Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 The Church has to be on watch

 THE SCARECROW OF THE NATION
   EZEKIEL  22: 23-31

In today’s portion for devotion prophet, Ezekiel mentions a systemic failure in the nation of Israel. We see the glory of God disappearing from the Jewish temple. Here in this chapter rather than surveying behaviors prophet surveys the personal issues of the people. The issue is still the impurity embedded in the people, Vs 24 it reads “son of man says unto her. Thou art a land that is not cleansed nor rained upon in the day of indignation, “
   This oracle almost serves as a commentary on Ezekiel 7: 23-27 where prophets, priests, and kings misled the city although an earlier similar model is seen in Zephaniah 3: 3-4. The sum is a web of it as those pillars of the community are seen as colluding.
    The conspiracy of her prophets:                                                             
The lion metaphor was used for princes. The priests were meant to be guardians of moral discernment. The fallen priests were smeared with whitewash. There is no one to stand in the breach who might avert the distraction. Sometimes it may take only one courageous righteous person to stop the great evils, but there was none available,
The prophet Ezekiel is challenging us with a question in this chapter for us to meditate and think. Why is it so rare for people to stand up for God and other righteous ones in this world? What would it take for us to take a stand for justice and righteousness where we live?
The Lord speaks through the prophet about the sins of Jerusalem and gives the ultimate warning that He will make the city an object of scorn to the nations and a laughingstock to all the countries. The people who are far and near will mock you and pity you.
The same warning God is giving to us through this meditation today. If we are avoiding God’s rules and commands, we will face the same grave situation of punishment and destruction.
 
Prayer
Dear Father thank you that you are the father and our creator. You made the heavens and the earth and constantly watch us. You want us to lead a life that is with humility, standing for justice, and extending kindness to your creation. Help us to lift our eyes to see your glory and put our trust in you. Amen.

Thought for the day:
Holy Spirit strengthens us to lead a life that is clean and pure and put our trust in you completely.

Mr Varughese P. Varughese  
Mar Thoma Church Staten island.

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