In the World–November 23, 2025

Download “In the World” for November 23, 2025, here.

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.

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

Additional Resources

Any videos or web materials are for your personal use. If you play any media files in class, be sure to have the necessary rights to do so.

• Playlist: Contemporary Worship Weekly
• Playlist: Echoes Worship Weekly (featuring African-American music artists)
• Playlist: Traditional Worship Weekly
• Commentary: Dale Coulter’s “Commentary on Ezekiel 33:7–11”
• Commentary: Margaret Odell’s “Commentary on Ezekiel 33:7–11”
• Devotion: Theology of Work Project’s “The Call to Warn Others (Ezekiel 33)”