That little phrase comes from Ezekiel 43:10 which says:
“Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities.”
I’ve finished reading Ezekiel and have moved into Daniel. But before I’m too removed from that book, I want to refer to something that is bothering me, greatly. I’ve probably hit upon this in previous blogs … so, please bear with me … again.
In Ezekiel, we’re told that the people were to look at the Temple, see a standard by which to measure themselves, and then come to terms with how far they had fallen away from God. And if that wasn’t enough, they were to be “ashamed.” They were to actually experience shame for their waywardness.
Truthfully, I have to wonder at times if anybody has any shame for anything anymore? Where has good old fashioned shame gone to? Do folks still blush in shame anymore? Is there actually any further need for the expression: “Shame on you?” And if so, how are we do define what is shame worthy?
Is this too old-fashioned?
So much is paraded and displayed in the lifestyles of people today, that I would venture to say not many people even know what it means to feel shame. Why is that? How does it get to this point in a society? Are we losing the capacity to experience shame? Should we even care?
Here’s my concern.
The Standard by which things are measured and contrasted against is diminishing. The Guide Book which marks the straight path upon which to walk is no longer referred to for life’s journey. The Moral Compass points a true North, but who’s looking to it for direction and guidance? And I’m not just talking about the “world.” I’m talking about us as well.
God’s exacting requirements were laid out in relation to the Temple. The Temple was that which demonstrated a perfect God which expects to be obeyed and honored as He requires. None of it was open for debate or discussion. God didn’t ask anyone what they thought. He wasn’t concerned that He might be a little too “hard” by setting such demanding obedience. He said how things were going to be, period.
Why? Because God knows what He’s doing.
But, the people thought they knew better. People always do, don’t they? Need proof?
Just take a look around and you’ll see the results of a Godless society/world that has thumbed its nose at God’s Standard … His Guide Book … His Moral Compass.
We are adrift. It seems like a large section of society feels at liberty to do that which is right in their own eyes. Who’s to say otherwise? If there’s no standard, then there is no right or wrong. And if there’s no right or wrong, then there’s no SHAME.
I think we’re being deceived. By whom?
Satan, the Deceiver.
Revelation 12:9 - “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
And so, here were are … ripe for judgement. Not really even judgement as much as reaping what we’ve sown.
Galatians chapter six tells us:
“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Could it be we’re being deceived by the shameless Deceiver himself?
I think it’s quite possible.