Lament for a nation.
Ezekiel is told to lament for Israel. Through two different stories, the Lord reveals the decline of a nation that had continually rebelled against Him. What once flourished was now facing destruction. So Ezekiel laments:
"'Your mother was like a vine in your bloodline, Planted by the waters, Fruitful and full of branches Because of many waters. And now she is planted in the wilderness, In a dry and thirsty land. Fire has come out from a rod of her branches And devoured her fruit, So that she has no strong branch- a scepter for ruling.' " This is a lamentation, and has become a lamentation." Ezekiel 19:10, 13-14
Because of Israel's persistent sin & rebellion, the once-fruitful nation had lost its strength, influence, & prosperity. And their consequences would only grow worse.
The Lord does not overlook persistent rebellion. Turning away from Him & His ways to pursue what is right in our own eyes leads to destruction. While this lament was specifically for a nation, it also reminds us of the importance of grieving over sin in our own lives & in the lives of those around us.
Paul shared a similar heart for the church: "For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame-who set their mind on earthly things." Phil. 3:18-19
Paul's wasn't celebrating the downfall of those living in rebellion. He was weeping over them.
In a day when sin & rebellion are so prevalent, what will be your posture before the Lord?
May we have hearts that are grieved by sin, beginning with our own, while remaining gracious toward those around us. And be willing & ready to follow Jesus in righteousness, truth, & love.
Be grieved, but be gracious. And allow the Lord to use you today. As followers of Jesus, we are called to reflect His heart to a world in desperate need of Him.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.