QT 7/18/2023 Ezek 18:1-9, What is our responsibility with truth?

Ezekiel 18:1–9 (ESV) —

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? 3 As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel. 4 Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.

5 “If a man is righteous and does what is just and right— 6 if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity, 7 does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, 8 does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man, 9 walks in my statutes, and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.

 

NOTE: The theme of this chapter is judgment, not salvation. Where we fall into a trap is when we apply it to eternal salvation. Cooper (1994) says it well:

 

Ezekiel rightly declared that the prospect of divine punishment is a reality for everyone. The Bible clearly teaches that those lost are judged because of sin and a lack of a Savior-Redeemer (e.g., John 3:18; Rev 20:11–15). But the Bible also teaches that the saved will be judged according to their stewardship of life (see Rom 14:10–12; 1 Cor 3:11–15; 2 Cor 5:10).

 

The passage teaches that there is individuality responsibility for how someone lives their life. The corollary is that the Ezekiel's responsibility as a watchman meant that he bore some responsibility for warning the people, but the individual could refuse to listen, and the prophet was free of his burden to warn.

 

We have a responsibility to not shrink back. We don't have to change anyone. They are free to refuse to hear. But we do have a responsibility to share the truth. We must be honest with people with the bible. Our job is not to make them feel good, nor is it to argue, nor is it to condemn. We just have to be clear.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I tell people the truth?
2. Do I hold back from telling the truth in order to not hurt someone's feelings?

 

PRAYER: Father, these days are new days. As I travel and interact with people, give me boldness to share my faith with a dying world. Help me to be a good watchman.