| Sunny Side Up June 28, 2006 �2006, Kathleen Gibson Never take a prophet to bed I took Ezekiel, that fire-breathing Old Testament prophet with arrows in his words, to bed with me last night. It had been a while since I'd read that section of my Bible. Old Zeke wouldn't have been a comfortable sort to know, I reflected, propping my head up on one elbow to get a better view of the pages. Rather a downer over dinner, I imagine. He may use the carving knives to shave his head, or eat the Bible on my coffee table rather than the roast I'd prepared. And doubtless he'd talk non-stop, spouting surreal visions of impending national doom. Wheels within fiery wheels, sapphire thrones, cherubim with four-faces and four wings. Nonsensical stuff. He'd talk about God too. That'd be the worst. We'd be patient with delusions, perhaps, but have you noticed that nothing douses a dinner gathering, even a church potluck, more than someone who really wants to talk about God? Especially if what they most want to spout are things God 'told' them about all the rest of us. Ezekiel was good at that. If you think you know how to roast a preacher, you should read his stuff. He had roasting down to a fine art. Well, he couldn't take the credit for it, really. He quoted God. He said his priests had bitterly disappointed him; he planned to punish them. They'd rebelled against his laws, ignored his ways and the people they were supposed to care for; been selfish and neglectful, prideful and disobedient, unjust and immoral. Right in the temple, if you please. I read the litany of specific offenses, and blushed. Ezekiel quotes them, right there in his book. No tact whatsoever. Nope. Ezekiel wouldn't be a popular dinner guest. He'd spoil it for everyone with all his trembling and shuddering in fear of his demented visions. And he'd doubtless start in on the ordinary Canadian citizenry too. Us. Recite the same message he gave the people of Israel: Shame on you, you've broken God's heart with your idolatry and wickedness. You will pay dearly for ignoring him. With your lives and your children's lives. If you don't repent, your nation will go to H-E-double-hockey-sticks in a hand basket. Good riddance. It wouldn't do any good though, avoiding Zeke. They're persistent sorts, prophets - don't care much about popularity polls. Next morning, there he'd be, generally unkempt, wearing old sacks, likely. On CTV, CBC, Global; reciting his list� disobedient, perverted, evil, unrighteous, divining idolaters� He'd still be shouting while security shoved him off the sets; something about a broken-hearted God, so sick of our detestable practices that he's ready to do the whole nation in. That'd go over well, I'm sure. Especially during this week of national birthday celebrations. Isn't that just like God to crash a party, some would say. Just when we were beginning to have fun! Oh, ignore him. Somebody grab that hand basket - we're overdue for the barbecue. Happy Birthday, Canada. Respond Home |
 |