How can we avoid the destructive path described in Ezekiel 19:6? The Verse in Focus “He prowled among the lions, and he became a young lion. He learned to tear prey; he devoured men.” (Ezekiel 19:6) The Picture Painted • A prince of Judah is likened to a young lion choosing the company of other lions. • Surrounded by predators, he adopts their habits—tearing prey and devouring people. • The image reveals a gradual slide: proximity, imitation, domination, destruction. Root Causes Behind the Slide • Wrong associations—aligning with rulers already bent on violence (Psalm 1:1). • Rejection of God’s covenant standards, trading revealed truth for political gain (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). • Pride fed by unchecked power (Proverbs 16:18). • Hardened heart that ignores prophetic warnings (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). Guardrails That Keep Us Off That Path • Pursue godly company – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) – Choose mentors who fear the Lord; cultivate friendships that stir love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). • Stay anchored to the whole counsel of Scripture – Daily reading and meditation (Joshua 1:8). – Immediate obedience to what God reveals (James 1:22). • Cultivate humility before God and people – Submit to legitimate authority (Romans 13:1-2). – Welcome correction; “Better an open rebuke than hidden love.” (Proverbs 27:5). • Guard the heart diligently – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23). – Reject envy, lust for power, and revenge the moment they surface (Galatians 5:16-17). • Walk by the Spirit, not the flesh – “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13). – Continual reliance on the Holy Spirit’s conviction and empowerment (John 16:13). • Practice servant leadership – Jesus: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26). – Use influence to protect, build up, and bless—opposite of tearing and devouring. Scriptures for Ongoing Guard • 1 Peter 5:8 – Vigilance against the prowling enemy. • 2 Timothy 2:22 – Flee youthful passions; pursue righteousness with pure-hearted companions. • Micah 6:8 – Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God. • Psalm 119:11 – Hide God’s word in the heart to avoid sin. Summary Avoiding the destructive path of Ezekiel 19:6 requires intentional separation from corrupt influences, wholehearted submission to Scripture, Spirit-empowered humility, and a lifestyle of servant leadership. Walking this way keeps us from becoming predators and enables us to reflect the true Lion of Judah who gives life rather than devouring it. |
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