| |
Each person in Jerusalem was predicted by God to suffer one of three fates. Each of these was symbolized by the three mounds of equally cut-off hair. 1) One-third would burn along with the city of would suffer from plague/famine. 2) One-third would be killed by the sword during the siege. 3) One-third would be scattered into exile.
Ultimately, 2/3 would be killed and the other 1/3 would survive as a remnant but would be integrated with the pagan culture as they were carried off to Babylon.
This was a big deal. Jerusalem had been given to the Hebrews by God in order to be their possession. God makes a shocking statement regarding their central headquarters.
‘But she has rebelled against My ordinances more wickedly than the nations and against My statutes more than the lands which surround her; for they have rejected My ordinances and have not walked in My statutes.’
Ezekiel 5:6 NASB
God’s people were even more wicked than the pagan nations that surrounded them. Forget the Jewish standard of living for a moment. Common morality accepted in the nations around them was not even being followed. This should cause pause for us today.
Is this the case among the church? Some would say yes. Many accuse the church of being hypocrites as well as manipulators. There is no doubt there are many “church leaders” who use their influence and power for evil and selfish gains. The term “Christian” in general has lost its meaning in many worldly circles today.
What do people see when they look at us? What do they see when they look at our church? Are we people who are walking what we are proclaiming?