This week’s focal text comes after some fairly complicated verses that contain words like Hethlon, Lebohamath, Zedad, Berothah, Sibraim, Damascus, Hamath, Hazerhetticon, Hauran, and Meribathkadesh (among others). The prophet is describing how the land is to be shared among the twelve tribes of Israel (v. 13). “You shall divide it equally” (v. 14). Tough job!
But that assignment may not be as tough as the verses in our study text. I can understand and pronounce the words (at least in English!), but how to apply their truth in 2022 is difficult. Lives are won and lost as these verses confront us.
The Israelites understood what it was to be strangers in a foreign land. Their experience in Egypt (as slaves) helped them see the plight of those who crossed boundaries. So now that they have their own land, the prophet is clear that they are to treat the “strangers” in their midst with the same grace they extended to themselves (v. 22).
There is much controversy about how to apply this text to our own country in these days of the 21st century. But, I want to complicate matters even more! (You’re welcome.) Strangers and aliens among us are not all from other countries. How about those whose sexual orientation makes them seem to be strangers in our midst? How about those whose skin color (or lack thereof) sets them apart as “alien” to our culture? To what extent are those in poverty treated by different values than the wealthy?
Immigration is more than crossing national boundaries. We have many divisions that separate life into “us” and “them.” Whatever the presenting issue, Ezekiel says he is speaking for God (v. 23) when he admonishes the “in’s” to share the journey with the “out’s.”
Applying this instruction to our daily life is not simple or easy. After all, Ezekiel 47:13-20 is about how to divide land. It is to be divided equally (v. 14). How is life and respect and opportunity and caring and support to be divided equally? Where are the places of separation that need to be healed?
What Someone Else Has Said: Calvin Coolidge is quoted in The Soul of America by Jon Meacham (Random House): “For differences of this kind will certainly be elements of strength rather than of weakness. They will give variety to our tastes and interests. They will broaden our vision, strengthen our understanding, encourage the true humanities, and enrich our whole mode and conception of Life.”
Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “God of equal love...
