August 28, 2019: SOAP #3555:  Ezekiel 1-3; Revelation 2

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 2:1 He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. 3 He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day. 4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says.’ 5 And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Observation:  Ezekiel’s response to the appearance and presence of God was that he fell on his face. (Ezekiel 1:28)   But in verse one (above) Ezekiel is told to stand up and in verse two the Spirit raised him to his feet.  From my military background, I take it to mean that Ezekiel should be standing at attention.  His attitude should be that he was going to receive important instructions.

He was given a tough assignment.  The people to whom he was being sent were obstinate and stubborn.  They would not listen.  Ezekiel would need to remember that God was sending him.

Application:   Today it is important to realize that God is sending me to those around me.  This world is full of obstinate and stubborn people.  Whether my neighbors and/or co-workers listen or refuse to listen “they will know” that someone cared enough to tell them the truth.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, love through me.  Love those around me.  Through me, love those who are hard to love.  May the love they receive through me cause them to know that you love them.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!