Jerusalem is in shambles.
The temple is defiled. The eyes of Israel looks to false gods.
God speaks to Ezekiel and shows him all of the iniquities of his people. He is jealous and vengeful towards the Israelites. He seems even a little bit… harsh?
“Therefore will I also deal in wrath; mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity; and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.” Ezekiel 8:18
Where is the God of love and peace? The God of mercy and grace?
When He commands that the temple be filled with the bodies of the slain, even Ezekiel is aghast at the utter wrath of God: “While they were killing and I was left alone, I fell facedown, crying out, ‘Alas, Sovereign LORD! Are you going to destroy the entire remnant of Israel in this outpouring of your wrath on Jerusalem?'” Ezekiel 9:8
Where is the mercy in this act of destruction? Is God just some ruthless judge out smite evil-doers and idolators? Is He just some jealous, insecure boyfriend who cringes when some better looking god walks by?
No, in fact, God’s wrath is the surest sign of His mercy and His jealousy the mark of His wholeness. God is jealous not because He desperately needs our attention but because He is holy and His holiness calls us to purity. Therefore, God’s jealously is a longing for our salvation and always for our good.
As if God needed anything from us! His wrath is meant to purify us and pull of from self-destructive idols. This is His mercy. His jealously is to call us back into fulfilling relationship with Him and purify us. This is His holiness.
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Sixty-six books in a year 