How can we apply Ezekiel's obedience to God's difficult commands in our lives? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 24:15–18 “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘Son of man, behold, I am about to take away from you the delight of your eyes with a fatal blow, but you are not to lament or weep or let your tears flow. …’ ” (Ezekiel 24:15-17) • Ezekiel is told that his beloved wife will die. • He must not engage in normal mourning rites—an outward sign to Israel that judgment is at hand. • Verse 18 records his response: “So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died; and the next morning I did as I had been commanded.” Observing Ezekiel’s Obedience • Immediate: He obeys “the next morning.” • Costly: The command touches the “delight of [his] eyes.” • Public: His obedience becomes a visible testimony to a rebellious nation. What Makes God’s Commands Hard Today? • They can confront our deepest affections (Luke 14:26). • They may run against cultural expectations (Romans 12:2). • They often require public identification with Christ (Matthew 10:32-33). Lessons We Can Embrace 1. Obey first, understand later. – Abraham “rose early in the morning” (Genesis 22:3). – Ezekiel “did as I had been commanded” without delay. 2. Trust the character behind the command. – “The LORD is righteous in all His ways” (Psalm 145:17). – Jesus models this trust: “Yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). 3. Accept that obedience can be a message to others. – Paul’s imprisonment “advanced the gospel” (Philippians 1:12-14). – Ezekiel’s silent grief preached louder than words. Practical Steps for Today • Start every directive from Scripture with “Yes, Lord,” not “Why, Lord?” • Keep short accounts with God; delayed obedience often becomes disobedience. • Surround yourself with believers who value obedience over comfort (Hebrews 10:24-25). • When obedience hurts, remember future grace: “Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Supporting Passages to Revisit • 1 Samuel 15:22—“To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • James 1:22—“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Encouragement for the Journey God never wastes a surrendered life. Ezekiel’s painful obedience became a living parable, and the same God still turns our costly yes into witness, blessing, and eternal reward. |
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