How can we "be prepared" as instructed in Ezekiel 38:7 in our lives? The Call to Readiness “ ‘Be prepared and prepare yourself, you and all your companies gathered around you; you will be their guard.’ ” (Ezekiel 38:7) Why This Charge Still Matters • Ezekiel’s prophecy speaks of a real, future northern coalition against Israel, yet the Spirit’s exhortation to “be prepared” transcends that singular event. • God consistently calls His people—whether ancient Israel or today’s church—to vigilant readiness because He acts in history and will culminate all things in Christ (Revelation 19:11-16). • Readiness honors God’s sovereignty: He reveals events ahead of time so we can align our hearts, not so we can coast along in apathy (Amos 3:7). Dimensions of Preparation 1. Doctrinal soundness • Anchor convictions in the full counsel of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Guard against deception that will intensify in the last days (Matthew 24:24). 2. Moral purity • Live holy lives as those “looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12). • Confess sin quickly; keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). 3. Relational vigilance • Maintain unity and forgiveness within the body (Ephesians 4:32). • Speak truth in love, ready to give an answer for your hope (1 Peter 3:15). 4. Missional urgency • Proclaim the gospel “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). • View every interaction as a stewardship opportunity (Colossians 4:5-6). 5. Watchfulness for Christ’s return • “Therefore you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44) • Hope fixes our eyes on the eternal, guiding daily choices (Titus 2:13). Practical Steps to Live Prepared • Set your mind: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be sober-minded” (1 Peter 1:13). Start each day by consciously submitting thoughts to Christ. • Armor up: Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Pray through each piece—truth, righteousness, readiness of the gospel, faith, salvation, the word, and prayer. • Cultivate watchful prayer: Reserve focused time to intercede for Israel, the church, and the lost (Psalm 122:6; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). • Feed on Scripture daily: A chapter plan or audio Bible during commute keeps the sword sharp (Hebrews 4:12). • Fast from distraction: Regularly unplug from media that dulls spiritual senses (Luke 21:34-36). • Serve purposefully: Join or start a ministry that meets tangible needs while sharing Christ. Service keeps hearts alert (Matthew 25:34-40). • Practice hospitality: Open homes to believers and seekers; readiness flourishes in community (Romans 12:13). • Review prophecy: Study passages like Ezekiel 38–39, Daniel 7–12, Zechariah 12–14, Matthew 24, 1 Thessalonians 4-5, Revelation 6-22. Knowing what God has revealed steadies faith. • Hold possessions loosely: Generosity counters the end-times snare of materialism (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Encourage one another: Speak often of the Lord’s coming; mutual exhortation keeps complacency at bay (Hebrews 10:24-25). Guarding Against Complacency • Spiritual drift is subtle; keep checkpoints—weekly fellowship, monthly fasting, yearly retreats. • Measure success by faithfulness, not comfort or cultural approval (Galatians 1:10). • Remember Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32). Looking back at a perishing world endangers forward obedience. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) • “Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees.” (Isaiah 35:3) • “Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) • “The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near.” (Romans 13:12) Living It Out Together God’s word in Ezekiel 38:7 is more than ancient marching orders; it is a living summons. By embracing doctrinal truth, pursuing holiness, loving boldly, and watching eagerly for Christ, we become the prepared people He desires—lights shining with confident hope as the appointed hour approaches. |
    |