READING:
One-year plan: Ezekiel 1-5
Two-year plan: Jeremiah 6:9-7:11, 1 Timothy 3
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A preacher is called to do one thing: preach the Word. His overall goal must be to preach the Word of God with clarity and conviction. And, he must speak the Word whether or not others listen. That was God’s word to the prophet Ezekiel:
- “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites . . . I am sending you to them, and you must say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them’” (Ezek 2:3-5)
- “Speak my words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious” (Ezek 2:7)
- “Go to your people, the exiles, and speak to them. Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen” (Ezek 3:11)
Ezekiel’s message would not be a popular one, but he was to proclaim it regardless. In the words of one author, “His success would not be measured in terms of the people’s response but in terms of his obedience. Though he was told that no one would welcome his messages from God, the prophet still was responsible for delivering them.”* They would, in fact, know that a prophet had been among them when Ezekiel spoke (Ezek 2:5).
Our responsibility to proclaim the Word—even if people don’t want to listen—remains the same today.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you willing to stand on the Word even if you stand alone?
PRAYER: “God, let me speak Your Word.”
MONDAY’S READING:
One-year plan: Ezekiel 6-11
Two-year plan: Jeremiah 7:12-9:3, 1 Timothy 4:1-10
MEMORIZATION VERSE (August 16-31)
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15)
*Cooper, L. E. (1994). Ezekiel (Vol. 17, p. 76). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.