Lenten Lessons--Day 10

Today's Scriptures: Ezekiel 18:21-28; Matthew 5:20-26

Responsibility. We are each responsible for what we do or don't do. Earlier in Ezekiel 18 we see the people complaining that there situation was dealt to them by the sins of their fathers. Ezekiel tells them that isn't the case. Each of us is affected by our own virtue or sinfulness. God is not unfair. He punishes the sinner because each of us is responsible for our own actions.

In the Matthew passage Jesus carries on with that same thing. But then Jesus takes it even further. Not only are we not to murder, but we are not to be angry with our brother or sister. It is wrong not to reconcile with those who have injured us, as real as the injury may be. We are even to settle disputes differently--quickly make friends with your opponents. you see, we bear some sort of responsibility for every aspect of our relationship with others.

Responsibility is heavy. That is why we must come to grips with it during this season of Lent. God is not trying to lay a guilt trip on us, instead God wants us to remember how seriously He takes our freedom and how much He wants from us. But what God wants from us can only come as a divine gift.

We need to change our heart. A change of heart doesn't mean that we should beat ourselves up with anxiety and guilt, instead we should become ever more aware the we can't carry our responsibilities without His help!