PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Ezekiel 13-14
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!” (Ezekiel 13:3)
Ezekiel warns prophets, the spokespeople for God (like preachers, evangelists).
Those in the religious community who supposedly say what God is saying.
In this case, they follow their own spirit, for they have seen nothing (from God).
In the church today the power and influence of its preachers is huge.
On the radio, TV and internet, and in churches, there are MANY ‘prophets’.
This is especially relevant to me, as I am one of these ‘prophets’.
James warns us that “we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1)
When I speak, is my message from my own spirit and mind?
How can I know for sure, and can I presume to be more faithful than others?
When we speak about God to others, are we just spewing out our own opinions?
We all must speak with humility when we speak about God and Jesus.
Too many of us do not spend enough time WITH the Lord to know what he thinks.
Unless we spend time WITH the Lord, we will not be able to speak LIKE or FOR the Lord.
This calls for deep humility and deep sincerity in our relationship with Jesus.
PRAYER
Lord, I am challenged by today’s words. Though all Jesus followers speak for you, I recognize that I have a role in the church which makes my words more influential. May my words echo what I hear from you as I submit my spirit to yours!
Lying prophecies: “By lying to my people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and have spared those who should not live.” “I have done nothing in it without cause, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Oh the consequences are clear – the punishment has come and there is no saving themselves when their heart is not for the Lord. Thank you Lord Jesus that I may know you and that yes you spare me from the punishment for sin that I deserve. Help me to be a faithful prophet – identifying sin for what it does and our of love and grace love the people who need to repent and believe. Lead me, guide me along the way – that I may testify to living hope and not doom. Hope that has a sure foundation in Jesus and not is some other form!
A refrain is found throughout – This is what the sovereign Lord says and also the word of the Lord came to me.
Stop.
Look.
Listen.
Hear His voice saying this is the way. Walk in it. Listening to His voice the people, you and I, will be part of His family and He will be our God. His will for our lives. Me doing His will. Others need to see Christ Jesus living in me. Not my will, but His be done. And that is only a possibility when His Spirit works in my heart and leads me in the way I should go.
Spirit of God, dwell thou within my heart;
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as thou art,
And make me love thee as I ought to love.