Are You Worried?

Stacey reminded me of a passage in Ezekiel when she asked a question from her recent readings that prompted a sermon. Here is the basic idea:

In Ezekiel 8, God shows Ezekiel the Israelites wanton disregard for God's commands and their whole-hearted embrace of idolatry. Each image/situation God exposes Ezekiel to - as bad as it seems - God basically says, "Oh, you think this is bad? Just wait." Finally, God declares that - without mercy - He will destroy these people.

In Ezekiel 9, instead of utter destruction, only those who have given themselves to the idolatry will be punished. Those who "sigh and groan over all the abominations" committed were to be marked, and, therefore, spared.

The Hebrew words translated "sigh and groan" convey the idea of an exasperated sigh or a reaction to pain as well as the idea of crying out or lamentation.

How many of us have this reaction to the sin we see all around in the world? More importantly, do we have this reaction to the complacency we see amongst brethren who feel showing up and paying a preacher to evangelize the community is all that God requires?

We need to have a lot more sighing and groaning, but if that's where it stops, we're not doing what is expected of us. Worrying does nothing useful. If you know there is something you're concerned about - in your neighborhood, your congregation, your family, or with yourself - don't worry about it, do something to fix it!

So, which is it going to be - apathy, hopeless hand-wringing, or serious concern that prompts action?