Main Idea: The Lord’s judgment doesn’t come without cause.
A Look at the Text:
From the false prophets of the last chapter, the scene shifts in today’s text to idolatrous elders who likewise would bear their guilt. If they would refuse repentance and come before God with idols in their hearts, God would set His face against them (Ezek. 14:6-11).
Sadly, things were so bad in Jerusalem, in fact, that God wouldn’t heed righteous intercessors.
Even if Noah, Daniel, or Job were there pleading on behalf of the people, God wouldn’t spare the land (Ezek. 14:20). Though the Lord was once willing to spare the godless cities of Sodom and Gomorrah on behalf of ten righteous people, Jerusalem wouldn’t stand a chance before God’s judgment. The righteous might spare themselves, but that would be it.
Then, when the survivors were taken captive, those already in Babylon would see that it wasn’t for no reason that God brought judgment (Ezek. 14:23).
Bringing it Home:
God’s justice is never unjust. God never brings judgment upon sinners who aren’t fully deserving of it. In fact, on the contrary, God is far more merciful than we deserve, never harsher than we deserve.
That mercy, presently, is tied to righteousness and intercession. Yet, it’s a hope that cannot be focused inward, but must be focused outward.
There is One who is more righteous than Noah, Daniel, and Job. He is more righteous than the three of them combined. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who never erred, who never dishonored the Father, and who has forever held a perfect track record.
He is the One who presently intercedes for the believer (Heb. 7:24-25). He lives eternally and makes intercession for us continually. The Lord Jesus pleads our case without pause on the basis of His own righteousness and shed blood.
So while we might fully deserve God’s justice, we are nevertheless showered with God’s mercy through the perfect righteousness and atoning blood of Christ. With Him pleading our case, we can rest assured that God will save, and He will save to the uttermost.
Apart from Christ, we stand guilty, condemned, and utterly hopeless. Our sins testify against us and cry out, “Guilty!” But in Christ we stand clean, forgiven, and secure in hope, for our Savior testifies on our behalf. Now, there is no condemnation for the one who is in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1).
Challenge:
Do I believe that my slate has been wiped clean in Christ, or that I still hold some guilt for my sin?