WOW! Chapter 18 is awesome. I don't know how many times I have read through the Bible and Ezekiel 18 just jumps out there for the first time I can remember. It is filled with all kinds of theology, doctrine and the true heart of God. You just have to go read Ezekiel 18 and see all that is in there.
Chapter 17 is a neat parable to explain what Israel was doing.
17:8/23 - produce branches, bear fruit and become a splendid vine. - I thought this was interesting from a strategic standpoint. Could you take this as the heart of God for all who follow Him?
18:4 - For everyone belongs to me, the parent as well as the child - both alike belong to me...
18:7 & 12 - It seems like there are really only 2 options in God's eyes: give and provide for the poor and needy or be considered someone who oppresses the poor and needy. It doesn't seem like you can be neutral or uninvolved here.
18:20 - ...The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.
18:23 - Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live? - God gets a bad rap as someone who likes seeing the wicked destroyed. From what I read in the Bible God is brokenhearted that any would choose wickedness, but He is swift and just in His dealing with them. God would rather that every person live well, but if they aren't He will protect those who are by bringing justice on the wicked. It may not seem like it at this moment, but God will deal with those who choose their own way over the way He has called Him to. In the meantime, He longs for every person to turn back to Him so He can save them.
18:24 - I wonder if this verse would help in a discussion about once saved always saved or whether a person can walk away from God after choosing Him.
18:31 - ...get a new heart and a new spirit....
18:32 - For I take no pleasure in the death of the anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Prent and live!
Love, Michael
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