Jerusalemconnection

This week we are parsing Ezekiel 18, the prophet’s extended theological sermon on individual responsibility and divine justice. Theologians love Ezekiel 18! We can divide Ezekiel’s message into two themes. First, individuals will not face judgment for the sins committed by their ancestors, nor will God credit them for the righteousness of their ancestors (18:1-20). Second, God judges everyone based on their current faith and obedience status, not the sins of their past (18:21-32). He is willing and ready to forgive those who sincerely repent.

This week we are reading Ezekiel 19. God instructs the prophet to “raise up a lamentation for the princes of Israel” (19:1). Hebrew lamentations, or funerary songs, are a common style in the Old Testament. Often sung at gravesides, traditional laments praised the admirable qualities of the departed and mourned their loss. When King David heard of Jonathan’s death on the battlefield, he composed a sorrowful lament acknowledging their strong bond (2 Sam. 1:25-27). Lamentations is an entire book composed of songs mourning the destruction of Jerusalem. Laments also pop up in the Psalms. Thanks to Bob Marley’s 1977 track “By the Rivers of Babylon,” biblical laments have even made their way into pop culture. Hebrew poets composed laments with a particular poetic meter with musical qualities that do not come through in English translations, but Ezekiel’s audience would have recognized his style immediately. What they may not have comprehended was the essence and underlying meaning of his lament. Unlike classical laments that focus on personal or communal suffering, Ezekiel 19 uses entirely allegorical language. Rather than focusing on the virtues of the departed, it emphasizes the vices of the deceased.

This week we are studying Ezekiel 20. Through parables, fables, laments, allegories, and riddles, the prophet spent the previous five chapters undermining the exiles’ ingratitude and blame shifting. However, Ezekiel must have grown tired of delivering opaque messages (20:49). In Chapter 20, Ezekiel broke from a long streak of metaphorical language and finally delivered a straightforward history lesson. By recasting their history from God’s viewpoint, Ezekiel’s overview contrasts Israel’s chronic rebellion with God’s persistent mercy.

For those of you who are trying to learn more about why Israel’s war is our war—and why the United States should be concerned or even involved with the hostilities happening thousands of miles away in the Middle East, look no further. Today’s guest is sincere patriot John Guandolo. His expertise spans decades in military, federal, and FBI services and leadership. John has spent his career, since 9/11 researching, documenting, warning, and training federal and civilian audiences about the threats of terrorism and how to combat them with efficacy. John’s expertise in counterterrorism reveals to us all why what happens in Israel is relevant to all of us, down to the community and personal level, here in the United States. He also has an organization with resources and training on ways to engage the threat and combat it using lawful, peaceful, grassroots techniques and initiatives (in addition to prayer!). John Guandolo is a Christian, a family man, a US Naval Academy Graduate, a Combat Vet Marine, and a retired FBI Special Agent. Get answers here for when your friends and family ask you why we need to be concerned with the growing hostilities in the Middle East, the alarming rise of antisemitism in Europe and North America, and why the press, political leaders, and educational systems giving cover to terror in the name of tolerance is destroying our way of life. While we may know the Biblical roots of evil and we also know the outcome of world history, many people in our lives don’t want to hear about the “religious” reasons we have to combat hate, stand with Israel, and support domestic policies that protect life and preserve Judeo-Christian values which best serves all members of society. John shares the modern, practical, reasons why we must be aware of and astute to enemies of good amidst domestic and global politics, and policies, hostilities. Join us for this week’s conversation from an inside expert on all things terrorist and why Israel’s fight is our fight—no matter your religion or political affiliation. And learn what resources are available to you to learn more and be part of a solution rather than watching a problem grow.