Eze.20:18-49, Human Rebellion and God’s Promise of Patience/Judgment/R…

Eze.20:18-49, Human Rebellion and God’s Promise of Patience/Judgment/Restoration

Ⅰ. Israel Testing God (1-3) : Cha.20 is a scene where God reminds the elders of Israel of their past sins of disobedience when they come to Ezekiel. God points out Israel’s sins and does not answer their questions(1-3). This is because they came to God without true repentance, simply out of curiosity about their own future and that of Jerusalem. This chapter shows the repeated disobeys of Israelite throughout history and the grace of God, but ultimately brings about repentance and restoration of them.

Ⅱ. Israel's Repeated Disobedience and God's Judgment (4-44)
 1. Israel's History of Rebellion(4-31) :God looks back on Israel's history &speaks of their sins of idolatry &rebellion against God in Egypt, in the wilderness, in Canaan, &even now. 1) Disobedience in Egypt(5-9)-God saved Israel from Egypt, but they did not abandon the idols of Egypt. God wanted to judge them, but He endured for the sake of His name. *Though we saved, what are the worldly values &sins that still cannot abandon? 2) Disobedience in the Wilderness(10-26) : God gave the law to Israel in the wilderness(Ex.19-24), but they did not keep the law, and in particular, they defiled the Sabbath &served idols. However, God did not destroy them completely, but waited patiently. *Application: Do you know that God is patiently waiting for you, even though you have received grace from God &  failed to obey? 3) Disobedience in Canaan(27-29): God gave a new opportunity to the second generation of the Exodus, but they also worshiped idols like their ancestors. In the end, God judged them. *Just because parents have faith does not mean that their children will automatically be saved. Each person must have a right relationship with God. What about me?
4) Rebellion/idol worship that has continued to this day(30-31): Israel continued to worship idols, and even sacrificed their children to idols(human sacrifice to Moloch). Despite this, the elders came to God &questioned him, which was a false faith, a formal faith. *God does not want formal faith, but true repentance and obedience, so how am I living my life of faith?

2. God's judgment &promise of restoration(32-44). 1)Breaking the idea of ​​Israel "living like a foreigner" (32): God does not allow Israel to live like a foreigner or to worship wood and stone. *We are God's people who are distinct from the world. We should not live in the world's way, but live according to God's will. What is my situation? 2)Judgment in the wilderness&a new Ex.(33-38): God says that He’ll once again "judge the wilderness." Here, "many nations’ wilderness" means "being scattered to many countries& suffering." However, this judgment is not complete destruction, but a process of establishing a new covenant through the remnant. *God does not simply judge us, but intends to purify us with pure faith. Meditate on Jer.29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,”...“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope &a future.”  3) Promise of new worship and restoration(39-44): He says that those who follow foreign gods will go away&true worship will be restored. “...Do not defile my holy name any more with your gifts and your idols.”(v.39)→They say they believe in God but sacrifice to idols on the high places. God is holy &wants our faith not to be mixed. *Application: Serving God is not an option, but our essential mission. They must worship only God (1st and 2nd Commandments).

3. Conclusion: Lessons for us today : We cannot meet God without true repentance. The elders of Israel ask God, but their hearts are still turned toward idols and the world. God does not want this kind of formal faith, but true repentance and obedience. We should not take God’s patience for granted. God forgave Israel many times, but in the end He judged them. Therefore, we should not abuse God’s grace, but live a life of immediate repentance. Then, there is hope even after the judgment. After the judgment, God promised a new covenant and restoration (40-44). Through Jesus Christ, God completely restores us. When we realize our sins and turn back today, God opens the way to grace again. We all must not follow the values ​​of the world, but live a holy life. Israel said, “We will live like foreigners,” but God did not allow that. We live in the world, but we must live by the Word of God, not by the values ​​of the world.
4. Application Questions:1) When I seek God, do I approach with a heart of true repentance? 2) Are there any idols in my life that I place higher priority on than God? 3) Am I taking for granted the grace that God has given me? 4) Am I striving to live a holy life, not by the values ​​of the world?
*Conclusion: Repent, obey, & live a holy life! Cha.20 shows God's justice & patience, &the promise of ultimate restoration. Let us remember God's grace &live as a holy people.

Dear saints, let us all truly repent and obey God, live a holy life, and enjoy the blessings of restoration as a holy people. In particular, I pray that we all become people who acknowledge that only God is the true Lord, trust in God with the values ​​of the holy word, set apart and keep the Sabbath day holy in Jesus Christ, and enjoy true rest and the blessings of heaven. Amen.