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Ezekiel 22 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Spiritual sin = practical consequences. This is a fact. Though the OT and NT are under different covenants, God is consistent. Israel would experience physical consequences for the heinous acts they committed spiritually. Though they did not see the spiritual disaster they were creating, they would eventually feel the ramifications of their spiritual bankruptcy.
This isn’t a scare tactic or a “turn or burn” message. It’s just the truth of the matter. And you know, some people can’t handle the truth until it hurts. This is true in my own life. In fact, I just had this same revelation during my latest dental visit.
Since I loathe dental cleanings, I had put mine off over and over again. I canceled my 6-month appointment. Then, I canceled my 1-year appointment. As I was nearing the 1.5-year mark, I was finally forced to go in. I had pain in the back of my mouth and I needed to get it checked out. I was forced to face the problem I had been avoiding. After a routine cleaning and x-rays, it was discovered I had 2 cavities. So, all in all, I ended up having to pay $650 for everything!
The truth of the matter was that because I didn’t take my dental health seriously, I ended up paying for it (literally). Had I just gone to my 6-month appointment, I may have been fine.
I believe our spiritual lives can be the same way. We won’t budge until it really hurts us. When consequences ramp up, we get serious about living right. But it shouldn’t have to be this way! God has given us everything we need to live a holy and fruitful life! So, the failures of the OT should drive us not to commit these same horrible sins. Lord, help me to do what I ought to do according to your glorious plan! Keep me from spiritual complacency and laziness!