What lessons can we learn from Jerusalem's attitude towards Sodom in Ezekiel 16:56? Setting the Scene “Was your sister Sodom not a byword in your mouth in the day of your pride?” (Ezekiel 16:56) God reminds Jerusalem that she once despised Sodom—using her sister city’s name as a punch-line—while forgetting that she herself had exceeded Sodom’s sins (Ezekiel 16:48). Jerusalem’s Scorn of Sodom • Sodom’s name had become a “byword”—a quick way to label something wicked. • Jerusalem’s “day of pride” blinded her to her own rebellion (Ezekiel 16:49–50). • The same city that mocked Sodom would soon face judgment even more severe (Ezekiel 16:52). Lessons for Our Hearts Today • Pride distorts perspective – “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). – When we feel morally superior, we stop listening to God’s warnings. • Contempt for others’ sin can hide our own – “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye…?” (Matthew 7:3). – Mockery replaces humble self-examination. • Spiritual comparison is a faulty measuring stick – “For we dare not classify or compare ourselves” (2 Corinthians 10:12). – God’s standard is His holiness, not the failure of others. • Judgment boomerangs – “In the same measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). – Jerusalem’s ridicule invited equal or greater scrutiny from the Lord. • Remembering mercy safeguards us – “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). – Mercy received should breed mercy extended. How to Apply These Lessons 1. Examine your own life first (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Replace ridicule with intercession; pray for those caught in sin (Galatians 6:1). 3. Celebrate grace rather than broadcast others’ failures (Ephesians 4:29). 4. Keep short accounts with God—confess quickly, repent thoroughly (1 John 1:9). 5. Cultivate humility daily: • Thank God for undeserved mercy. • Serve someone without seeking credit. • Speak words that heal, not humiliate. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Luke 18:11-14—The Pharisee’s self-congratulation versus the tax collector’s cry for mercy. • James 4:6—“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • 1 Corinthians 10:12—“So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.” Jerusalem’s scorn of Sodom warns us that pride can dull spiritual sensitivity, comparison can replace repentance, and contempt can invite the very judgment we heap on others. Humility, mercy, and self-examination keep our hearts aligned with God’s truth and grace. |
    |