In our Ezekiel reading we see some of the temple servants who participated in Israel's idolatry. They did not hold firmly to the Gospel, serving God in truth as God had commanded. These unfaithful servants are assigned duty which does not have responsibilities for important matters. They are among those to be taught and led by the faithful priests.
It seems in today's evangelicalism that we are driven by service. A recent study of megachurches considered service activities and attendance at various meetings throughout the week to be the sign of maturity in Christ. It seems the busier we are about God's business the more spiritually mature we are. This is not accurate. Without a doubt you can fill your life with feeding the poor, singing songs in the church choir, volunteering around the church building, producing audio/visual displays for the worship services, playing an instrument in the church band, even participating in or leading a Bible study or prayer group and never once reflect seriously on the enormity of your sin and Christ's forgiveness for you. Of course, you can also fill your life with playing with your children, polishing the car, removing every weed from your yard and garden, and sweeping the driveway and sidewalks while never reflecting on sin and forgiveness. The fact is, no matter what we are engaged in, no matter what makes us busy, we are quite able to ignore our Lord and Savior. The fact is, we have all done so and we will do it again and again.
What has our Lord provided for us when we live like atheists? He has provided repentance and forgiveness. He has provided those who are proclaiming the Scripture for us, teaching and reminding us. And he gives us busy times and times to stop all our running about and listen to him.
Lord, let us hear your words of forgiveness and hope. Conform us to your image. And may we also speak words of forgiveness and hope to others as you enable us.
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