Ezekiel 11:1-7 – “Then the Spirit lifted me and brought me to the east gateway of the Lord’s Temple, where I saw twenty-five prominent men of the city. Among them were Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were leaders among the people. The Spirit said to me, ‘Son of man, these are the men who are planning evil and giving wicked counsel in this city. They say to the people, ‘Is it not a good time to build houses? This city is like an iron pot. We are safe inside it like meat in a pot. Therefore, son of man, prophesy against them loudly and clearly.’
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and he told me to say, “This is what the Lord says to the people of Israel: I know what you are saying, for I know every thought that comes into your minds. You have murdered many in this city and filled its streets with the dead.
‘Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: This city is an iron pot all right, but the pieces of meat are the victims of your injustice. As for you, I will soon drag you from this pot.'”
I included a longer section today because it captures directly the people with whom God is angry. Notice that he names two specific leaders, although there is an implication that they are merely two of many. They have been ruthless leaders, murdering their own people. Their arrogance tells them they are safe, but God is going to have the last word. Their oppression has gone on long enough.
If you read the whole chapter, there is a word of hope for the people of Israel. Those who want to return to God are promised their ancient land, much of what we now know as modern day Israel. Those who had been dispersed into other lands were told they would be able to return, and they would be spared.
Here’s your freedom for today:
God is always on the side of the oppressed.
Before applying the “God’s angry at me” theme to your own life, ask yourself whether or not you have been the abuser or oppressor of others. Often, those who have been victimized by people in authority or intimate relationships believe that God is angry with them, but this stems from the conditioning of abuse and oppression. When you experience this type of evil treatment, you are taught to believe that everything is your fault. When you approach relationship with God, you might think the same thing. We are all responsible for our own sinful actions, but if you have experienced oppression, God will see to it that those who have harmed you will be brought to justice. When you encounter God’s anger, know that it is often protective of you.