I really like games that involve strategy. Admittedly, my strategies don’t always work, but I’m kind of a nerd, so engaging my brain makes it interesting. In contrast, I’m not fond of games that require acting something out—or even worse, drawing something. Yes, I’m a visual learner, but I’m also a writer and editor. I do words and phrases, not physical motions or artistry!
I do think about acting games when I read about the prophet Ezekiel. Like other prophets, Ezekiel had a difficult task. He was living among the Israelites taken into Babylonian exile. And while God often spoke through him, the other Jews in Babylon had little interest in what Ezekiel had to say. In fact, at one point, God compared them to briars, thorns, and scorpions (Ezekiel 2:6). Now that’s a tough congregation for any preacher!
On top of that, God often commanded Ezekiel to act out his prophecies. For example, in Ezekiel 12, the Lord told him to pack his bags and to carry them out of the people’s sight, like he was going into exile again (Ezekiel 12:3–4). Then, He told Ezekiel to dig a hole in the city wall and to carry the bags out through the open space (vv.5–6).
God’s message related to the real-life circumstances of residents still living in Jerusalem. Before long, they would be carrying their bags into exile. They would be taken through breaches in the wall created by their enemies and marched away to join the other Jews in captivity. They thought they were safe behind Jerusalem’s wall, but their sinful ways ensured that their security was short-lived (vv.8–16). And no matter how many sermons he enacted or the rejection from his audience, Ezekiel never questioned God. Each time, he did exactly what the Lord told him to do.
Ezekiel’s actions drive home two important points for us today. First, we have to remember that God calls us to obey, even when it doesn’t make sense. Ezekiel might not have understood all the reasons God had for doing things a certain way, but He was faithful to honor His commands. He submitted to God’s plans; and, as a result, the people knew “a prophet [had] been among them” (Ezekiel 2:5).
Second, we’re reminded that God is at work even in our worst moments. Ezekiel was talking to exiles, people dragged hundreds of miles from home to a foreign land. They likely wondered if God had given up on them. As unorthodox as his ministry might have seemed, Ezekiel reminded the Jews that the Lord was still on the throne and that they were still His people.
God still calls us to obedience, and He still reminds us that He is at work. The message that was true for Israel thousands of years ago remains true for us. We may not have a prophet acting out messages for us, but we absolutely have a God who proves Himself faithful time and again.
Written by Bob Bunn
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62 thoughts on "Ezekiel"
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God still calls us to obedience, and He still reminds
❤✝️ Eating the Word is sweet like honey. It feeds us.
I love when God’s word speaks right into my circumstances! I have been wanting to have some conversations with my daughter but have been shying away because she is like “briars, thorns, and scorpions”. God kind of nudged me today… if Ezekiel can confront 1000s of Israelites of their sin, I can find the courage to have these hard conversations with my daughter. It also spoke to me about being bolder in my faith, come what may.
A few things struck me this morning. First, the vision Ezekiel had of the Living God, in his extreme brightness. This matches the descriptions of God and Jesus in Imagine Heaven, the book I’m reading by John Burke describing Near Death Experiences.
Second, I’d expect a scroll of woe and lamentations to taste bitter or salty…but it was still sweet as honey!
And third, God gave E a very difficult task, told him how difficult it would be, but then “made his forehead like a diamond, harder than flint.” What a gift, to be so prepared for the task.
May we crave His words like honey and feel His preparation for our tasks.
Happy Thursday, She’s!
Maybe we should think of woe and lamentations as sweet. ❤️
His word is as sweet as honey in my mouth.
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Of course, sometimes it is soooo hard and convicting (and NOT sweet!)
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Unfortunately I focus more on the sweet stuff and not the convicting stuff.
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Lord, help me.
EVERYTHING erased!! Err…….. Happy Thursday sweeties! In a nutshell, had a brief conversation with someone about my life, let her know I could not have done it without JESUS! YEP, I too struggle getting out of my comfort zone. THEN we read this today. God is good!
Ezekiel is one of my favorite books to deep dive into and see the eschatological significance also.
Ah, to embody & encompass the Word.
While anxious & afraid.
3:2: “So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. 3 “Son of man,” he said to me, ‘feed your stomach and fill your belly with this scroll I am giving you.’So I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.”
Submerged in sweetness.
Prepared to do as the Lord bid.
What am I imbibing?
Where am I representing?
Who am I obeying?
Lord, may I not forget or refuse to listen.
Help me to embrace the truth.
To act in truth.
Thanks be to God.
Ezekiel reminds us that God’s work doesn’t stop when life feels broken. In fact, it often begins there. When the path doesn’t make sense, when the obedience feels costly, when we don’t see the outcome—God is still speaking, still working, still faithful in every season.
Yes, Ashley. We humans can understand or see so little.
