What lessons from Ezekiel 35:1 can guide our response to God's commands? Setting the scene Ezekiel, a prophet in exile, often receives direct revelations from God that he must deliver to Israel and to surrounding nations. Ezekiel 35 begins another such oracle. Reading the verse “Moreover, the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 35:1) Observations • The initiative is entirely with God; He speaks first. • Ezekiel recognizes and records the encounter as objective fact—“the word of the LORD” really came. • A fresh revelation (“Moreover”) implies an ongoing, living relationship between God and His servant. • Ezekiel stands ready to listen before acting; obedience starts with attentive hearing. Lessons for our response to God’s commands • Prioritize hearing God’s Word – Like Ezekiel, cultivate spaces where Scripture has our full attention (Psalm 119:97). • Acknowledge divine authority – When “the word of the LORD” comes, it carries absolute, non-negotiable weight (Isaiah 66:2b). • Maintain readiness for repeated instruction – The “moreover” reminds us God may speak again and again; yesterday’s obedience does not exempt us from today’s call (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Treat revelation as factual, not optional – Ezekiel records God’s message as historical reality; our own reception of Scripture should mirror that certainty (2 Peter 1:19-21). • Move from hearing to doing – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Accept assignments that stretch us – God’s next instruction (v. 2) commands Ezekiel to prophesy against Mount Seir—an unpopular task. Willingness must supersede comfort (Exodus 3:10-12). • Continue fellowship with the Speaker – Frequent revelation presupposes ongoing relationship. Intimacy with God fuels obedient action (John 15:14-15). Putting it into practice • Set aside daily time to read and listen to Scripture before other voices claim the day. • When a passage confronts or directs you, respond immediately—speak, act, or change course. • Keep a written record of Scriptures God impresses on your heart, as Ezekiel did, to reinforce accountability. • Revisit older commands to verify continued faithfulness; don’t assume completion unless God says so. • Encourage fellow believers by sharing how God’s Word came to you and shaped your obedience. Related scriptures |
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