Two things:
1. Don’t think Grandma’s religion will save you. It won’t.
2. Don’t think you don’t need a savior. You do.
Ezekiel 14 – Judgment is inevitable
The people of God were so corrupt during the time of Ezekiel, that even if Job, Noah, and Daniel were their daddies, they still couldn’t be saved (Ezekiel 14:14).
Job
We all know Job was faithful to God despite incredible hardships. He even sought to protect his children by sacrificing burnt offerings on their behalf in case they had sinned and cursed God in their hearts (Job 1:5). His children were all killed at the beginning of the saga of Job, but by the end of the book, he had ten children again, and lived to see his children to the fourth generation (Job 42:13,16).
But not if he had lived during the time of Ezekiel.
Noah
During Noah’s time, man’s wickedness had grown so great that the Lord wiped them all out. Except Noah. And Noah’s wife, three sons, and their wives (Genesis 7:13). Because Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, his family also was spared.
But not if he had lived during the time of Ezekiel.
Daniel
This is probably not the Daniel we know (the Hebrew spelling is different and the Daniel we’re familiar with was a contemporary of Ezekiel). But regardless, this Daniel was also a very righteous man. Perhaps enough that the Lord would have spared his children for his sake during a time of trouble.
But not if he had lived during the time of Ezekiel.
No matter how righteous these men were, their righteousness would not have been enough to save either son or daughter during the the incredible wickedness that abounded at this time (Ezekiel 14:20).
Ezekiel 28, 31 – Condemnation against Tyre and Egypt
The King of Tyre had it all. So much that he declared himself a god (Ezekiel 28:2). Not a good idea. God would reveal to him that he was nothing more than a man, and a condemned one at that. The Pharaoh of Egypt was also known for his great majesty, but because he grew too proud, he was destined for doom as well. What the Lord said he would do, he did.
Moral of the story
Pride in your wickedness will bring you down. Every time. No matter who you are or where you’re from. You will come to know that the LORD is God.
Instead, humble yourself before the Lord. Every time. No matter who you are or where you’re from. You will come to know that the LORD is God. And with this route, you will be blessed in the knowing.
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NEXT WEEK: Ezekiel, The Watchman
More Ezekiel notes
Class outline
