Dec 10

 Ezekiel 18 - 20

Reflections:

Chapter 18

Probably it's because my brain is wired heavily as an ENFP, reading Ezekiel isn't the easiest book. in fact.... it feels like the most confusing one. I recall, the earlier parts of the Old Testament, when fathers sin, the punishment tickles down to the next generation. I gather the reason is because earlier, reward is to the family, as the leader grows, God rewards via legacy. But at the same time, when they sin, God removes legacy. But in this case, God says the children shall not be accountable for the parents sin, but still maintains the parents are accountable for the children's sin. I think in this instance, the contrast is God is pointing at responsibility instead of legacy. Quite sure his earlier rule of "I will remove your legacy" still applies, but punishment also now targets specific individuals. But I recall Deuteronomy 28 was all about generational consequences that comes from sin. I don’t get this part.

Chapter 20: 

The sabbath here mentioned by God is highlighted not as a commandment, but something uniquely like a proof of protection disguised as a gift. (verse 12:  Moreover, I gave them my Sabbaths, as a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.) 

I found that part interesting because most of us now sees Sabbath as like how we see rest. But from that verse, it looks like Sabbath like how we see tithe. an action that is done because God provides. Keeping Sabbath is another form of tithing.