What actions led to God's judgment in Ezekiel 16:43, and how can we avoid them? Setting the scene Jerusalem is portrayed as an unfaithful wife who has forgotten the One who rescued, clothed, and adorned her (Ezekiel 16:1-42). By verse 43, the Lord announces why judgment is coming. Key verse (Ezekiel 16:43) “Because you did not remember the days of your youth, but provoked Me to anger with all these things, I will also bring your deeds down upon your own head, declares the Lord GOD. Have you not added lewdness to all your other abominations?” Actions that invited judgment • Forgetfulness of God’s past mercy – “You did not remember the days of your youth” (cf. Deuteronomy 8:11-14). • Persistent provocation through idolatry – “Provoked Me to anger with all these things” points back to the idols, shrines, and child sacrifices listed in vv. 15-22. • Sexual and spiritual lewdness – “Have you not added lewdness…”—a lifestyle of unrestrained immorality symbolizing covenant disloyalty (James 4:4). • Accumulated abominations – They didn’t just sin once; they “added” layers of rebellion (Romans 2:5). • Hard-hearted refusal to repent – Repeated prophetic calls were ignored (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). Why these sins matter today • God still takes covenant loyalty seriously (Hebrews 10:29-31). • Idolatry now may be less visible but just as real—career, pleasure, self (Colossians 3:5). • Forgetting grace leads to pride, then rebellion (Deuteronomy 8:17-20). • Unchecked sin snowballs; judgment is certain unless interrupted by repentance (Galatians 6:7-8). Practical steps to avoid their mistakes 1. Remember daily what God has done. • Set aside intentional times of thanksgiving (Psalm 103:2). 2. Guard the heart against modern idols. • Regular self-examination (1 John 5:21). 3. Pursue purity in body and mind. • Flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). 4. Respond quickly to conviction. • Keep short accounts with God—confess, turn, obey (1 John 1:9). 5. Stay anchored in Scripture. • The Word renews memory and loyalty (Psalm 119:11). 6. Cultivate first-love devotion. • Return to heartfelt worship and obedience (Revelation 2:4-5). Encouraging promises for obedience • “Humble yourselves…He will exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6). • “If we walk in the light… the blood of Jesus … purifies us” (1 John 1:7). • “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). By remembering His grace, rejecting idols, and embracing wholehearted obedience, we avoid the very pitfalls that brought judgment on Jerusalem—and we enjoy the fullness of His covenant blessings today. |
    |