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GM
It would be good to do a study on Ezekiel as a whole, it’s been awhile. But we see today that Ezekiel was willing to do just as the Lord commands him. He tells them it will be hard but do not be afraid. Nothing seems harder to me than being the odd ball out surrounded by unbelievers, not just that, but balking, poking at you, making fun of your faith situations. It makes me want to run the other way, not be dramatic and act out what is going to happen to them in their rebellion! lol.
When I would go to homeless in the park to help serve food weekly, we were often faced with a few people that just wanted food but didn’t want to hear our prayers and “preaching”! I would definitely describe it as a ministry surrounded by briers and thorns. I mean, don’t get me wrong, most were very nice and I loved talking to them, I’m just saying most were too tired and too living in darkness to want to entertain anything else. It was a challenge because my heart just wanted to give them the hope and love of God. But how could God change their situation, they were thinking. I remember when people asked me why I no longer went, I would say that I wanted to share Jesus but it was a tough crowd to “sell him to” so to speak. I liked jail ministry where they “choose” to come and hear about Jesus. I like easy, I guess I’m trying to say.
I follow a few “Ezekiels” on IG that go to Pride Parades and to planned parenthoods, and such to talk to people. It definitely takes a special anointing to go where it is uncomfortable and make an impact, even for the one lost sheep. They get a lot of flack even from believers, but I believe it is a God mission.
The important thing is to have the discernment and wisdom, and to follow what God is telling you to do. Empower me Lord to follow you with all my heart, soul, and mind. I truly want to be your hands and feet, and your light. I love the ministries you have bestowed on me, and want to spend my days honoring you and giving you the glory! Let me walk in step with You. When I am uncomfortable, let me still move in action so I can grow! Yet also to not speak when You are not prompting. I want Your presence to be so strong that I know Your will like I know my own reflection. Fill me with expectation and belief that You are moving mountains and parting seas. When the storms are surrounding me, keep my eyes on Jesus! We thank you God for the ways you move us and want us to ARISE for you! Thank you, thank you.
I love how you compared this to homeless ministry or other places where ministry is hard. I was on a mission trip in NYC and the organization we were with ministered to the homeless. Definitely not my gifting! I thought it was so awkward but like you said, there were others who were gifted to do it. And Rhonda, I have a hard time you take the “easy” way out of anything:)
I definitely prefer comfort and security. I don’t like any type of confrontation. Even when I know I should speak up, I falter.
Hey Rhonda
The SRT community read during Lent 2022 was a walk to the cross by way of Ezekiel. “Even in the shadow & valleys, He is there”. As a matter of fact, in my recent history, several past SRT community reads have focused on a single character or prophet, like Hosea in 2021. In beauty, goodness & truth.
Oh yes, I suppose I read it then! I cannot retain, but I just keep staying in the word, and it will all be there when I need it. (heart)
DISOBEDIENCE
GRUDGINGLY OBEDIENT
LOVINGLY OBEDIENT (out of love for God and love for the one(s) He is calling us to).
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Wiersbe had this note on Ezekiel 3:15-
“Simply proclaiming the message of God is not enough; we must also seek to have the caring heart of God.”
I am reminded of my favorite verse un Ezekiel-
Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
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Another note from Wiersbe-
“Ezekiel not only spoke God’s Word to the people, but he also lived before them in such a way that they saw God’s message portrayed before their very eyes. You will find the prophet performing twelve action sermons to convey God’s truth to people who were becoming more and more deaf to the voice of God.”
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Do people see me acting out life in FAITH/OBEDIENCE or in disobedience? What kind of sermon is my life reflecting?
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This study has certainly been rich! .
Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
So good Cee Gee. “Do people see me acting out life in FAITH/OBEDIENCE or in disobedience? What kind of sermon is my life reflecting!?”
Agreed, Rhonda J! Great question, Cee Gee!
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Love the reminder that God is at work even in our confusion & low points! May we have the wisdom to continue to pursue Him through those moments instead of turning our backs on Him like those who were exiled. God is in control!
Yes Amen Susan!
Yes, Susan. Sometimes living our faith out loud could come across as a “crazy Christian”. (Well, maybe not as extreme as Ezekiel!!)
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Lord God,
Like Ezekiel, I feel small before the weight of Your calling.
But I believe that when You speak, You also empower.
Enter me by Your Spirit. Make me bold where I feel afraid, faithful when I feel weary, and gentle with Your truth.
Teach me to eat Your Word until it becomes part of who I am.
Use my life—even the quiet parts—as a sign that You are still near.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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(heart!)
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What a beautiful prayer Kimberly
Sweetly spoken, Kimberly!
Amen❤️
Ezekiel, what an example! He listened, he heard, he obeyed. First time obedience, may we all hear the Lord and obey.
