Day 243, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Ezekiel 32:1–33:20
How will People Remember Us? 5 ways to improve it
No one likes to think about death—it’s a morbid thought. We want to think about living! Still, the subject of death is worthy of consideration, for, at a funeral, we don’t just think about the loved one who has passed on—we consider our lives. What is the purpose of our life? How are we spending it, and what will people say about us when we are gone? If we are concerned about how people will remember us, here are 5 ways to improve it.
Recognize any deadness
In today’s Bible reading, all Israelites are in exile. Many nations rejoiced at Israel’s fall to Assyria, and now they rejoice at Judah’s fall to Babylon. They even go treasure hunting in her land and in Jerusalem. They have no remorse until Babylon comes and destroys them as well.
If some of us see that our life is dead, we need the Lord to forgive our sins and resurrect us to new life. We want to go to heaven when we die, but we also want to live a new life with a new purpose while we live. God can help us if we call upon him today. (more)
Consider our lives and the consequences
Egypt, a powerful foe of Babylon, remains to be conquered. Poetically, God says she has the strength of a lion or a crocodile. For this reason, Jewish refugees from Jerusalem flee to Egypt. Although the LORD warns them not to go there, they go anyway, believing they will be safe from Babylonian revenge for the murder of Gedaliah, governor of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 41-44).
Upon the destruction of Jerusalem, there were proclamations of judgment on surrounding nations for rejoicing or profiting from her demise. Babylon would be God’s right arm in exercising punishment against these nations.
Egypt thinks she is invincible until she, too, is destroyed by Babylon in 585 BC. Egypt does not lament her death and destruction, but God takes no pleasure in the death of anyone, even the wicked. He wishes for their repentance (Ezekiel 33:11). In the fourth proclamation of judgment, Ezekiel composes a lament for Egypt.In America and in other places, it would be considered bad taste for words of judgment to be spoken at the funeral of anyone. However, we should remember that in the end, the LORD will judge every person.
The LORD will judge Christians for the quality of the works they have done for him, whether they be good or useless (1Corinthians 3:10-13). He will judge non-Christians for their sins and for rejecting his Son Jesus Christ (John 3:36). He could have forgiven them and given them peace and spiritual life. (more)
What can we do to prevent judgment?
Be a Watchman
When much of Judah is exiled in Babylon, God assigns Ezekiel as a watchman over her. Ezekiel is to warn the Israelites of coming judgment like a watchman in a tower looking for enemy advances on their city. God’s people were in danger of judgment because of their idol worship and other wicked behavior. These things angered God. What about us? God has assigned parents to be watchmen over their children, employers to be watchmen over their employees, pastors to be watchmen over their flock, the leaders of our military to be watchmen over their troops, and even our government to be watchmen over its citizens. Are we faithfully fulfilling our responsibilities as watchmen? Are we warning them of severe consequences for bad, evil, or even poor decisions? Are we watching out for their good?
Inspire hope
Ezekiel has been bringing messages of judgment against Judah and the other nations. Now, in chapters 33-48, he brings news of hope for all Israel. After hearing about the destruction of their land, temple, and people, they need hope.
The LORD says to Ezekiel,
Now as for you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, “Thus you have spoken, saying, ‘Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we are rotting away in them; how then can we survive?’”
[Israel was lamenting her sins and the consequences. Weeping over our sins is the first step to repentance.]
Say to them, “As I live!” declares the Lord GOD, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back; turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:10-11, NIV).
Lesson for us: We should not just watch over people for evil, looking for faults and sins, but inspire hope whenever possible.
Lessen judgment and make an impact
Some of us have really messed up our lives. The answer to lessening judgment is repentance. In turning away from our sins to God for mercy and forgiveness, there is hope. The LORD is a just and righteous God, but he is also merciful and kind. If Israel repents, God will be compassionate and save her from total destruction.
After seventy years in exile and in the distant future, the LORD will restore her land, people, and blessings. But genuine remorse is first required.
When is the last time we have ever wept over our sins and cried out to God for mercy? If we humble ourselves, the LORD will hear and forgive. He can lessen the judgment and redeem some of what was lost.
Here are some ideas on how we can make an impact:
- Read the Bible faithfully and practice how God wants us to talk and live, right now.
- Disciple or otherwise encourage individuals to put their trust in God and rely upon him. Share our faith stories and God moments.
- Make the personal investment of time, love, and sacrifice.
Discussion:
How might we improve our reputation, so people will say nice things at our funeral?.
Knowing that we all will be judged after we die, how can we be watchmen over those God has put under our responsibility?
How can we lessen judgment and make an impact?
End Notes: Ezekiel 3:16-22 is very similar to Ezekiel 33:1-11 except the purpose is different.
Focus Verse
James 5:19-20 (NIV) “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
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Looking Ahead: Although Israel has sinned and is being punished, God shows her Amazing Grace—he details plans for a new temple in her land. Find out about Ezekiel's temple and how God can be gracious in your life.
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