What lessons can we learn from the "survivors" mentioned in Ezekiel 14:22? Setting the Scene “Yet behold, some survivors will be left in it—sons and daughters who will be brought out. Indeed, they will come out to you, and when you see their conduct and actions, you will be consoled regarding the disaster I have brought upon Jerusalem—all that I have brought upon it.” (Ezekiel 14:22) Who the Survivors Are • A spared remnant from Jerusalem after divine judgment • Sons and daughters whose lives become visible proof of God’s work • Living testimonies intended to meet the exiles and demonstrate why judgment fell Central Lessons from the Survivors • God always preserves a remnant – Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 11:5 – Even in severe discipline, He keeps His covenant purposes alive. • Judgment and mercy operate together – Habakkuk 3:2: “in wrath remember mercy.” – The survivors show that wrath never eclipses God’s compassion. • Their conduct validates God’s justice – “When you see their conduct and actions, you will be consoled…” (Ezekiel 14:22). – The exiles would realize God was right to judge, because the survivors’ repentance and changed lifestyles reveal how deep the nation’s sin had been. • Changed lives become a comfort to God’s people – Observing genuine repentance consoles grieving hearts; it proves the disaster was not meaningless. – 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 illustrates how godly sorrow produces visible fruit. • A spared remnant models repentance for the rest – Survivors emerge as living examples to persuade others still hardened (Ezekiel 14:23). – Joel 2:12-14 shows how turning back to God may avert further ruin. • God’s purposes move forward through the few, not the many – Gideon’s 300 (Judges 7) and the 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:18) highlight the principle. – Faithfulness, not numbers, advances His plan. Practical Takeaways for Us Today • Cherish the remnant principle—God’s people are never wiped out. • Let the transformed lives of others reassure us of God’s goodness in hard seasons. • Expect repentance to bear visible fruit; true change comforts the watching church. • Remember that discipline has purpose: restoring holiness and demonstrating mercy. • Join the faithful few with confidence that God can work mightily through them. |
    |