How can we apply the obedience of Ezekiel to our spiritual journey today? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 2:9 “Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll.” Ezekiel’s obedience begins the moment he notices God’s hand and receives what God is offering. His quick response becomes a pattern we can imitate. Ezekiel’s Immediate Obedience: What We Notice • He looks—eyes fixed on God’s initiative. • He recognizes the hand—discerns God’s presence in the moment. • He accepts the scroll—submits before he even knows all its contents. • He positions himself for the next command—ready for action, not debate. Principle 1: Receive the Word as It Is • 1 Thessalonians 2:13: “You accepted it not as the word of men, but as what it truly is, the word of God…” • James 1:21 calls us to “humbly accept the word planted in you.” Application: – Approach Scripture each day expecting divine instruction, not mere inspiration. – When the text confronts preferences or culture, choose Scripture’s authority. – Keep a journal titled “Received Today” to note commands or truths to obey immediately. Principle 2: Let the Word Shape Your Identity • Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” • Romans 12:2 reminds us to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Application: – Memorize a verse each week; speak it aloud when tempted to think or act otherwise. – Replace negative self-talk with what the scroll says about you in Christ (e.g., John 1:12; 1 Peter 2:9). – Evaluate media intake—does it reinforce or resist the truths you’re hiding in your heart? Principle 3: Speak Even When It’s Hard • Ezekiel 3:10-11: “…speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says’—whether they listen or refuse to listen.” • Acts 4:20: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Application: – Share a verse God impressed on you with one person today. – Practice gracious truth-telling: combine conviction with compassion (Ephesians 4:15). – Remember results belong to God; obedience belongs to you. Promises That Sustain Obedience • Ezekiel 2:6-7: “Do not be afraid of them or their words… whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are a rebellious house.” • Joshua 1:9: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Takeaway: God’s presence and approval outweigh human response. Fear fades when we fix our eyes on the One who sends the scroll. Walking It Out This Week 1. Read Ezekiel 2–3 aloud; pause when a command surfaces and write “I will…” statements. 2. Set a phone reminder titled “Look for the Hand” at midday to refocus on God’s initiatives. 3. Before bedtime, review how you obeyed; repent quickly where delay or resistance surfaced. 4. Encourage a friend with one insight from your obedience journey; mutual accountability strengthens resolve. Closing Encouragement Ezekiel teaches that obedience starts with a glance toward God’s outstretched hand and continues with steady steps empowered by His Word. Each time we say yes to the scroll, our spiritual journey advances, our witness deepens, and our joy grows secure in the One who still reaches out today. |
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