Ezekiel 19-21  God unlocked Ezekiel’s tongue to speak to the exiles in Babylon who wanted answers; they wanted to “go home.” Instead, Ezekiel was to paint two pictures for them, one of lions and the other of vines, to help them understand why they were where they were. The lions pictured the foolish boy kings like Solomon’s son, who rejected the wise advice of the older generation. The vines represented the city of Jerusalem, which was fruitful at one time, but because of the people’s disregard for God and His Law,  the city is no longer.

The exiles ignored Ezekiel’s words and wallowed in their hopelessness. They came seeking good news. Instead, Ezekiel reminded them that this was God’s plan to reignite their love for Him. Ezekiel told them, you can dwell on what could have been, or you can do as Jeremiah said, build houses, have families, and honor the new leader. [Jer 29:5] It’s your choice.

Today we also have a choice. We can rehearse the past or look to God’s work now and look forward to what He will do in the future. Paul penned these words about how to think: think about what is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, and your perspective will change. [Phil 4:8] It is up to us. What will we focus on?