Six Encouragements from Ezekiel
I hope you will make plans to join us for our SBCV Annual Homecoming, November 9-11 at First Baptist Church in Roanoke, Virginia. Join us for encouragement from the Word of God as we celebrate God’s work through His churches. I do pray you will be encouraged in the Lord! I would like to share some encouragements that blessed me recently in my quiet time with the Lord…
Six Encouragements from Ezekiel’s Call from God
1. Admit my human frailty (Ezek 2:1). God uses the designation “son of man” ninety-three times in the book to address Ezekiel. In this text, the Lord is making clear Ezekiel’s frailty and mortality. I must depend upon the Lord as I serve Him. I cannot, I ought not, try to “do ministry” in my strength.
2. My value is not in how people respond to me (Ezek 2:5). This is really hard for us, because it is so easy to become discouraged when people don’t respond to our sharing God’s Word. The Lord makes clear that we are not to measure our success by how others respond. “God’s people are called to faithfully communicate God’s Word. It is faithfulness, not success, that is the measure of our worth as His servants.”
3. Don't fear (Ezek 2:6-8). This year in my Bible reading, one of the themes I have been highlighting is “don't fear” or “fear not.” Thank You Father for Your reassuring presence and power in our lives.
4. God’s Word needs to become part of my very being (Ezek 3:1). “Only when the prophet had made God’s Word a part of his very being would he be able to share it with others. When God’s Word becomes a part of us, we are able as well to share the message.”
5. Persevere in ministry (Ezek 3:9). The Lord promised to make his forehead harder than “flint,” which “expresses determination or defiance.” Ezekiel’s strength for determination and perseverance would come from the Lord. Father, we need Your strength to persevere.
6. Remember your role (Ezek 3:16-21). A watchman’s duty in ancient times was to remain at his post, on guard for any danger that might threaten his city or homeland. He would sound the alarm. His role was limited—he could not be responsible for the reaction of those he warned. Our responsibility “to share the word of life, salvation, and forgiveness is no less awesome.” Father, help us to report for duty and to fulfill the role You have assigned to us.
[1] Lamar Eugene Cooper, Ezekiel (vol. 17; The New American Commentary; Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 74.
[2] Lawrence O. Richards, The Bible Reader’s Companion (electronic ed.; Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991), 487.
[3] Lawrence O. Richards, The Bible Reader’s Companion (electronic ed.; Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991), 487.
[4] Charles H. Dyer, “Ezekiel,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck; vol. 1; Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 11231.
[5 Lawrence O. Richards, The Bible Reader’s Companion (electronic ed.; Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991), 487.
[6] Lamar Eugene Cooper, Ezekiel (vol. 17; The New American Commentary; Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 86.