as Babylon‘s. It is God who decreed for Judah to be sub-ject to Babylon at that time, and His people should accept His judgment.
when we try to take complete control over the outcomeIn a similar way,
of our lives, we can end up ignoring God in the process. We become soconcerned with our own worries that we forget that His will is truly for ourgood. Therefore, we should continually remind ourselves that we can trustGod in whatever circumstance, and hope that He will work things out forHis glory and for our good. - P83

Dear God, thank you for speaking to me, even when the message is hard to receive. Give me the courage to declare Your truth with grace and love. Help me not to shrink back from what You have called me to share, and to trust in Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P83

The Lord decrees judgment aga...

The Lord decrees judgment against Jerusalem for having exposed herselfand shed blood. He gathers her lovers and enemies to shame her publicly.
Jerusalem is compared to her sisters, Samaria and Sodom, and is said to havebecome even more depraved than they. Jerusalem bears her disgrace becauseshe made her sisters seem righteous by comparison. - P71

We sometimes experience the negative consequences of our poor choices.
However, when we humbly realize our mistakes and remember God‘s lovefor us, we are able to receive His restoration, knowing that true life can onlybe found in Him.
- P75

PrayerAdoration Confession Thanksgiving-SupplicationMerciful God, forgive me for the times I‘ve been consumed with myself and ignoredthe needs of others. Open my eyes to injustice and soften my heart toward thevulnerable. Lead me to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You each day.
In Jesus‘ name I pray, amen. - P75

59"‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant.

60Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.

- P77

62So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord.

63Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.’"

- P77

The Lord promises to restore the fortunes of Sodom, Samaria, and Jerusalem.
Jerusalem will remember her shame and be humbled. The Lord will remem-ber the covenant He made and will establish an everlasting covenant withher, atoning for all she has done. Then, Jerusalem will remember her waysand be ashamed. - P77

Despite the severity of sin in the cities, God promises to restore the fortunes of not only Jerusalem but also Samaria and Sodom—cities synonymous with rebellion and ruin—so that His people will recognize what they have done in disgracing themselves. The people of Jerusalem will be humbled among their neighbors as they receive this undeserved restoration. We see a reminder of how sin affects us and others and how God does not overlook sin. In His mercy, God decides to discipline by extending restoration. - P78

The grace of receiving what we do not deserve humbles us as we recognize more clearly how good God is to us even when we have sinned against Him. - P78

God promises to remember His covenant with His people despite their sinand rebellion. Though they have broken faith, God remains faithful. Hewill establish His covenant and make atonement for all their sins. God‘speople will be humbled as they remember the past and recognize His lord-ship.  - P78

This passage points us to the ultimate fulfillment of God‘s covenant:Jesus Christ. Through His death, we have received atonement for our sins,
not because we deserved it, but because God is merciful. Like Jerusalem,
we, too, were rebellious and undeserving, yet God pursued us with covenant love. We are called to humbly remember our past, acknowledge God‘sfaithfulness, and respond with gratitude for His amazing grace. - P78

Father, thank you for remembering Your covenant even when I was unfaithful to You. I confess that I have strayed many times, yet You continue to show mercy and forgiveness. Help me to live with gratitude, walk humbly in Your grace, and honor You in all I do. In Your Son’s name I pray, amen. - P79

15˝‘But you trusted in your b...

15"‘But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute. You lavished your favors on anyone who passed by and your beauty became his.

16You took some of your garments to make gaudy high places, where you carried on your prostitution. You went to him, and he possessed your beauty.

- P66

22In all your detestable practices and your prostitution you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, kicking about in your blood.

23"‘Woe! Woe to you, declares the Sovereign Lord. In addition to all your other wickedness, - P66

28You engaged in prostitution with the Assyrians too, because you were insatiable; and even after that, you still were not satisfied.

29Then you increased your promiscuity to include Babylonia, a land of merchants, but even with this you were not satisfied.

- P67

33All prostitutes receive gifts, but you give gifts to all your lovers, bribing them to come to you from everywhere for your illicit favors.

34So in your prostitution you are the opposite of others; no one runs after you for your favors. You are the very opposite, for you give payment and none is given to you.

- P67

Jerusalem trusts in her beauty and becomes unfaithful. She offers her adorn-ments to idols and builds high places to engage in prostitution. She sacrificesher children and fails to remember the misery of her youth. - P67

In His anger, theLord reduces her territory and gives her over to her enemies, but she actsworse than a prostitute, paying lovers instead of receiving payment. - P67

God accuses Jerusalem of squandering His gifts to pursue adulterous relationships and, in doing so, mocking His love. Even more horrifically, she engages in child sacrifice, killing God’s own children. What makes this even more tragic is that Jerusalem is not unaware that this is sin because she was once a victim of the same abuse. She has forgotten what it was like to be mistreated, and in her forgetfulness, became the very thing she was rescued from. - P68

When we forget the depths from which God saved us, we are at risk of reverting to our sinful ways. When we begin to take His grace for granted, we may even perpetuate the very evils we once suffered. - P68

Ezekiel bluntly portrays Jerusalem as a promiscuous spouse, not merelyfor shock value, but to highlight the depth of betrayal and heartbreak Godexperiences. Marriage is meant to be a covenant of mutual self-giving, andthere is nothing more unsettling than witnessing a relationship where onepartner exploits the other‘s love. Yet we so often do so in our relationshipwith the Lord.  - P68

While God gives endlessly out of His abundant grace, weoften take His blessings and spend them trying to win the world‘s approval.
Like Ezekiel‘s prophecies, our reflection on such a betrayal should stir inus a holy discomfort at how easily we abuse the love God so freely offersus, not so we will wallow in self-condemnation, but so we will runback toGod in repentance. - P68

Faithful God, I thank you for Your unfailing love. Even though I constantly fall short and so easily get entangled by the same sins, You are a gracious Father who leads me back to You. Keep my heart so that I will always remain in Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P69