Monday--Ezekiel 16. It's interesting--chapter 15 barely had 10 verses, and this chapter has upwards of 60 verses! It's neat, though, that an entire story happens in this chapter. Israel is pathetic and basically a loser, and God cleans her up and makes her beautiful, but instead of feeling gratitude and wanting to please the One Who made her what she is now, she becomes arrogant and takes advantage of the attention she gets from her looks. Of course, that makes God angry, and He throws her, ashamed, into captivity. But then (of course) she repents, and He once again protects and shows evidence of His everlasting love.
Tuesday--Ezekiel 17. In my husband's debating, the other person often tries to use an analogy to make their point. Last week we were talking about it, noticing how man's analogies often break down not too far into it. Jesus used parables throughout his ministry, and he explained every little thing in the parable. God used a parable here with Israel! So cool to see different parts of the Bible agreeing with each other.
Wednesday--Ezekiel 18. I am so thankful that God doesn't judge me for what my parents have done, and I am equally thankful that God won't judge my son for what his parents do. Israel didn't think this was fair or equal. I do, though. God repeats it twice in this chapter, and it's a good reminder to me to do right: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die."
Thursday--Ezekiel 19. This chapter has two analogies in it, neither of which I completely understand. I do know that the analogies are sad stories, with not-happy endings. I think God is just sad that Israel didn't follow him, and this is His way of expressing that sorrow.
Friday--Ezekiel 20. When my son has disobeyed me, and then turns right around and asks for something special, I don't like it, and neither does God like it when His children do the same thing. Those Israelites, I understand why God likens them to sheep--they are so dumb! I am encouraged by their--for lack of a better word--stupidity, to try to live in such a way that if someone were to write down an accounting of my life after I'm gone, it wouldn't have quite as many "and she hardened her heart and served idols" sections.
Saturday--Ezekiel 21. The Lord seems angry in this chapter. He is giving Ezekiel some prophecies, and He repeats Himself several times. "Overturn, overturn, overturn" and "the sword, the sword", among others. I end up reading it like God is almost out of breath from trying not to shout with anger. How many times have I made God out of breath because I won't just do right?