ACCOUNTABILITY

Sometimes warning get twisted into excuses. The people of Ezekiels day, suffering from the consequences of a history of rebellion against God, found it easiers to blame thier ancestors for sin than to take responsiblility for their own offenses. We can understand their predicament. Their immediate circumstances held little hope.

God make it clear to the Israelites and also to us: We may suffer for someone elses misdeeds, but we will be judged for our own. I will judge you, O house of israel, every one according to his ways" (18:30). What should be our response? Repent, and turn from all your transgressions"(18:30). This will lead to "a new heart and a new spirit"(18:31). Perhaps the clearest evidence of our fallen human nature can be heard in our quickness to blame others when we ought to examine ourselves and remember that we are accountable to God. His message to us is persisten: "Therefore turn and live.