The Cause of Judah’s Ruin

Ezekiel 33:21–33
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Near the beginning of Ezekiel’s ministry he was unable to speak except to give specific messages from God (3:26-27). After Ezekiel’s prophecies came true and the false prophets were exposed, he was again able to talk freely (vv. 21-22). No longer needing to prove himself, he was free to offer God’s message of restoration and hope. Ezekiel warns them of continued chastisement, and even destruction, in the land itself (vv. 23-29). Now that everything the prophet had said concerning Jerusalem’s destruction had come to pass, as he stated it would, the exiles were more prone to listen (vv. 30-33). They talked about him secretly (by the walls) and openly (in the doors) (v. 30). These people gave the appearance of following God, but they loved their money more (v. 31). They were coming to listen to Ezekiel in order to be entertained (v. 32).

Many people today see church as entertainment. They enjoy the music, the people and the activities, but they don’t take the messages to heart. They don’t seek to be challenged or to serve. Many also give the outward impression of being religious while remaining inwardly greedy. Jesus warned that  we cannot love God and Money at the same time (Matt. 6:24). It’s easy to say “I surrender all” when we don’t have much. It is when we start gaining money that it becomes difficult to avoid loving it. When people mock your witness for Christ or fail to act upon it, don’t give up. You cannot make them accept your message; you can only be faithful in delivering it.

Application

I never want to reduce church services to a level of entertainment in my life. I want my time of worship to have an impact on my life and that I will put His Word into practice each time I hear it.