Chronological Reading Plan for Sep 1, Eze 21-22

Today's readings are Eze 21-22. Tomorrow's are Eze 23-24. 

Judgement will consume Judah like a raging fire. Nebuchadnezzar is coming and he will be the Lord's "polished sword", flashing like lightning. Nebuchadnezzar will use the occult to determine his path and the Lord will cause all the signs he seeks to point toward Jerusalem (Eze 21:21-23). There's a point to ponder. God is even sovereign over the occult! 

Eze 22 portrays Jerusalem as a city of bloodshed. It's sins are documented and detailed. Leadership has neglected the poor and helpless, the priests have worshiped unholy gods and the prophets have been telling lies. God will look for someone to stand between Him and His people, but no one will be found. Judgment will fall directly upon them. Without a mediator, without someone to absorb God's wrath, all who have sinned are doomed. 

God is using Jerusalem and the sins of its people to demonstrate something about His character. Sin will not go unpunished. Either the sinners will absorb the punishment or a suitable substitute must stand in the place of the sinners. None are found in Ezekiel's time becasue none are righteous enough to be a suitable substitute. Yet, God promises to redeem His people. He will ultimately redeem them through the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus is the only worthy substitute, the only mediator suitable enough to provide an eternal solution to the problem of sin.