How should Ezekiel 3:7 influence our approach to sharing the Gospel? The Verse at a Glance “ But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, because they are not willing to listen to Me; for the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted.” (Ezekiel 3:7) What Ezekiel Faced Mirrors Our Mission • God sent Ezekiel with a true, urgent message, fully knowing most listeners would reject it. • The people’s refusal was rooted in their refusal of God Himself. • God still commanded Ezekiel to speak (Ezekiel 3:4–11); silence was not an option. Key Lessons for Gospel Witness • Expect Resistance – Jesus prepared us: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18). – Opposition does not prove failure; it often confirms faithfulness. • Obedience Over Outcomes – Ezekiel’s job: deliver the word, not guarantee results (Ezekiel 3:17–19). – Likewise, “it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Speak With God’s Authority, Not Our Own – People reject us mainly because they reject Him (Luke 10:16). – Confidence rests in the Spirit-breathed power of Scripture (Hebrews 4:12). • Compassion for Hard Hearts – Hardness is spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4). – We respond with patience and gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24–26), remembering we once needed new hearts too (Ezekiel 36:26). Practical Steps Forward 1. Pray first. Ask God to soften hearts and open eyes (Acts 16:14). 2. Present the Gospel plainly—Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). 3. Share Scripture; let God’s Word confront and comfort (Isaiah 55:11). 4. Anticipate pushback without personal offense. Stand firm, stay gracious (Colossians 4:5–6). 5. Leave results to God. Some will scoff; some will heed. Our task remains (Matthew 13:3–9). Hope Beyond Hard Hearts • God delights to replace stone hearts with flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). • Even a single receptive soul is priceless (Luke 15:7). Closing Encouragement Ezekiel 3:7 reminds us that resistance is normal, obedience is essential, and God alone transforms hearts. Keep speaking, keep loving, keep trusting the unfailing power of the Gospel. |
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