The daily devotion from D.A. Carson has been a huge help to me this year. The devotional is entitled “For the Love of God”. It has been edifying to wake up each morning to see this devotional message on my phone.
The most helpful series has been on Job earlier in the year, where I learned the furious love of God. Also helpful has been the new series on Ezekiel. Today I share some of Ezekiel and a few quotes from the devotion that have impacted me. And I recall some wise words from a friend yet again.
Ezekiel 3:1-3
3 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. 3 And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.
Ezekiel 3:7-9
7 But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to me: because all the house of Israel have a hard forehead and a stubborn heart. 8 Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads.9 Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.”
A Challenge
“This chapter contains a call to utter warnings and to be careful (Ezek. 3:16-27). The theme of the watchman (Ezek. 3:16-21) recurs in the book (chap. 33), and can be explored later. But in the closing verses Ezekiel is forbidden to say anything—courtesies, greetings, political speeches, whatever—except for what God gives him to say. This state of affairs endures until the fall of Jerusalem, about six years away (Ezek. 33:21-22), when his tongue is loosed. This restriction adds weight to the times he does speak. It is also a challenge to everyone who speaks for God. All of our talk and our silences should be so calibrated that when we convey God’s words our credibility is enhanced and not diminished.