A New Heart: A Study in EzekielSample

What does it say?

Even the righteousness of Noah, Daniel, and Job couldn’t save their children from the wrath of God’s judgment on Judah’s detestable practices.

What does it mean?

These captives were already living in exile in Babylon, but Jerusalem had not yet fallen. The Israelites still in Judah lived without regard for the Lord, His covenant, or His commands. Since God had offered to spare a wicked city like Sodom if 10 righteous people were found, surely He would spare Jerusalem – His holy city! But even the prayers of righteous men like Noah and Job, combined with the prayers of the most faithful man among them (Daniel), couldn’t save Jerusalem from the Lord’s judgment. Each person’s righteousness would stand on its own merit.

How should I respond?

We’ve all watched friends or family members make choices without regard for God and His Word. Does today’s passage indicate that praying for them does no good? Not at all. It does, however, point to individual accountability before the Lord. Your relationship with Jesus can be an example that draws others to Christ but can’t save them. Will you commit to earnestly praying for friends or family members who are in danger of facing God’s judgment? Is your faith based on a family history of a godly character or a personal relationship with Christ? Only His righteousness will endure (2 Cor. 5:21).