Day 228: The Lord’s reminder

What is going to happen to us? That’s what the leaders of Israel in exile want to know. So they ask Ezekiel.
A lament for Israel’s princes
Ezekiel 19:1-9
Another lament
Ezekiel 19:10-14
A reminder to the leaders
Ezekiel 20:1-9
In the wilderness
Ezekiel 20:10-26
In Canaan
Ezekiel 20:27-32
Pardon and restoration
Ezekiel 20:33-44
Prophecy against Jerusalem
Ezekiel 20:45-49
The Lord’s sword
Ezekiel 21:1-7

Ezekiel is consulted by the leaders in exile. What are God’s plans for them. Ezekiel responds by recounting their history. Time and again, he reminds them, they rebelled against God, didn’t keep his commands, and God decided to punish them. Then he relented, for the sake of his reputation. Time and again God protected people who didn’t act in a way that deserved it, for the sake of his reputation.
But now it seems like he’s not bothered about his reputation any longer. He’s going to punish then and let Jerusalem fall. It is time for the people to learn that’s God’s reputation isn’t tied to the fortunes of one tiny nation, God has the interests of the world at heart.