WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

An international Sunday school lesson commentary

For Sunday May 23, 2021

 

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PREACHING TO THE EXILES

(The justice of a righteous GOD)

(Ezekiel 18)

 

   In the book of Ezekiel, here in chapter 18, the prophet Ezekiel receives yet another message from GOD. This time the message is regarding GOD’s sovereignty and righteousness in judgment, and how we are all, as individuals, responsible for our own actions and behavior.

    In chapters 15-17 of this book, we saw that Ezekiel had already delivered three other messages, or, parables, that were designed to convict the nation of Judah of her sins against GOD. Now, here in this chapter, the prophet’s message returns to the bluntness necessary to drive home to Judah, their own personal, individual responsibility to GOD for their personal iniquities, and broken relationships with HIM.

    Ezekiel begins this chapter with a proverb that must have been very familiar to Israel because it had also been quoted by the prophet Jeremiah just a few years earlier (Jeremiah 31:29). Here GOD asks Ezekiel about this proverb since it had been circulating among the populace for some time. The proverb simply states that; “The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste” (v.2) (NLT).

    The point of this proverb is that the children of Israel believed that they were suffering because of the sins of their parents. They felt that GOD was now punishing them for the sins of their ancestors, and not because of any fault of their own, and this of course, was ridiculous. In fact, the very thought of this proverb depicts GOD as being “unjust”, which is a blasphemous conclusion.

    GOD therefore saw a great need to refute this false doctrine, and HE called this foolishness to the attention of HIS post-exilic prophet. Like most false doctrine, a trace of truth is used in order to make it sound plausible, and this particular proverb was no exception.

    In the holy “Decalogue”, the “Ten Commandments”, cited in the book of Exodus (20:5 and 34:6-7) and Deuteronomy 5:9, we see a few examples of where GOD talks about punishing the children of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate HIM. However, the whole point of these passages is that “the effects of sin are serious and long-lasting”, and not that GOD punishes the innocent for their ancestors’ evils literally.

    There is always a chance that our iniquities and mistakes will affect others at some future date, however, that backlash lies with us as responsible human beings, not with GOD. GOD gives us “wills that are free” (freedom of choice), and our choices always, invariably, will affect someone else, be they family members or not, in the future. Here in this passage, GOD presents us with three hypothetical case examples to show how we as individuals are responsible for our own choices in life.

    In case number one, GOD presents us with the example of a righteous man who does what is lawful and right under HIM. The man does not worship idols or engage in forbidden sexual practices and activities such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, and bestiality. He is merciful to his creditors and does not rob the poor. He gives food to the hungry and provides clothing to those in need. He gives loans without interest, stays away from injustice, and faithfully considers, at all times, what is right by GOD. This particular person is “just” and will be honored and allowed to live with GOD eternally.

    In case number two the LORD presents us with another supposition. Suppose the son of that same man grew up to be a robber or a murderer, and refuses to do right, and in fact, he does exactly the opposite of the father. Should such a sinful person go unpunished because of the reputation of his father? No way! GOD says that person must be punished according to his own iniquities, and not spared because of his father’s righteous behavior.

    In the third case scenario GOD says that, “Suppose that sinful son, in turn, has a son who sees his father’s wickedness and decides against that kind of lifestyle for himself”. He, instead, chooses to live the righteous lifestyle of his grandfather. That son will not be punished because of his father’s sins, but rather, will be blessed as his grandfather was. And bear in mind, it is not because of his grandfather’s righteous choices and decisions that he is blessed, but rather, it will be because he himself personally made the right choices under GOD.  

    When we blame others for our faults and misfortunes, we inevitably deny our own guilt, and, through human ingenuity, claim innocence and perfection, that, in our own minds, justify our sinful behavior against GOD. In this passage of scripture, GOD is clearly saying in no uncertain terms, that, “the person who sins is the person who pays for the consequences”, not our children, and not anyone else.

    Every human being has to make an account for the deeds done in his or her lifetime. GOD will judge each of us according to our own actions, good or bad. And so, we must turn away from our sins, and be drawn instead, to the GODlier things in this life, lest we allow our sins to destroy us.

    We must put our rebellious ways behind us, in order that we may grasp and obtain “a new heart” (new way of thinking), and “a new spirit” (new GODly influence). Then and only then, can we begin walking in “the newness of life”, that is, CHRIST JESUS. When we begin to make GODly decisions, GOD’s mercy towards us, will “win out” (“katakauchatai”), over HIS judgment against us (James 2:13b).

    GOD does not wish to see any of HIS human creation perish by becoming permanently separated from HIM, by way of our sins. Instead, HE wishes for us to live eternally with HIM, by way of our new-found relationship with CHRIST JESUS. GOD does not enjoy punishing us for our sins, but rather, HE relishes in the thought that we choose to be blessed by HIM, because of our obedience.      

 

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

 

  

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