Point of no return

Reading the background passage in Ezekiel 20 left me wondering “when did it become too late for God to forgive the Israelites?” The elders ask Ezekiel to inquire of the LORD, but the LORD said that he would not give them a message. Instead He judged them so that they would know He is the LORD. In their irresponsibility, the Israelites crossed a line with God.

In an age of grace, American’s have short memories. As the HRBC Supplemental Teaching Plan points out “we tend to excuse people’s actions on the basis of their upbringing or circumstances.” However people attempt to avoid responsibility, God created the laws of an “unchangeable past” and “unintended consequences” to bring judgment everyday. Psalms 7:11 (NIV) says, “God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day.” Scary isn’t it. Jesus Christ is an all powerful, righteous judge and He is working in every situation to bring good to those who love Him, but He also brings judgment at some point. A line is crossed.

My sister jokes that it’s never too late to participate in a Baptist activity. She says, “No matter what the deadline is, they’ll backup the bus to pick you up!” But results from actions do happen. When they do the consequences become unchangeable even though they may be unintended. The idea is that we must accept responsibility for our actions and seek forgiveness while there is still time.