We know what sin is, but for the record, sin is acts contrary to God’s will. Long ago, God commands Ezekiel to “speak to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In this also your ancestors blasphemed me by being unfaithful to me” (Ezek. 20:27). God is sovereign and unfaithfulness is blasphemy. Unfaithfulness to our spouse is unfaithfulness to God because God’s Word says, “They are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate” (Matt. 19:6, NIV). Hating is unfaithfulness to God because God’s Word says, “If we claim to be in the light and hate someone, we are still in the dark” (1 John 2:9, CEV).
Paul reminds the Israelites, “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Rom. 2:24, NIV). Can you imagine the number of times people blaspheme God’s name in today’s culture? Scripture says do not lie; however, people in these living generations lie like it is a sport or hobby. Generally speaking, voters expect politicians to lie. It is hard to believe that voters want to elect liars and deceivers to lead and make policy. I am not naïve and I understand that not everyone believes in God, but if you believe, the Scriptures says, “A deceitful person will not sit in my house; A liar will not remain in my presence” (Psa. 101:7, ISV). Whether in the Church House or the White House, liars and deceivers may prosper in this life but they will not remain in God’s presence beyond this life. Remember, “A ruler who listens to lies will have corrupt officials” (Prov 29:12, CEV).
Unfaithfulness is blasphemy as defined in Ezekiel Chapter 20. Make no mistake, responsibility for turning people away from the Lord’s Way rests on the shoulders of people, especially leaders, who claim to be Children of God. As we learned in Ezekiel, unfaithfulness is blasphemy. Be faithful and speak God’s Word. Follow the Lord’s Way, circumcise your heart, but understand this: “Circumcision benefits you if you observe the law, but if you are a lawbreaker, your circumcision has become uncircumcision” (Rom. 2:25, CSB). If we do not follow the Lord’s Way and His truth, our circumcised hearts become uncircumcised.
Paul reminds the Corinthians that “Keeping God's commandments is what counts” (1 Cor. 7:19). Ezekiel tells us in chapter 36 that wherever God’s people went among nations, they profaned His Holy Name. Taking their cue from their ancestors, “many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered” (2 Pet. 2:2, NLT). With deceptive and lofty words, people, especially politicians and hirelings, appeal to the passions of the flesh enticing others to betray and even hate one another. Too many in the living generations follow Satan’s way and his truth, calling evil good and good evil.
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
