It was my observation that at some point there is a three-way conversation going in between God and Ezekiel and the Hebrews. In some cases, God is talking to Ezekiel about feelings concerning the mutterings of the Hebrews. God is not surprised; he knew how this would play out before creation. But still, he converses with Ezekiel to make his point.
In this passage we are about to read, something interesting happens. God turns the tables. He is clear, he knows the ordinances the Hebrews have put into place to represent their idols. He knows they have failed to follow their own rules. They are guilty in accordance with both sets of ordinances, not just the ordinances put into place by God. God tells them to pay attention to their own ordinances and repent, for they are failing by the numbers on all fronts. Goodness, what a mess. One thing is for sure, God’s action is justified, they will fall from their own words. In their arrogance they have buried themselves.
Ezekiel 18: 29-32 says — Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust? “Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! [NIV]
The Hebrews have decided God’s way is unjust. The Hebrews say God is not being fair. Goodness, this is nothing but blasphemy. How can they not see the issue. Rather than owning their rebellion, they say they are walking the straight and narrow (as defined by them). They are the righteous ones. God is at fault not them. Oh my! If God is the definition of moral truth, then how can God be wrong. There is no court higher in this universe or any other universe they can take their case to. He is the Court!
We are not without precedent for this type of thinking today. How many times have you listen to somebody rail against the unfairness of God’s plan, how his ancient wisdom is no longer valid for homosexuality, open marriages, war, free will, absolute truth, honoring parents, lust, and self-control to name a few. Is this not the same thing the Hebrews were doing?
Consider God turning the tables on us and judging us by our new and improved morality. Does not the current ‘anti morality crowd’ have the same problem? They have no court to bring their case to. There is nothing in this universe that will cause God to bend his knee. Selah.
I think that God’s reasoning is gracious. He takes the time to explain his position and then offers an wide range of rules to abide by. Rules they created on their own. And still, they are guilty of not following their own ‘homemade’ rules.
And so, we have the conclusion of this matter. We can hear God saying — ‘I have done you no wrong. Rather, you have wronged yourself by your own behavior and your own rules’. A fair trial has been accomplished. The verdict has landed on God’s side. The judgement shall be rendered. One would think that God would launch a thunderbolt and send them to the pits of Hell. But instead, one last time, he offers mercy. He shows the hand of graciousness, of kindness, and a full pardon to the Hebrews if only they would repent. It is hard to not feel the sadness of the moment as the Hebrews raise their fist in defiance one last time. They wallow in pride and choose death. I choose Jesus.