Scripture Text (NRSV)

Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

 

18:1 The word of the LORD came to me:

18:2 What 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"?

18:3 As I live, says the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.

18:4 Know 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.

18:25 Yet 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?

18:26 When 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.

18:27 Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life.

18:28 Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die.

18:29 Yet 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?

18:30 Therefore 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.

18:31 Cast 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?

18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord GOD. Turn, then, and live.

 

Comments:

I wonder how many times Ezekiel has heard those in exile pass the buck and blame their troubles on "the sins of the fathers" which the children bear to the third and fourth generations. It's a safe approach to their misfortune - blame it on someone else, in this case their forebears. No need to look closely at one's own self to find a fault. Just pass the blame off to someone who isn't even around to defend him/herself. Surely Ezekiel gets tired of hearing this.

It reminds me of some of my college classmates who had a fine knack for blaming their struggles on "uncaring, out-of-touch" professors. So much easier than looking to themselves to find the root of the problem. So what about us and our congregations? Do any of us or our people fall into this same trap? Surely not!

Ezekiel proclaims the good news loud and clear: "Repent and turn from all your transgressions; ...turn, then, and live." God is a righteous Judge, and God does not judge us before calling us back into right relationship. God does not will that we die, but that we live. And to that end God does not give us up to our own devices, but continues to invite us to take responsibility for our lives and to turn to God and live. Thanks be to God!

Jim in the Blue Ridge