Perspective Matters

Ezekiel 19-21 The way we see things may be different than other people’s perspectives. We may see our situation as challenging but manageable, but others living near us see this COVID-19 as challenging but unmanageable. The exiles in Babylon were living in isolation just as we are today. They wanted answers; they wanted to “go home.” The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel, and he shared two more parables.

The two young lions represented the young kings who had no training for a king’s role. They became despots, and the people hated them. The vine represented the city of Jerusalem that was fruitful at one time, but because of the people’s disregard for God and His Law, the city has been destroyed.

The exiles rehearsed the past and wallowed in their hopelessness. Coming to Ezekiel they hoped to hear good news.  Instead, Ezekiel again reminded them that God had placed them in a fruitful land, but they did not honor Him. What mattered now was their perspective of today, not yesterday. They could dwell on what could have been, or they could do as Jeremiah said, build houses, have families, and honor the new leader. 

Today we have a choice. We can rehearse the past or look to God’s work now and look forward to what He will do in the future. Paul penned these words about how to think: think about what is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, and your perspective will change.

It is up to you.