Ez 22

The attention now is turned upon Jerusalem - and its leaders. Ezekiel is challenged to "judge" or pronouce judgment on this city and its leaders. The idol worship, the innocent bloodshed , the oppression of the fatherless, the alien and the widow have left a bitter taste in the mouth of the Lord. Slanderous men who have done detestable things (v 10-12) to bring upon themselves God's wrath. They have been bold in their actions, almost to the point of pretending to be courageous. Will their courage take them through their destruction? Still it is the analogy of dross of fine metals in the flame to purify the quality of the metals is what is the most striking. The finality of their actions will culiminate in their ultimate destruction,

V. 23-31 speaks directly to the lack of true prophesy that existed in the land. One who is striving for holiness will hear the voice of God directing his/her path. Thus was not the case here. It was the priests/prophets role to move us toward His holiness. I am glad that I belong to a church and has a pastor that doesn't water down the Gospel. We need to hear more messages about His holiness rather than pretend it doesn't exist and thus we become insensitive to the True North and the Higher road. Richard Halverson commented upon this passage in a different way - we need to become men of availability to His calling. We need to step out beyond our box and look beyond our prejudices and become men of vision - whose feet are on the ground but whose eyes are on the far horizon. Far sighted and selfless men - men with a goal. Men of integrity  who are dedicated to God and His holy, high purposes.

I need to recognize that our God is bigger than life and my circumstances. I do praise Him today for that.