Ezekiel 18:1-2
The Proverb of verse 2 was the traditional wisdom of the people. They felt they were suffering for the sins of their father. It was their way of saying God was wrong in what he was doing. It shows our human blindness to our own sin. The proverb depicts the father eating sour grapes with no ill effect; yet the teeth of the children are set on edge. This is the effect of extreme sour causing the involuntary effect on the mouth and teeth.
Ezekiel 18:3-9
If one is just he is characterized by the standards of morality and justice. This is further explained as doing what is lawful and right. This also includes a list of things they were not to do, which was the bigger problem for the Jews.
- The just would not have 'eaten on the mountain'. This was an idiom of idol worship. It was fellowship in the high places.
- Likewise, he would not have 'lifted his eyes to idols'. This was to seek answers, hope or blessing from any other.
- He would not have defiled his neighbor's wife. This was written in the law (Lev 18:20).
- Nor would he have approached a woman during her impurity. (Lev 18:19) The law was given for their good and God's purpose. It didn't matter if they agreed or understood why.
- The just man would not have oppressed anyone. Love and kindness to our neighbor is nothing new.
- He would have paid his debts and fulfilled his pledges.
- Found not to have robbed anyone.
- Fed the hungry
- Clothed the naked
- Not gained financially from another person's situation.
- Iniquity, or morally objectionable behavior would not be found in their life
- He would judge rightly, not swayed by heritage, money, fame or status.
This is what covenant obedience looked like. This brought life.
Ezekiel 18:10-13
If this just man has a son who parts from covenant life, who is morally bankrupt and lives a life of sin and iniquity, they will surely die. His blood is on him. He receives what came from his life and choices. He will take responsibility for his life.
Ezekiel 18:14-18
The next generation comes into view. Would the son suffer because his father was wicked? This son also receives according to his choices in life.
The father suffers for his sins, taking sole responsibility for them. Note that this doesn't mean there isn't damage from sin that comes to the next generation. Nor does it mean that the sin of the father can't lead the son to sin also. Each will give an account for their sin
Ezekiel 18:19-23
At times they expected and desired this transfer from generation to generation, yet they complained when it affected them negatively. God affirmed, each stands responsible for their actions.
God's long suffering was not him looking the other way on sin. His delayed judgment wasn't permission to sin, or Him saying it didn't matter. This was, and still is, God providing us the opportunity to see our error and to turn from that life. He has no joy in judgment.
Ezekiel 18:24-32
When a righteous man turns away from righteousness, he is making a clean break from. He has conscientiously decided to follow another way so he has removed himself from the fruit of righteousness and the blessing of walking with the Lord. His action leads to judgment and death.
Yet, there was a great cry that it wasn't fair. We don't really want fairness from the Lord, we desire grace and mercy. Fair is getting what we deserve and I don't want that – neither did these people. They wanted God's blessings but none of the responsibility that came with them. They wanted to love other things more than God, but they wanted God to pour out blessings as if they were his children. It was in fact they who were unfair.
Every individual stands on their own. They will give an account for their sin. Either they will repent and trust in Jesus and be forgiven, or they will pay for their sins by their own blood and life. Every individual has that choice. What a great offer to turn, live, receive a new heart and a new spirit. He is a good, good Father indeed.
©2019 Doug Ford
Facebook