We find Ezekiel again engaged in symbolic behaviour but this time it is personally painful. His wife died - his joy and delight. God uses this as a warning: if the beloved wife is not spared, neither shall the temple and the holy city, which is God's delight. We can't imagine God taking someone's life just to make a point - it is more likely that this is a teaching story. But the point is certainly true: no one gets a free pass; no one is exempt from the requirements of justice and mercy. Our religion cannot be something to hide behind for everyone is held accountable to God. We can only be secure when we walk in God's ways.

This same point was made to the rich young man. He was a good and upright man but following Jesus is not just about being good. After all, there are those with no faith who are good people. Jesus asked him to let go of his money, possessions, power, and prestige - all the things that gave him security, identity, and a sense of worth. Only then would he be free; only then would he learn to draw his sense of worth and his identity from God rather than society. What do we depend on? What gives us our sense of worth or well-being? Is it God or something else? Letting go means freedom, not loss. Following Jesus means being radically free - just how free are we?