Ezekiel Write this Down - The Fate of Poor Leadership

Ezekiel writes a bunch of stuff in his book that I am sure he didn't understand at all. There are things God was speaking to him that didn't make any sense to him at all. I admit, when I read his book right now, there are still a ton of things that don't make a lot of sense to me now either. However, he wrote it down anyway. I am trying to learn to do this as well. I am trying to write down what God is telling me, and showing me whether I get it or not. Right now, I am just trying to be obedient by journaling. Writing it all down.

The story Ezekiel tells in chapter 18 is a sad one. It is the story of a mother lioness and her two different lion cubs. Both individually become strong young lions that rule their kingdoms for a while before they are trapped and hooked by lion hunters. The first is taken away to Egypt, and the 2nd is taken away to Babylon. Both would never rise to power again.

According to Iain M. Duguid in his book Ezekiel and the leaders of Israel, history shows us that the mother lion is Israel, and the two cubs are Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin. Both kings in Israel were robbed from their place of power. Jehoahaz was taken away to Egypt and Jehoiachin away to Babylon.

Here in the United States, today is election day. The church here at 781 maple rd is buzzing with activity as people in this district come and go and cast their ballots. As we think about who should be in leadership on various political levels, I find it interesting that this passage gives the imagery of powerful men acting like wild beasts. It's an image that still makes sense today. Furthermore, in verses 3 through 7 Ezekiel describes rulers who's great leadership mistake was not necessarily political, but instead the moral sin of oppressing their people.

Ezekiel continues on in chapter 18 with an analogy of a tree or vine branch that meets its demise as well. This is probably referring to the final King of Judah, Zedekiah. His fall, and the fall of this vine from power was because of pride. The result of his pride brought disaster on the whole nation.

Today's election will no doubt see the demise of many political leaders around the country. Sure, they may not all be big names that grab the attention of the national news media markets, but falling from power even at the local government level is still difficult to swallow.

In either scenario, I suspect that much of what Ezekiel wrote down will apply directly. I'm glad he wrote it down.