Contemplative Bible Reading

Ezekiel 14:4 (New Living Translation)

Tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Israel have set up idols in their hearts and fallen into sin, and then they go to a prophet asking for a message. So I, the Lord, will give them the kind of answer their great idolatry deserves.

Oh, what a horrible curse. God, speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, is going to send a message to the people. The message will be what they deserve to hear.

Please, God, don’t send me a message I deserve. Instead, send me a message of hope, love, grace, and promise. Send me a message of love and compassion; send me a message of empathy so that I can embrace my fellow sinners with your love.