Tuesday, October 4
Whether they listen or not
Scripture: Ezekiel 1-2, Matthew 16
Ezekiel 2:6–7 But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them and do not be afraid of their words, even though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words or discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house. 7 Speak my words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.
Observation
God called Ezekiel to be a prophet to Israel and speak the Lord’s message. But God also anticipated that the Israelites would not listen and encouraged Ezekiel ahead of time to be fearless and speak up regardless of the response.
This is a theme in the Old Testament. God sent prophet after prophet to a rebellious people, continuing to appeal to them even when He knew they wouldn’t listen. It’s evidence of God’s faithful love—a relentless love that doesn’t give up but continues to pursue the rebellious.
Application
First, I want to be grateful for and enjoy the relentless love of God that pursues me even when I’m running. Thank you Lord! God’s grip on me is much tighter than my grip on Him!
Second, I want to be bold to speak the Lord’s message (not mine) to anyone to whom He sends me. I don’t want to anticipate their response and then adjust. I simply want to obediently say what He gives me.
Recently, I was watching a CBS news report on Christian nationalism. The reporter interviewed many Christians across the political spectrum, including one pastor who has grown his church by preaching an angry, right wing, political message. This pastor sneered at “cowardly pastors” who won’t say what he is saying. Then he said that his church is growing because he is saying exactly what his audience wants to hear! It made me wonder who is being cowardly? It also reminded me of these verses:
2 Timothy 4:2–4 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (Italics are mine)
Our message is the gospel. It is a Jesus message—about what God has done for us in Christ. It is a call to repentance, to turn and follow Jesus. I’m calling people to be Christians, not Republicans or Democrats. I’m calling people to follow Jesus, not Donald Trump or Joe Biden. Follow Jesus!
That’s the message I’ve been given to speak…whether anyone listens or not.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your relentless love. Help me today and every day to be a bold and fearless messenger of Your gospel.