What does "pay attention to everything I show you" teach about divine instruction? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 40:4: “Then the man said to me, ‘Son of man, look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I show you. For that is why you were brought here: that you may tell the house of Israel everything you see.’ ” Key Phrase Examined “Pay attention to everything I show you” underscores God’s expectation that revelation is to be: • fully observed • carefully heard • faithfully transmitted What We Learn About Divine Instruction • Divine instruction is intentional – God brings Ezekiel to a specific place for a specific purpose. • Divine instruction is comprehensive – “Everything” leaves no room for selective obedience. • Divine instruction requires all faculties – Eyes (seeing), ears (hearing), mind/heart (understanding). • Divine instruction carries responsibility – Ezekiel must relay the vision to Israel; truth received becomes truth shared. • Divine instruction is non-negotiable – The imperative “pay attention” signals urgency and authority. Supporting Scriptures • Deuteronomy 4:1 – “Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live…” • Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” • Isaiah 48:17 – “I am the LORD your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” • John 14:26 – “The Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Practical Takeaways Today • Approach Scripture expecting God to speak deliberately. • Engage eyes, ears, and mind—read, listen, meditate. • Refuse partial obedience; embrace the whole counsel of God. • Share revealed truth with others; revelation is stewardship. • Cultivate alertness; divine instruction comes with authority and purpose. |
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