What does Ezekiel 46:7 reveal about God's expectations for worship and obedience? Verse in Focus “He must provide a grain offering of an ephah with the bull, an ephah with the ram, and with the lambs as much grain as he can afford, together with a hin of oil for every ephah.” (Ezekiel 46:7) Setting the Scene • Ezekiel 40–48 describes the future temple, detailing how worship will be conducted. • The “prince” (46:2, 8) represents civil leadership bringing offerings on behalf of the people. • God Himself specifies not only the animals but also exact grain‐and‐oil measurements. What God’s Pattern Reveals • Orderly worship: fixed portions for bull and ram (“an ephah”) show that worship is never left to human whim (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Wholehearted worship: the prince may give “as much grain as he can afford” with the lambs—an open door for generosity beyond the minimum (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Quality matters: oil accompanies each ephah; fragrance and richness symbolize devotion that costs something (Leviticus 2:1–2). • Leadership responsibility: those in authority must model obedience and sacrifice (2 Chronicles 29:20–24). God Expects Both Precision and Freedom 1. Precision: • Specific weights (ephah, hin). • Specific animals (bull, ram, lambs). • Echoes earlier commands (Leviticus 23:37–38). 2. Freedom: • “As much grain as he can afford” invites voluntary overflow (Exodus 35:29). • True worship involves the heart, not mere compliance (Isaiah 1:11–17). Obedience in the Details • Small instructions test faithfulness—“the one who is faithful with very little” (Luke 16:10). • Neglecting God’s set pattern leads to judgment (1 Samuel 13:8–14; Leviticus 10:1–3). • Joyful obedience unites reverence and delight (Psalm 100:2). Heart-Level Generosity • God supplies the means, then asks for a proportionate response (Deuteronomy 16:17). • Generosity is measured not merely by amount but by willingness (Mark 12:41–44). • Worship that costs nothing is empty (2 Samuel 24:24). Practical Takeaways for Today • Plan your worship: purposeful preparation honors God’s order. • Obey the clear commands of Scripture, even when they appear minute. • Go beyond the minimum: cultivate a spirit that looks for ways to give more—time, resources, praise. • Leaders, set the pace: your devotion shapes others’ view of God. |
    |