There was another prophet, another voice and watchman for God, named Ezekiel. Like Jeremiah, Ezekiel also was a man who chose to obey God. A Jewish "street preacher, Ezekiel told everyone about God's judgment and salvation, and called them to repent and obey." (all passages in quotations from the Study pages on Ezekiel. NIV Bible.)
Ezekiel was told by God to illustrate God's messages by his own actions, and "some of these acts were 1) lying on his side for 390 days and eating little, 2) shaving his head and beard (unknown for Jewish men in that day) and 3) showing no sorrow at the death of his wife." All of these acts illustrated to the Jewish nation God's condemnation of His people. Yet, the people thought Ezekiel was crazy and they ignored him.
God asked a lot of His prophets. God may ask a lot of you--or me! Would we do whatever He asked of us? I wonder! What God really asks of us is to love Him, honor Him, and obey Him. And obeying Him may be the hardest of all.
Years ago, I took a Bible quiz to try and determine what my spiritual gift is. I wasn't so certain how accurate it was, yet, here I am, years later, speaking out for the Lord. Not exactly a prophet like the Old Testament Jeremiah and Ezekiel, of course, but using my words to edify my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! You are now reading my own personal account of Christ's love for the world and it's pouring out of my heart!
How could I not speak out for the One who touched my heart with His deep love, convincing me I was one of the persons whom He came to save? The Cross reminds me over and over that He died for me. My sinful nature (I've known about it since I was a child) has been paid for by the Man from Galilee! And all I need to do is remember to love Him, trust in Him, and obey Him through the Spirit of God He has placed within me!
Holy Spirit, Love Divine, thank you! Be with my friend who is reading this.
Jo in MN
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