How can Ezekiel 20:3 guide us in seeking God's will today? Setting the Scene in Ezekiel 20:3 “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and tell them: ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: Have you come to consult Me? As surely as I live, I will not let you consult Me,’ declares the Lord GOD.” (Ezekiel 20:3) What Went Wrong for the Elders of Israel? • Separation caused by sin: their ongoing idolatry (vv. 4–12) placed a barrier between them and God (Isaiah 59:1–2). • Empty religiosity: they appeared pious, yet their hearts remained unchanged (Matthew 15:8). • Presumption: they assumed God would speak while refusing to repent (Psalm 66:18). Timeless Principles for Seeking God’s Will • Genuine repentance precedes guidance—turn away from known sin before asking for direction (Acts 3:19). • Sincerity matters more than ceremony—God reads motives, not just actions (1 Samuel 16:7). • Obedience opens the channel—He speaks most clearly to those ready to act on what He says (John 7:17). • God’s silence can be a mercy—inviting self-examination rather than endorsing half-hearted inquiry (Lamentations 3:40). Practical Steps to Align Our Hearts 1. Examine: invite the Spirit to search you (Psalm 139:23–24). 2. Confess: agree with God about every revealed sin (1 John 1:9). 3. Forsake: discard idols—anything treasured above Him (Ezekiel 20:7). 4. Seek: pursue God Himself, not merely answers (Jeremiah 29:13). 5. Listen: open Scripture daily; His voice is consistent with His Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). 6. Act: obey the light already given; further light follows faithfulness (Proverbs 3:5–6). 7. Wait: trust His timing; delay is not denial (Psalm 27:14). Promises for the Obedient Seeker • “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • “This is the confidence we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14) Living It Out This Week • Set aside a specific time to let God spotlight areas needing repentance. • Replace one distraction that competes for your heart’s loyalty with intentional Scripture meditation. • Practice immediate obedience in one clear area where God has already spoken. • Journal any sensed guidance, measuring it against the Bible to ensure alignment. |
    |