Day 229, or August 17. You can't decide for others. Our thoughts today come from Ezekiel
chapter 14, verse 14. Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it—that's
Jerusalem—they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign
Lord.
The Big Picture Surrounding This Verse Ezekiel continues to faithfully relate God's
message to his people. In particular, he condemns the false prophets of his day, who were denying
what Ezekiel was saying, and giving false hope that judgment wouldn't come. Ezekiel
was just scaremongering, many of them were saying. In these days of controversy over
the ministry of women in the church, it's interesting that prophets in Ezekiel's day
included women as well as men. Bearing in mind how male-centered ancient times were,
this is worthy of a thought in the 21st century.
And now today's action step. You have surely heard it said that God has no grandchildren.
He only has children. If you ever try to trace your family history, one of the most visited
websites is the one sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or as
they're better known, the Mormons. Their official website enables you to check more
than 750 million records as you search through your ancestors. Have you ever wondered why
they keep such records? Mormons believe that even the dead can be baptized into the Mormon
faith, and therefore many zealous believers trace all their ancestors and bring them into
what they believe is the only true faith. That means I have probably been brought into
the Mormon church, and so have you. Of course, it means nothing to me because I haven't
made the decision myself. Ezekiel challenges his listeners by telling them that even if
some of the greatest men in Judaism lived in their city, it would not survive simply
because of them. They can only save themselves. You are responsible for yourself. So consider
it now, and re-listen to Day 21. This may help you further.