RTW 2024

Why do you quote this proverb concerning the land of Israel: ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste’?

Ezekiel 18:2

God deals with individuals concerning their faith.

Basically, the people were asking, “What did we do to deserve this punishment?”

They spouted the proverb as if they bore no guilt at all. But it was their sin that also contributed to the judgment.

Throughout the teachings of the prophets God assures His people of:

• A new covenant that He would write on their hearts, different from the Mosaic Covenant
• A future return to Judah, a new Jerusalem
• A certain judgment for those who oppressed them

However, He never says that He would ignore their idolatry, forget their fake worship, and the bowing to false Gods.

He assures the people that each person

• pays their own sin debt (Ezekiel 18:20)
• is rewarded for the right behavior. (Ezekiel 18:20)
• who turns from their wicked ways to obey and do what is right, their past sins will be forgotten. (Ezekiel 18:22)

This type of thinking is a common culture credence. People seem to have forgotten, or have never been taught: there is no escape clause for personal accountability.

My current situation

• Reveals my choices
• Relieves my parents and others of blame
• Resolves when I take responsibility and repent
• Reminds me that righteousness is up to me

I have the power to create a current situation and change a current situation.

• What or who am I blaming for my current situation?
• To whom or what am I holding accountable for peace and joy of my life?

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Psalm 86:15 (ESV) 

And,
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)

However,
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 

The Old Testament funeral songs are very interesting.

Be honest about your sin, Wendy. Live a life that creates good circumstances for the generations who come behind me.