Ezekiel 20 mentions bringing the entire house of Israel back into the land from the nations. Couldn't help but think of the Messianic Jews again - a fulfillment of prophecy in our day.

Several times in Ezekiel he mentions that the people have "desecrated the Sabbaths" (among many other detestable things, of course).  The purpose of the Sabbath was to rest, refocus, and remember Him.  Sabbaths were not only the weekly Sabbath but the Holy Day (Feast and Festival) Sabbaths as well.  God says that these Sabbaths are "a sign between us".  A sign is a distinguishing mark.

Keeping His Sabbath days holy are a mark that distinguishes us as belonging to HIM!  The important thing to remember is that before Jesus the people were required to observe the Sabbath days through very exacting rules and regulations.  After Jesus we are told only to honor His fulfillment of those feast days, without all the rules and regulations.

Romans 14:5
One indeed esteems a day above another day; and another esteems every day alike. Let each one be fully assured in his own mind. 

Ezekiel 20 mentions that the people had vile images and idols they had brought from Egypt.  Their hearts were devoted to their idols, breaking the first two commandments. Even though God brought them out of captivity in Egypt, they rebelled against Him in the desert.  They wanted to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world.

An attitude of false teaching and false prophecy was a condition that existed in the days of the prophets of the Old Testament and is written to give us warning for what will happen as time draws closer to the last days.  There is a current connection today.

Ezekiel 22:25-30
There is a conspiracy of her princes (government officials, politicians?) within her like a roaring lion tearing its prey; they devour people, take treasures and precious things and make many widows within her. Her priests (ministers, pastors, preachers?) do violence to my law and profane my holy things; they do not distinguish between the holy and the common; they teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean; and they shut their eyes to the keeping of my Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them. Her officials (church staff and leaders?)within her are like wolves tearing their prey; they shed blood and kill people to make unjust gain. Her prophets (teachers?) whitewash these deeds for them by false visions and lying divinations. They say, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says'-- when the LORD has not spoken. The people of the land (people in church congregations?) practice extortion and commit robbery; they oppress the poor and needy and mistreat the alien, denying them justice. "I looked for a man (an individual – you, me???) among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. (very sad words - I found none.)

The previous verses in Ezekiel show us that the princes, priests, officials, and prophets were leading the people astray by their ungodly leadership. The people were looking to their leaders for the example. The leaders were not teaching them in a God-directed way. The leaders accepted as normal some practices that were strictly abhorred by God, telling the people that it was okay. That same attitude can be found today in many church congregations. New Christians expect church leaders to be theologically sound in doctrine and well versed in God’s Word. If these church leaders are not teaching them Biblically based doctrine the new Christians will be led astray. (Matthew 24) But praise God there are some godly teachers and pastors who are speaking, preaching, and teaching Biblically based doctrine. They CAN be found!

Matthew 7:7
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Today's reading ends with a profound message to the church today.  We have noticed a theme that runs throughout the last few months' readings.  Research and find out everything pagan that is done in the name of the Lord and get rid of it!!!  Cut ties with anything that even resembles the pagan.