READING: Ezekiel 44-47
God was speaking specifically to the prophet Ezekiel, but His words resonate with me today. God was giving the prophet a word to tell the people, and He expected Ezekiel’s full attention and concentration. Indeed, He had said these words to the prophet before:
- “Son of man, look with your eyes, listen with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for you have been brought here so that I might show it to you. Report everything you see to the house of Israel.” (Ezek 40:4)
- “Son of man, pay attention; look with your eyes and listen with your ears to everything I tell you about all the statutes and laws of the Lord’s temple.” (Ezek 44:5)
In both cases, Ezekiel was to set his mind on the things of God, see and hear what the Lord was doing, and report to the people of God. The message was too important for Ezekiel to take it flippantly. I think about these words today because my calling is to proclaim the Word of God. My role is certainly different than Ezekiel’s role was, but my responsibility remains the same: pay close attention to what the Lord God has spoken and proclaim it to the nations. We who speak God’s Word are also to live in such a way that our lives validate, not invalidate, the gospel message. I say it again, the message is too important to take it flippantly.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: With how much focus and respect do you treat the Word of God?
PRAYER: “God, thank You for being a God who communicates with His people. Help me to listen well, respond righteously, and speak the message widely.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 48, Daniel 1-2
