Years ago, Melanie and I drank hot chocolate on a cold boat ride out to the Statue of Liberty. This iconic monument is such a gift, reminding us of our freedom. One pastor suggested we need a matching statue on the West Coast called the Statue of Responsibility. How do we recover personal responsibility in a time when it is common to blame others for all our problems?
Ezekiel faced a similar situation. The exiled Israelites said life was unfair and God was unfair. They believed they were being punished for their parent’s sins. In this chapter, Ezekiel corrects that perspective. Each person will give an account for their own sins. While our parents’ choices may have consequences in our lives, God is not punishing us for our parent’s mistakes.
Ultimately, Ezekiel offered the exiles hope. If they repented of their own sins, they would be forgiven. God takes no pleasure in punishing sin. Judgment is not inevitable. God wants to give each generation a new heart and a new spirit. Spiritual life begins with a personal choice. We are free. We are responsible. The best time to repent is before we die. Since we don’t know when we will die, the next best time to repent is right now.
