How can we apply Ezekiel's obedience in our faith journey today? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 12:17: “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” God interrupts Ezekiel’s day with a direct command, calling him to live out a prophetic sign before a watching nation. Ezekiel responds without hesitation—no debate, no delay. His simple “yes” echoes through the entire chapter. Observing Ezekiel’s Obedience • Immediate response—he acts as soon as God speaks (v. 18-20). • Willing to look odd—eating bread while trembling, drinking water while shaking, to illustrate judgment. • Persistent faithfulness—Ezekiel has already performed several unusual signs (4:1-17; 5:1-4) and keeps obeying. • Complete submission—he does not edit or soften God’s message. Timeless Principles We Can Live By • God still speaks through His written Word, and every command carries authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Obedience often begins before full understanding; insight follows action (John 7:17). • Our lives preach louder than our lips—visible obedience authenticates our testimony (Matthew 5:16). • Faithfulness in the small or strange assignments prepares us for larger ones (Luke 16:10). Putting Obedience into Practice Today 1. Start with the next clear command in Scripture. – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). 2. Accept the cost of being different. – “Do not be conformed to this age” (Romans 12:2). 3. Act promptly, trusting God for outcomes. – “Noah did everything that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). 4. Let actions match confession. – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). 5. Remember obedience honors God more than ritual. – “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Following Ezekiel’s pattern, believers today live out Scripture plainly and publicly, confident that God uses wholehearted obedience to speak powerfully to a watching world. |
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