“In the sixth year, in the sixth month on the fifth day, while I was sitting in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting before me, the hand of the Sovereign Lord came on me there. 2 I looked, and I saw a figure like that of a man. From what appeared to be his waist down he was like fire, and from there up his appearance was as bright as glowing metal. 3 He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of my head.
The Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and in visions of God he took me to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the idol that provokes to jealousy stood. 4 And there before me was the glory of the God of Israel, as in the vision I had seen in the plain. 5 Then he said to me, “Son of man, look toward the north.” So I looked, and in the entrance north of the gate of the altar I saw this idol of jealousy. 6 And he said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing—the utterly detestable things the Israelites are doing here, things that will drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see things that are even more detestable.”
7 Then he brought me to the entrance to the court. I looked, and I saw a hole in the wall. 8 He said to me, “Son of man, now dig into the wall.” So I dug into the wall and saw a doorway there. 9 And he said to me, “Go in and see the wicked and detestable things they are doing here.” ” Ezekiel 8:1-8 NIV
Father God,
Did Ezekiel see Jesus? Who lifted Him up by the hair of his head when Your Spirit then took him to Jerusalem where he saw idolatry at the gates of the Temple and 70 leaders performing acts of wickedness right inside the Temple.
And we sit in judgement on them for a moment. But who are we to judge? Jesus speaks about not condemning others in Matthew 7:1 . The Greek word used for judgment is krino, which can mean both “to discern” and “to condemn.” Jesus by teaching that we’ll be judged by the same standard we use to judge others encourages us to seek truth and to forgive. Compassion over condemnation. So perhaps we need to look at ourselves? He does not say we should allow murderers to run free though! Justice must be found.
John, in his gospel, teaches us to test everything because prophets do get it wrong and there are false prophets (1 John 4:1). Paul tells us not to treat prophecies with contempt but test them all. To hold on to what is good but reject every kind of evil (Thessalonians 5:19-22). Jesus in all his teachings leads us to to choose what is right in Your sight Lord God.
Perhaps we need to ensure as church (God’s people) that we learn to discern between what and who is good. And not to jump to conclusions but to be able to uncover wolves in sheeps clothing (Matthew 7:15). And as a church remove them.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 1sy September 2025
I heard this and went passed it because it seemed staid and plodding. But worship is not always about loving the tune . . . . and the first verse struck me as so true. Every age needs the discernment to be Spirit led.
The Church of Christ, in every age,
Beset by change, but Spirit led,
Must claim and test its heritage
And keep on rising from the dead.
Across the world, across the street,
The victims of injustice cry
For shelter and for bread to eat,
And never live until they die.
Then let the servant Church arise,
A caring Church that longs to be
A partner in Christ’s sacrifice,
And clothed in Christ’s humanity.
For he alone, whose blood was shed,
Can cure the fever in our blood
And teach us how to share our bread
And feed the starving multitude.
We have no mission but to serve
In full obedience to our Lord:
To care for all, without reserve,
And spread his liberating Word.
Lyrics: F. Pratt Green {1903 – 2000)