August 28, 2013 (Ezekiel 1-3; Revelation 2)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “And whether they listen or refuse to listen, for remember they are rebels, at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.” Ezekiel 2:5 NLT
Observation: Ezekiel was commissioned by God to proclaim a message similar to that of Jeremiah. However, Ezekiel had the responsibility of proclaiming the message to the exiles from the nation of Israel already in Babylon, of which he was also numbered. The rebellious exiles still believed the lies of the false prophets and priest which claimed, the exile would be short lived and Jerusalem would not be fully destroyed. God prepared Ezekiel for the task at hand by forewarning him they would not listen. God made Ezekiel’s forehead as hard as the hardest rock and his attitude just as obstinate and hard-hearted as the rebellious people he would speak the word of God to. Ezekiel was instructed to listen carefully and let God’s entire word sink deep into his own heart first. The purpose of Ezekiel’s task was to provide people fair warning whether they received it or not.
Application: Often times I wonder what’s the use in proclaiming the message of truth to a people that’s hard-hearted, stiff-necked and will not receive it anyway. Why waste my time proclaiming the truth to a people that are just going to refuse it! Yet, I see Ezekiel as a great example of why I should continue to preach regardless of how the people are responding. Even though a rebellious, sinful people may reject and ignore the true gospel message I have the responsibility to proclaim it anyway because of His great names sake. He always provides what people need whether or not they receive it or not. God will not measure my success by how many believe or accept the message He gave me to proclaim, but rather by how obedient I have been to proclaim the message He gave. In the end people will come to realize that God has indeed sent them prophets of truth, but they refused to hear the message proclaimed.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Thank You for the desire and determination You give me to continue on in spite of how people receive or reject You. Strengthen me to proclaim the message You give with boldness and clarity. Let Your word sink deep within my heart first so that after I preach to others I will not become a castaway myself. Open up the ears of those that can hear and transform their hearts and minds. In Jesus name, Amen!