Ezekiel 7:1-4 (ESV)
The word of the LORD came to me: “And you, O son of man, thus says the Lord GOD to the land of Israel: An end! The end has come upon the four corners of the land. Now the end is upon you, and I will send my anger upon you; I will judge you according to your ways, and I will punish you for all your abominations. And my eye will not spare you, nor will I have pity, but I will punish you for your ways, while your abominations are in your midst. Then you will know that I am the LORD.
Chapter seven of Ezekiel begins one of the most gloom and doom sections of the entire Bible. The nation of Israel has committed abominations against God. They have profaned the Temple. They have completely disobeyed God’s commands. Ezekiel is sent to be a voice against them and an example for them. He was even to be an object lesson for them:
Ezekiel 12:6 (ESV)
In their sight you shall lift the baggage upon your shoulder and carry it out at dusk. You shall cover your face that you may not see the land, for I have made you a sign for the house of Israel.”
The nation is about to experience utter ruin. Ezekiel is not to hold back the words that God gives him to speak to them. For those who know that God is love, these chapters can challenge our understanding of Him. It is important that we recognize that God is the God of love but He is also a holy and righteous God. God loves unconditional but also expresses holiness in fidelity. The thought that God is love and holy are not in contrast. They are complimentary. Because God loves He cannot love with impurity. God’s holiness fuels His love. His love fuels His holiness. Because God loves us, He disciplines us.
Hebrews 12:6 (ESV)
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
Revelation 3:19 (ESV)
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
These chapters are the discipline portion of God’s love. A father that loves a son will discipline that son.
Proverbs 3:12 (ESV)
for the LORD reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
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