Ezekiel 1-6

Today’s passage: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ezekiel%201-6&version=NASB

Ezekiel was a prophet to Judah during the time of exile. His name means strengthened by God. It certainly was an appropriate name, because Ezekiel was definitely going to need strength from God. If you thought Jeremiah had a tough job as a prophet, wait until you learn about Ezekiel. God asked him to do some pretty crazy things – almost like performance art or street theater – to illustrate to the exiles the judgment that would come upon Jerusalem. For example, Ezekiel was made mute, and God would only open his mouth to prophesy. This illustrated God’s divine interaction in using Ezekiel as His watchman and mouthpiece. God asks Ezekiel to illustrate the coming famine by eating unclean food, something a priest would find despicable. God also asks Ezekiel to shave his head in order to illustrate coming judgment and destruction through fire, or the sword, or being bound or scattered in the wind. In using the razor on his head and his face, Ezekiel, once again was asked to do something that was considered shameful for a priest. This was pretty radical stuff that would require a supernatural strength. Ezekiel’s response is one of faithful obedience, but that faithful obedience was only possible because Ezekiel was strengthened by God. Once again, we see that God equips those he sends.

We often forget who equips us for obedience. It is He who equips us to take that step of faith or to conquer that stronghold in our lives. It is He who dwells in us and gives us power to do all things. In and of ourselves we have no power, no strength, no courage to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to him. We can’t use our own weakness as an excuse for not battling the sin in our lives or for shrinking away at a chance to boldly declare His good news. He supplies the power source! Ask Him today to build a strength in you for faithful obedience. And trust in Him to guide you as you follow Him.

Todays post submitted by Kelly Coxe