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Not in today’s Scripture selections – Chapter 1 lays the groundwork for God’s messages to Ezekiel, coming to him in an amazing vision that was full of fire, cherubim and a glorious likeness of the glory of the LORD. Ezekiel fell on his face and “heard a voice of One speaking” at the end of the 1st chapter.
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Ezekiel obeyed and relayed God’s message through words and action. Warning after warning, plain spoken, to ears that would not hear. Rebellious hearts and minds, thoughts of pride, feelings of superiority over God. But oh, how God loved(s) them, so many warnings ignored, so much discipline endured, so many times of shallow repentance.
So wrong, nearly unbelievable, yet the story of their past is the story of my past. How many times did I ignore the words in a sermon, or listen and outright reject them? How many times did God put someone in my path to get my attention? How many times did I repent, but with momentary sincerity?
Regretful over wasted time, so much thankfulness that He NEVER gave up on me.
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Praying for the lost and the prodigals, that they would listen, hear, believe and be forever changed by the love of the Almighty God we serve.
Agreed
Amen
Great summary and challenge questions, SEARCHING! Thanks for faithfully sharing each day! ❤❤❤
I am asking myself these questions too Searching and have a lot of work to do. Praying with you for our prodigals and lost loved ones who need Jesus.
AMEN
Amen!
Amen. These are good questions to consider. Thank you❤️
God is at work even in our worst moments. We might not have an Ezekial acting out what God wants us to understand, but we do have the HS dwelling in us and reminding us that God is still here, even when things don’t look so great. I want to be more in-tune to what He has to say to me on a daily basis. I want to keep my spiritual ears open for His voice in my life. I need to practice being still and knowing that He is God, and waiting on the Lord.
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Yes! That is my prayer as well…
Yes, Laura! Spiritual ears. In the silence.
The interesting thing is their were 3 exiles. They didn’t happen all at once,which meant they had plenty of time to repent. God wants everyone saved and gives people many opportunities.
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Yes, Sandi!
Our God is relentless!!
Yes, He is
Ezekiel’s audience was already in exile, experiencing God’s discipline, yet they would not submit to it.
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But by God’s mercy and grace, I would be in the same situation.
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Great comments from y’all yesterday. Thanks for sharing.
Any word on young mama’s appt.?
Paperwork fild. She now has to obtain current records and documents to add to the file. Baby step n the right direction. Praytht she has wisdom and favor with the various agencies to quickly get them
Amen
I smiled as I read the devotional, as I was reminded of another of those times when I was being stubborn, arguing with God,and not doing as I was being asked to do!
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Stubborn!
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One super sunny day, my grand and I were walking the dog when another dog, off the lead, started causing her distress. As we were by a pub, I asked those sitting outside whether the little dog that was about to get eaten belonged to any of them, heads were shook.
At this point my dog was getting so distressed she wriggles free from her collar and was about to pounce on the little nuisance dog. I dove at mine as I shout her name with authority, thank goodness she listen and stopped in her tracks..
At this point a couple came out of the pub shouting, asking who is making all that noise, I’m sorry but some choice words left my mouth as I lay there on the ground still holding my dogs back legs! I was mad! So mad!!
I walked away from that situation with my grand, apologising to him as we walked back…
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BUT GOD..
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He kept nudging me to go back and apologise, and I, pigheaded me, kept saying, I would not, as I felt I was not in the wrong!
This went on for days, until, like the persistent old lady in the New testament, I give in, but only on my terms, ” You better be with me God..”
Listen to me, giving The Almighty God instructions.. ahh, the goodness, grace and heart of God..
I arrive at the pub, ask for the landlord and his wife, only to be told, you guessed it, they had gone on holiday!
That little (large) exercise, had been a lesson in doing as you are asked abd obiedience!
Unlike Ezikiel, I did NOT submit to God’s plans. I had to learn the hard way, that in my every moment God is present! The good, the bad, the ugly! But He is also in the good!
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I love to tell this story, because for me, the lesson learnt here meant that I listen more, and I am more open to God’s call to obiedience than I was.. I see Him move, I see His grace, I see His faithfulness to the faithful.. And sometimes, the faith-less, we just have to be open..
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He is at work.., always.
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AMEN.
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Happiest of Thursdays, Dear hearts!
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Much love and prayers,
Tina.❤️❤️❤️
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❤ “I see Him move, I see His grace, I see His faithfulness to the faithful.. And sometimes, the faith-less, we just have to be open.” Great lesson, Tina! Thank you!
I remember this story! Because at the same time I had been snarky to a neighbor and felt the urge that I had to apologize for my words, even though I felt justified. They did not want to hear it, in fact would not roll down the window of their car for a long time! lol. But I stood there anyway, until finally I was able to say sorry for my “outspokeness!”
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Yes, Tina.
Stubbornness befalls us all.
But we get back up again.