“The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man1, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not, for they are a rebellious house. As for you, son of man, prepare for yourself an exile baggage, and go into exile by day in their sight.’” Ezekiel 12:1-3
Like Ezekiel, we Christians live among a rebellious people who once found favor with God. Our nation was blessed with great abundance, security, wealth, power, and the propensity to do good. The people, in general, gave glory to God though they might not have realized it. The Christian faith was part of the lives of most people, and though they didn’t live it perfectly (none of us do) its tenets and accountability had an effect on public and private life.
We have become a people who have turned on God. We are a rebellious house. Is it any wonder our government promotes and supports greed, environmental destruction, unjust wars, and plethora of perversities in the name of individual freedom. Is it any wonder we, as a people, often find greater fulfillment in buying things: a bigger house, more toys, a bigger pick-up or SUV.
Now, more than ever, Christians are called to live as an exile within the rebellious house. We are not called to separate from the world, but to be an example for the world, as Ezekiel was an example for Judah. He was an example of the exile to come. We are to be an example of the Christ-centered life - an exile from the Godlessness of the world.
Prayer: Lord God, as you used Ezekiel as an example to Judah, make me an example of Christ in this world. Use me to show your love, mercy, grace, and will to the world. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
“Son of Man,” is often used to refer to Jesus. At the time of Jesus, Son of Man would have been a term meaning someone who has authority or divine power from God. The prophet Ezekiel was thusly called “son of man,” because he spoke with God’s authority.