Bible Chapter: Ezekiel 17 & 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The themes of the impact of the decisions people make continues.  This includes parables about the failures of the kings.  Many of the people believed they were punished for the sins of their ancestors.  Some were accusing God of being unjust. They didn’t recognize that their sins were worse than the sins of their ancestors.  God wants us to understand that each person is accountable to Him for their own sins.  It is up to us to decide to surrender to God’s way.
While we are accountable for our own life choices, we also impact others.  They quoted a proverb: ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste’.  But, Ezekiel emphasized that this was not intended to instruct them that their children were to be punished for their fathers’ sins.  Each person is accountable for their own choices.  Righteous people who live by the principles of God’s law will be rewarded.  A wicked child of a godly father will not be freed from his own accountability because of his righteous father.  Refusal to repent and turn to God will bring eternal death.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
What is God’s desire for people?  Does He like to see wicked people die?  Never!!  He longs for them to turn from their wicked ways and live a righteous life.  Unfortunately, it is possible for a righteous person to turn from righteousness and doing sinful acts.  If they do this all their righteous acts will be forgotten, and they will die for their sins.  This is speaking to those who are living for the Lord.  Those who trust God and live in His ways must never think they are unconditionally secure, that it is impossible to lose their relationship with God. The Bible says that if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die.
This truth is critical to continue to apply in my life.  I am blessed to come from a godly line of believers.  I have over forty years of ministry.  But, I must finish strong and faithful.

3.  How can I help someone?
In the words of my father, “Learn from I have gone through”.  Learn the lessons God is giving in these chapters.  Live a faithful Godly life till the end. You will never regret it.