I have been reading, “The Soul’s Quest for God” by R.C.
Sproul. In Chapter two, Sproul writes
about the importance of God’s Word. He
used examples of Ezekiel’s life and God’s instructions to Him to emphasize his
point. This is what I learned I’ve learned from Ezekiel......
1. I must make sure
that I make time for personal preparation...
“Son of
man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself.
Then go...” (Ezekiel 3:10-11a)
Notice,
God says to let His words penetrate. Don’t
just brush by them. I found it
interesting that He emphasizes the
fact the Word needed to penetrate Ezekiel’s heart FIRST, before God released Him to prophesy to others. Some of us are so quick to answer and speak
before we really know what we’re
talking about. I must make time for personal
preparation.
2. Commitment to
studying the word, allowing it to digest, and letting it become every part of
me...
“Son of
man, eat what I am giving you-eat this scroll.
Then go...” (Ezekiel 3:1)
What a
great picture! I’m not sure how many
times in Ezekiel that God told him to eat the words
or eat the scroll. God even goes so far
to tell him to digest it. (NLT version) God made it plain that before Ezekiel was
ready for service to God he had to completely absorb God’s words. They
had to become a part of him. It was only
after Ezekiel “ate” the scrolls that God told him to go. Again, I am
reminded of patient preparation. This is
hard for a “storm the mountain” girl like
me to take in!
3. Obedience to God
no matter the circumstances or the outcome...
“Son of
man, do not fear them or their words.
Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging
scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are
rebels. You must give them my messages
whether they listen or not.” (Ezekiel
2:6-7)
Wow! I think of the Nike slogan, “Just Do It!”. God is saying, “Do what I say no matter what
the outcome. Just be obedient to me. I’ll take care of everything else.” I don’t know how many times I don’t do something I think God wants me to do because
I don’t think it will matter, make change,
or have a positive outcome. However, I’ll
jump at the chance to obey if it means something
great will probably happen, or to be brutally honest, if it will make ME look
good.
4. Recognize the Holy Spirit’s role in my life...
“Then
the Spirit lifted me...” (Ezekiel Chapter 2:2, 3:12, 14, 24,...)
Ezekiel
says it over and over again. In Chapter
1 verse 28 Ezekiel was so astounded by what God was showing him that he fell face down on the
ground. A voice told him to get up. Ezekiel says the
Spirit came into him and set him on his feet.
Ezekiel was powerless. The Spirit
had to help him obey. I had to ask myself, first of all, how many times am I so astounded by God that I am left
helpless on the ground? I’m ashamed to say, not enough. Then I had to ask, how many times do I first make sure I am aware of the
Holy Spirit doing all of the work? Or am
I just getting in the way? Again,
I tend to take all the credit. (I am realizing that this reflection time is NOT making me feel very good about myself!)
I don’t know if any of you struggle with these same
issues. Lack of personal preparation;
lack of fully absorbing God’s Words, not being obedient in ALL things, and
trying to do it all on my own without the Spirit’s help or even acknowledging it
on those good days that I’m aware of it!
However, in spite of my impulsive nature, childish behavior,
and ego I’m so thankful that God has chosen to make me his daughter and allows
me to help Him in His Kingdom work. What
an awesome God we have! The Great I
AM!
Worshiping with you today,
Lisa
PS. Check out the song, “Great I Am”, by New Life Worship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5CWGi82N7k
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