The shortest chapter of Ezekiel is where I am turning my attention this evening. Chapter two concludes a rather interesting story that begin in chapter one. This first chapter showcases for us a rather unusual vision by Ezekiel but response at the end is where we need to start. This passage provides for us an understanding of how God can and will use us for His glory.
He humbles us - 1:28 tell us that "this was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. So when I saw it, I fell on my face." When Ezekiel realizes that he is standing before the Almighty Creator of the Universe, the King of kings and Lord of lords, he bows in humility. At that point, he has realized his insignificance when compared to a Sovereign God. Our problem is that we have too high a view of ourselves and believe we are doing God a favor by serving Him. Nothing could be fahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifrther from the truth! I've heard it said that "God cannot use a person until they have hit rock bottom first." I firmly believe that statement to be true; because when we realize our worthlessness, we see how much we need God. At that point, anything that we do from there on will be for His glory and not our own.
He speaks to us - 2:1 shows that God "said to me" and later on "I will speak to you." When we are humbled and truly seek God's direction, He will speak to us. A neon sign in the sky will not appear; but if we truly seek Him through Bible study and prayer, He does speak to us. Our part is to be patiently waiting and listening for His words; and when He does speak, we need to respond as He leads.
He sends us - 2:3-4 reveals that God does send us to do His bidding. There is a mentality in American Christianity that we all want to get to heaven but we don't want to love the King who is there. That fact cannot be revealed any more clearly that by individuals that pick and choose whether to serve God. We want comfortable situations and not any difficulty or suffering. For instance, God told Ezekiel that he was being sent to "a rebellious nation" that has "transgressed against Me." They are "impudent and stubborn children." This place of ministry does not sound very inviting, but God wanted Ezekiel to go. Why? Regardless of the choice they made, Ezekiel's obedience would cause them to "know that a prophet has been among them." In our modern vernacular, Ezekiel would stand out in this culture because his life and the words of his lips would be unlike anything these folks have heard.
He wants us to trust Him - 2:6 takes this one step further as God provides comfort in that he should "not be afraid of them no be afraid of their words." As said above, modern Christians will serve conditionally because we enjoy our life of luxury way too much. That shows everyone that our love for God is secondary to our love of things. The Bible clearly tells us that any who live Godly "shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). Note the words carefully -- not may but shall. Instead, we need to consider and follow the words of 1 Peter 4:19 -- "let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator." Earlier, Peter says that our suffering should produce personal joy because we are bringing glory to the One who have everything for us. Remember that God has never failed you, nor will He; and during those difficult times, just trust Him and watch Him work through you.
He wants our obedience - 2:8 concludes the thought with God saying "hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious..." The phrasing here indicates more that just a hearing of God's words, because Israel had heard God, but including an understanding that evolved into action. People today will say that are listening to you, and that may be true, but have the HEARD what you were saying? That is the most appropriate question. God was imploring Ezekiel to hear His words, understand them, and then act upon them by obeying His Lord.
This short passage provides a wonderful example of finding the will of God. The steps are rather simple: (1) develop a proper view of yourself in the light of your Master, (2) dig into the Word of God to see what He has to say, (3 details of God's task for you will come at the proper time, (4) determine to trust God and get your eyes off the responses of man, and (5) do what you have been instructed.
Refusing God simply means that you love yourself more than you Savior. He is the only Being in the universe that has the right to command us to do His bidding. How? He created us and he purchased us by the blood of His Son. He is worthy and I am not (nor are you). Our choices are simple: be like Ezekiel whom God uses or be like Israel whom God calls rebellious and stubborn. One path chooses the wrath of the True Judge while the other path chooses slighting by man. That's an easy choice -- I'd rather offend the world by the love of God than offending God due to a love of the world.
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