God’s Love for Jerusalem
July 25, 2019
Commentary
Few nations have possessed the proud national consciousness of Israel. Patriotic feeling burned brightly. Israel’s past made it impossible for her to be indifferent to the elements of greatness in her history. Ezekiel, however, did not share her pride. One commentary said he traced her history through three stages-"foundling child,” “unfaithful spouse” and “abandoned prostitute.”
The Lord used an allegory to illustrate the ingratitude and unfaithfulness of Jerusalem’s citizens. Originally Jerusalem was a Canaanite city, populated by Amorites and Hittites. It was like an unwanted baby, thrown into a field and left to die from exposure. However, the Lord preserved the child’s life. Later, after she had grown into a mature, young lady, the Lord entered into a marriage covenant with her. He clothed her with beautiful garments, provided her with food, and made her a queen. Ezekiel tells Israel’s life story from God’s point of view. God first came across Israel as an abandoned baby, unwashed and unloved (vv. 1-6). He blessed her with life and, when she came of age and beauty, made a marriage covenant with her (vv. 7-8). This was the covenant at Mount Sinai when God gave Israel his law. He was an adoring, considerate and generous husband who shared his splendor with her (vv. 9-14).
Application
Even though I am a sinner who deserves punishment, just like Israel and Jerusalem, God loves me and brings joy and peace into my life for which I praise Him.
Ezekiel 16:1– 14 (NET)
1 The Lord’s message came to me: 2 “Son of man, confront Jerusalem with her abominable practices 3 and say, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says to Jerusalem: Your origin and your birth were in the land of the Canaanites; your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. 4 As for your birth, on the day you were born your umbilical cord was not cut, nor were you washed in water; you were certainly not rubbed down with salt, nor wrapped with blankets. 5 No eye took pity on you to do even one of these things for you to spare you; you were thrown out into the open field because you were detested on the day you were born.
6 “‘I passed by you and saw you kicking around helplessly in your blood. I said to you as you lay there in your blood, “Live!” I said to you as you lay there in your blood, “Live!” 7 I made you plentiful like sprouts in a field; you grew tall and came of age so that you could wear jewelry. Your breasts had formed and your hair had grown, but you were still naked and bare.
8 “‘Then I passed by you and watched you, noticing that you had reached the age for love. I spread my cloak over you and covered your nakedness. I swore a solemn oath to you and entered into a marriage covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you became mine.
9 “‘Then I bathed you in water, washed the blood off you, and anointed you with fragrant oil. 10 I dressed you in embroidered clothing and put fine leather sandals on your feet. I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. 11 I adorned you with jewelry. I put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. 12 I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. 13 You were adorned with gold and silver, while your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidery. You ate the finest flour, honey, and olive oil. You became extremely beautiful and attained the position of royalty. 14 Your fame spread among the nations because of your beauty; your beauty was perfect because of the splendor that I bestowed on you, declares the Sovereign Lord.
Illustration: In Malaysia Shariah Law Takes Prededence
In the grand scheme of Muslim nations, Malaysia is still considered to be one of the most progressive and modern Muslim democracies. The Malaysian Constitution has been criticized as self-contradictory by analysts who point to the fact it both defends freedom of religion and declares Islam the official religion, according to the New York Times."After 50 years of independence it appears that Malaysia’s High Court has tipped the future of the country toward Islamization by ruling that Shariah law takes precedence over civil laws.” “The courts have ruled that there will be no ‘exit visas’ from Islam; religious freedom itself is subject to the limitations imposed upon it by Islamic law."It reveals the flaw of parallel legal jurisdictions – one ruled by secular civil court the other by religious law." “In essence, Christians are sentenced as prisoners of their own conscience. Muslim by legal obligation, Christian by conviction. This makes them an exile in their own country. (Source Unknown).