AUGUST 25 – Reading 237

by Chris Rainey | August 25

“RINSE AND REPEAT?”
(Ezekiel 20:1–21:32)

But they rebelled against me and were not willing to listen to me. None of them cast away the detestable things their eyes feasted on, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. – Ezekiel 20:8

“The Jordan (river) is the juncture between two histories. In the one, history is one of landlessness on the way to the land, and in the other it is landed Israel in the process of losing the land.” – Walter Brueggemann, The Land, 71-72

The idiom “rinse and repeat” signifies a cyclical action. In Ezekiel 20 and 21, it aptly describes the people of Israel, though with a crucial clarification: for them, it was a pattern of “rebel, rinse, and repeat.” Ezekiel is approached by a group of elders seeking divine counsel (20:1), but God refuses their inquiry. What follows is a stark historical account of their relentless rebellion and a declaration of impending judgment. Though set in ancient Israel, the principles resonate deeply with us today, particularly as we navigate a world that offers modern versions of their “feasting eyes” and “idol follies.” Nothing is forbidden in a world with digital devices.

God next responds by reminding them of His unwavering faithfulness, how He chose them and delivered them from Egypt. He bestowed His laws as gifts, intended to grant them life through obedience. There is no shame in right living; yet, at every turn, they rebelled. They worshipped idols, desecrated His Sabbaths, and defied His statutes. This wasn’t an isolated incident; it was a generational cycle of disobedience, a hardening of hearts. What is truly remarkable, and perhaps unsettling, is God’s repeated forbearance. He could have justly destroyed them countless times, but for the sake of His name, He withheld His wrath.

However, in chapters 20 and 21, a decisive shift occurs. God declares that His patience has reached its limit. The sword of judgment is drawn, sharpened, and poised to strike (21:10-16). He will no longer restrain Himself for their sake, but for His own honor. This portrayal is not of a capricious or cruel God, but one who is inherently just and righteous. His holiness demands a response to persistent sin. Be sure your sin will eventually find you out.

For us, this passage serves as a potent warning and a vital call to self-examination. Are there aspects of our lives where we persistently rebel against God? Do we rationalize our sins, presuming that God’s grace will perpetually excuse our willful disobedience? May we, unlike ancient Israel, choose to truly listen and cast away the detestable things our eyes feast on, lest our own “rinse and repeat” cycle leads to a similar, decisive judgment.

Application
Take an honest look at your life. Are there any “idols” that compete for your affections and loyalty, usurping God’s rightful place? Are you honoring God’s commands, or are you making exceptions so that your eyes can feast on forbidden things?

Reflection
Walter Brueggemann’s quote about the “Land” points to it as a central theological theme, representing God’s promise, presence, and provision for His people. Considering this, how does God’s patience leading to judgment, particularly in relation to the stewardship of the “Land” (understood broadly as all that God entrusts to us), deepen your understanding of His character? How does the impending culmination of His patience motivate you to live a life that honors His covenant and uses His gifts in a way that pleases Him?

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we confess our rebellion and indifference. Open our hearts to your truth and empower us to obey. Grant us the courage to forsake sin and live lives worthy of your holy name. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.