How can we ensure our actions align with God's will as Ezekiel did? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 12 records one of the prophet’s vivid sign-acts. God tells him, “Dig through the wall in their sight and carry your belongings out through it” (Ezekiel 12:5). Israel had ignored the clear word of the Lord; Ezekiel’s physical actions would dramatize the coming exile and underscore the need to heed God’s voice. What We Learn from Ezekiel’s Obedience • Immediate compliance – Ezekiel doesn’t negotiate; he digs through the wall the very day he is told (v. 7). • Public testimony – He performs the act “in their sight,” making obedience visible. • Prophetic accuracy – Every motion mirrors God’s precise instructions, reinforcing that God’s word governs every detail. Steps to Align Our Actions with God’s Will 1. Listen Intently to God’s Word • Scripture is God’s revealed will. When Ezekiel heard, he acted. • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Daily reading and meditation attune our hearts to recognize God’s directives. 2. Obey Promptly and Completely • Delayed obedience is practical disobedience (cf. James 1:22). • Jesus sets the standard: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Partial obedience (doing only what feels convenient) misses God’s purpose. 3. Act Publicly When Necessary • Ezekiel’s wall-digging was seen by all; public faithfulness can stir others. • Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. • Integrity in workplace, family, and church showcases allegiance to Christ. 4. Accept the Cost of Unpopular Actions • A prophet tunneling through a wall looked odd, yet truth trumped reputation. • Paul echoes this courage: “For am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10). • Be prepared for misunderstanding whenever obedience confronts cultural norms. 5. Maintain a Constant Readiness • Ezekiel packed an exile’s bag before dawn—symbolizing preparedness. • 1 Peter 1:13 calls us to “gird up the loins of your mind”—stay spiritually alert and mobile. • Small, everyday obediences build habits that prime us for larger assignments. Connecting the Dots to Jesus • Ezekiel’s acted parable pointed to judgment; Jesus’ incarnation fulfilled and surpassed every prophetic sign by carrying our sin outside the city walls (Hebrews 13:12-13). • We align with God’s will when we take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), following the ultimate Obedient One. Practical Takeaways for Today • Keep a journal of specific commands or principles you encounter in Scripture and record concrete actions you will take. • Evaluate decisions—big and small—by asking, “Is this consistent with the plain teaching of God’s word?” • Invite trusted believers to observe and lovingly speak into your life, just as onlookers watched Ezekiel. Accountability reinforces obedience. • Celebrate each step of obedience; like Ezekiel, your faithfulness becomes a living message that God still speaks and directs His people. |
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