Wicked, Faithless, and Worthless

Ezekiel 15-24 describes the degenerate nature of the people of Judah. Ungrateful for God's love for them, they do what they think best, making alliances with foreign powers, worshiping other gods, and sacrificing their children as burnt offerings. The people make the excuse that they are suffering for what previous generations have done, which God says is not true, instead graciously pleading with them to stop their wickedness and live. Babylon is used to judge the people of Judah, and takes its kings captive to make an example of them, and later will destroy Jerusalem. Ezekiel's wife dies and he is not permitted to mourn for her as a sign of how the people will react when they hear of the destruction of Jerusalem.

This worthlessness is the natural state of humanity without Christ. Only through Him can we become what God originally wanted us to be, pure and holy people who do His will on earth. Let us pray that God will make us useful for the work in His kingdom and that we might serve Him with joy.