April 17, 2005

Reading through the Bible in one Year: Judges 3:1-4:24; Luke 9:37-56

Weekly Memory Verse: Ezekiel 2:4-5

Good Afternoon Brothers and Sisters,

Ezekiel 2 (NASB95)
¹ Then He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet that I may speak with you!” ² As He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me. ³ Then He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. ⁴ “I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ ⁵ “As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. ⁶ “And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. ⁷ “But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious. ⁸ “Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.” ⁹ Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. ¹⁰ When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe.^[1]

This chapter focuses upon the commission of Ezekiel.  I don't see a lot of room to comment on the chapter because it is pretty well covered in the text.  One observation that I can make concerning this chapter though, it is still applicable today.  Those who reach out to encourage and lead others are faced with a rebellious, stubborn, obstinate people.  It can be very frustrating for church leaders today to lead their flocks.  One thing that is contrary to popular thought is that people are not interested in spiritual things like they were a few years ago.  As a matter of fact, when someone stands with them speaking out the word of God, they are often either outright rejected or patted on the back and appeased.  To sit with scorpions, thorns and thistles would be a welcome compared to the scathing judgment of those who are living the life of compromise.

Our job is the same as Ezekiel's job, it is to reach out to others whether or not they want to are are willing to listen.  Our job is not to cause an response to what we are teaching, that is the job of the Holy Spirit.  The question remains, if we don't tell them, who will?  God called each Christian believer to carry the same message that Ezekiel did, we are called to speak out what He places on our hearts.  Our message may not contain "lamentations, mourning and woe", but it does contain the heartbeat of God. 

I would challenge you today to meditate on this chapter and see how God is seeking to speak through you to other people.  This message transcends this chapter, and is evident through a major part of Christian ministries today.  Let's consider it and get on the bandwagon.

Along with the message, check out the Promise Keepers website at www.promisekeepers.org, look at the trailer and register for the conference, let me know if you are going.

Father, as we consider Your word today, open each of our hearts and give us the desire to follow Your call in our daily lives.

In Him,

Joe Turner.