They would have saved their lives.

Today's reading: Ezekiel 33-36

They heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; their blood shall be upon themselves. But if they had taken warning, they would have saved their lives. Ezekiel 33: 5 NRSV

How many times has the weather alarm gone off in the middle of the night and you listened to the report, then went right back to sleep without going to a safe place in your home? I must say I have done this on many occasion. Perhaps the bad storm was a bit more South or to the North of us. Or I was tired. Or even slept right through the alert!

I was warned, but didn't listen.

Ezekiel is the sentinel, the nightwatchman, the weather system alarm. No one is listening.

God says that is fine. God has given plenty of warning. They were supposed to leave but they didn't. They didn't listen to what God was telling them. God was providing a way out, a way to turn a bad situation around. God wanted them to save their lives, to get to the shelter, to take precautions.

But they didn't listen.

Are you?

God, you give us warnings from time to time. We sense nudges or have insights. Forgive us when we stop listening to your promptings. Help us to follow you when you are trying to save us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims