How does Ezekiel 35:5 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving enemies? Text in Focus: Ezekiel 35:5 “Because you harbored an ancient hostility and delivered the Israelites over to the sword in the time of their disaster, at the final stage of their punishment.” The Backstory of “Ancient Hostility” • Edom (Mount Seir) nursed a centuries-old grudge against Israel (Genesis 25:23; Obadiah 10-14). • Instead of offering aid when Judah fell, Edom took advantage, turning Israel over “to the sword.” • God’s judgment falls, not only because of the violent act, but because the hatred was willfully preserved. What the Verse Reveals about God’s Heart • Hatred, once entertained, becomes “ancient”—entrenched, generational, destructive. • God does not shrug off bitterness; He judges it (Leviticus 19:17-18). • Justice is His domain, yet it flows from His pure, loving character (Psalm 89:14). Jesus’ Call That Breaks the Cycle Matthew 5:44-45: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” Luke 6:27: “But to you who listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Key contrasts with Ezekiel 35:5: • Edom clung to “ancient hostility”; Jesus commands proactive, present-tense love. • Edom “delivered [Israel] over to the sword”; Jesus calls us to “pray” and “do good.” • Edom’s hatred brought judgment; Christ’s way brings kinship with the Father. Connecting Threads between Ezekiel and Jesus • Both passages assume enemies exist; the difference lies in response. • Ezekiel shows what grudge-keeping produces—divine wrath. Jesus shows what grace produces—kingdom likeness. • Love of enemy fulfills the Law’s intent (Romans 13:10) and prevents the very sin Edom committed. Practical Ways to Replace Ancient Hostility with Christlike Love 1. Remember God’s justice: leave room for His righteous judgment (Romans 12:19). 2. Intercede by name for those who have wronged you. Prayer softens hostility. 3. Seek concrete good: a note, a favor, an act of service (Luke 6:35). 4. Guard your speech: no rehearsing old injuries (Ephesians 4:31-32). 5. Celebrate small steps; enemy-love is learned obedience, not instant emotion. When Justice and Love Meet at the Cross • On Calvary, Jesus carried the penalty for every Edomite-type hatred (1 Peter 2:24). • His “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34) turns enemies into forgiven family. • By faith we receive both pardon and power to extend the same mercy. Key Takeaways • Ezekiel 35:5 exposes the deadly outcome of treasured animosity. • Jesus’ teaching provides the antidote: active, sacrificial love toward enemies. • Yielding to Christ releases us from “ancient hostility” and displays the Father’s heart to a watching world. |
    |