How can we "sigh and groan" over today's abominations in our society? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 9:4 “and the LORD said to him, ‘Go throughout the city of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations committed there.’” (Ezekiel 9:4) • In Ezekiel’s vision, judgment is about to fall on Jerusalem. • God singles out those who feel deep anguish over sin; they receive His protective mark. • The verse shows that heartfelt grief over evil is not optional—it is noticed and honored by God. What Does It Mean to “Sigh and Groan”? • An inner ache that surfaces outwardly—an involuntary response to wickedness. • Not mere irritation but holy sorrow, springing from love for God’s glory and people’s good. • A continual posture, not a one-time reaction; Ezekiel’s verb tense points to ongoing grief. Why God Honors This Response • It proves our hearts align with His holiness (Isaiah 6:3). • It guards us from apathy; indifference invites compromise (Romans 12:9). • It positions us to intercede; sorrow fuels prevailing prayer (Nehemiah 1:4). • It mirrors Christ, who “wept” over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). Practical Ways to Sigh and Groan Today 1. Stay informed without becoming numb: – Read news prayerfully; filter it through Scripture, not cynicism. 2. Name the abominations honestly: – Disregard for life (Proverbs 6:17). – Sexual immorality celebrated as freedom (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). – Injustice and oppression (Isaiah 10:1-2). – Idolatry of self, money, and power (1 John 2:16). 3. Let the Word shape your emotions: – Invite texts like Psalm 119:136 and Jeremiah 9:1 to soften your heart. 4. Fast from entertainment that normalizes sin; replace it with worship and service. 5. Express lament corporately—hymns, confession readings, solemn assemblies. 6. Channel grief into tangible mercy: volunteer at crisis-pregnancy centers, foster care, homeless outreach, anti-trafficking efforts. 7. Speak truth in love: call sin what it is while offering the gospel remedy (Ephesians 4:15). Holding Sorrow and Hope Together • Sorrow: “Rivers of tears flow from my eyes, because Your law is not obeyed.” (Psalm 119:136) • Hope: “Where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” (Romans 5:20) • We lament present evil while trusting Christ will “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). • This tension keeps us useful—neither crushed by despair nor dulled by optimism. Scriptures That Fuel Our Response • 2 Peter 2:7-8—Lot “was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.” • Habakkuk 1:2-4—The prophet’s complaint over violence and injustice. • James 4:8-10—“Grieve, mourn, and weep… He will lift you up.” • Romans 8:22-23—Creation and believers “groan” awaiting redemption. The Fruit of Faithful Lament • Personal holiness deepens; sin loses appeal. • Compassion for sinners grows; we remember we too needed rescue. • Courage to stand counter-culture strengthens. • The church shines as a “light in the world” (Philippians 2:15). • Above all, God is glorified when His people feel what He feels and act as He commands. |
    |