Text: Ezekiel 4:1-17
Sin is a lot of fun until you get caught and feel the consequences. Ezekiel is commanded by the Lord to symbolise and recreate the suffering experienced by God’s people when Jerusalem was attacked and devastated in 586 B.C.
Why do this after the painful event has already taken place? Because the new generation living in Babylon had still not yet learnt the lesson as to why they were in captivity. Ezekiel has to retell the story so that people will feel the full weight of their Sin and the consequences; so that repentance may ensue.
One unexpected consequence of their sin was to eat ceremonially unclean foods.
The Jews considered themselves holy if they could obey all of their ceremonial laws of cleanliness. But what could they do now in Babylon, without a Temple and all the things needed for ceremony? God tells them that as long as they are exiles, they will be condemned to eat “unclean” bread. In other words, in their daily experience, even in eating, was a reminder of their Sin.
Are you reminded of your Sin everyday? God is not interested in your guilt and shame; what He wants you to experience is change towards holiness; Your life and attitude can change, even as you suffer the consequences of your misdeeds. Therefore, pray that not a day will be wasted as you walk with Him in repentance.
Meditate on verse 13. What is God teaching you in this verse?
Our Father in Heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray that You forgive us all the sins we have committed against You; hold us with Your Mighty right hand and steadily march us to eternity, in repentance and sanctification. Amen.