WHO TO THANK
Last Tuesday was Veterans Day in America. At Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., events included a performance by the United States Army “Pershing’s Own” Concert Band and Chorus, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the national observance inside the Memorial Amphitheater. The demographics of the observance are changing, noted the columnist Bill Sniffin. “For the past 30 years on Veterans Day, we have joined with others in saying farewell to members of the Greatest Generation, an age group of veterans who fought in World War II and saved the free world. By now, most of them are gone.” It’s time, in his opinion, to increase efforts to honor “thousands of veterans of my generation—those now elderly men and women—who participated in the Vietnam War.” If you’re feeling grateful for American freedoms, look for a veteran to thank.

WHO TO BLAME
The prophet Ezekiel has a specific mission, to be the watchman who communicates a warning for the people of God living in exile. Ezekiel sees catastrophe ahead for those who continue in wicked ways. If Ezekiel does his job and shares this message with others, they will have no one to blame but themselves. For those who have been righteous in the past but who take up a new streak of wicked behavior, God will deal with them as a wicked person (punished with death). For those who have been wicked in the past and who turn to God with sincere repentance, God will deal with them as a righteous person (rewarded with more life). In all times and places, people can turn to God to receive mercy.

Questions

• Who is a veteran you know?
• When have you had the responsibility to watch for danger ahead?
• How can you extend God’s offer of mercy and repentance to someone?