Ancient Israel’s prophets had their hands full. If Israel wasn’t chasing after false gods and practicing paganism, it was finding other ways to rationalize away its profuse sins. In this case, Israel was blaming its ongoing sinfulness on the transgressions of its ancestors. “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.”
Trotting out this old, worn proverb, Israel wanted to get off the hook of God’s punishment—one that was bearing down on them via the scourge of Babylon. Their wordplay was also an attempt to shirk God’s call to be holy. Nothing doing. Israel’s marching orders were crystal clear from the days of Moses. “You shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine” (Leviticus 20:26).
It was the same in New Testament times. Peter writes, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy'” (1 Peter 1:14-16).
But how can we be holy? How can we be sinless before God? Well, we can’t … on our own. But there is One who has gone before us, shedding His blood, giving His life for the world, and then in Easter victory, rising from the grave to conquer sin, death, and the devil, forevermore.
His Name is Jesus. In Him there is holiness of life for all who trust their lives to Him in faith (see John 3:16).
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, make our lives holy through the gift of faith in Your Son Jesus. In His Name we pray. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber.
Reflection Questions:
1. What are some things your ancestors have passed down to you?
2. Have you heard the proverb Ezekiel refers to before? What does it mean to you?
3. Do you feel you’re received any negative traits from your parents or grandparents? Have you had to work in life to undo certain perspectives or habit patterns?