When we read the Old Testament we should remember that we are reading only half a book. We know that the promises of God are often fulfilled in ways we do not expect and this was surely true of the promises made to the children of Israel. The prophesies of Ezekiel were written during the exile of the Jews to Babylon and foretell the return of the Jews to Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple and the rule of a just and righteous King. We can easily see how later generations, subject to Roman oppression and the rule of a corrupt vassal like Herod, could expect the prophesies of Ezekiel to be fulfilled more by the likes of Barabbas than by a Man of Peace riding on a donkey. These words would also have inspired the Jews of the modern Diaspora and longings of Zionists in the 19th and 20th centuries
We too, long for comfort, security and the feeling that we have rights to all we hold in this world and a sure claim in the next. The Gospels show us that God expects us to show our love for Him in our love for each other and that we should expect not to dominate, but to serve.
Lord God, help us to serve one another and to show our devotion to You in that service.
Bob Ward, Didsbury, Manchester
part of The United Reformed Church, Manchester. Bookings taken for namings, baptisms, blessings, weddings, funerals. food bank & families church.
