SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 1-5
“You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.” (Ezekiel 2:7)
Ezekiel’s job is not to convert anyone, just to let them see and hear the message from God.
It will not be easy or nice, since God is challenging the people.
But everyday that they see Ezekiel (lying on his side for over a year, shaved bald), they will know.
Ezekiel was an old covenant prophet, speaking before Jesus came, speaking to the nation of Israel.
We live in different times; Jesus has come, Jesus has replaced the old covenant with the new covenant.
We are in the season of grace, and we are called like Ezekiel to show and share His message.
But not in the way of Ezekiel (or in the way of Law, which points and condemns).
We are watchmen or witnesses of Jesus, we do so in the Way of Jesus.
We are equipped by the Spirit to demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc.
Whether people listen or not, whether people accept it or not, this is what we are called to do.
I’m sorry Westboro Baptist, but you are not showing the Jesus Way.
This is not about whether God hates sin or not – of course He does.
But how does God address sin in Jesus Christ – not the same way as He did through Ezekiel.
Our job as Jesus-followers is to love and bless and serve our neighbours, as a sign to them.
Our job is not to change or convert them, but to show and share the Jesus Way with them.
Like Ezekiel, we need to devour the message of Jesus, make it a part of our very being.
Then as Jesus loves and blesses and serves through us, God can work in their hearts.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your grace to me, to all. And thank You for using me to show and share that grace with others. May people be impacted, converted, changed as they see Your grace through me.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observation/Application
The Word of the Lord came upon him and he saw visions – from God. Scary these creature he saw. It was God speaking and the majesty of it all – he fell face down and heard God speaking.
God telling His servant directly what he was to do. Awesome! Terrified by the results of what the people would to him? I would be terrified of the event itself!
God speaking directly what to do for His servant. God promising that He would be with him as he speaks the Word. The hearers may hear or not. But speak the Word!
Am I a stepping stone or a stumbling block?
I need to proclaim His Word against all odds.
Make me a servant.
1
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou hast sought, so let me seek
Thy erring children lost and lone.
2
O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.
3
O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.
4
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
5
O give Thine own sweet rest to me,
That I may speak with soothing power
A word in season, as from Thee
To weary ones in needful hour.
6
O fill me with Thy fulness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.
7
O use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessed face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share!