Monday
He said: ‘Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. Ezekiel 2:3
This could well be a description of the land and times we live in. I think that for a number of generations the general populace of Britain has turned it’s back on God and sought it own way, it own gods. This may account for some of the difficulties so many face today. But those who believe, the remnant, who follow the Lord are assured that they have a place in eternity with him. Let us pray for our nation that they would acknowledge their waywardness and return to the Lord.
Tuesday
And whether they listen or fail to listen – for they are a rebellious people – they will know that a prophet has been among them. Ezekiel 2:5
Ezekiel was sent as a prophet to the people of his time. To tell them that their rebellion against God would lead to destruction. I believe we too are called to tell those around us of what they have lost, in the way of eternal life, when they rebel against the Lord. No one should have the excuse that they did not know. For our job is to tell them. Let us pray for the courage to speak God’s truth in these troubled times.
Wednesday
And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people. Ezekiel 2:6
I think this is a really telling description of how we can feel living in our nation today. But just as God tells Ezekiel, he tells us, not to be afraid, because what those who follow Jesus believe is right and true and no matter how much the world might protest that and try to suppress it, it will always remain the truth. Let us pray that we would have courage in the face of oppression and persecution as we stand for the truth of the gospel.
Thursday
But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious people; open your mouth and eat what I give you.’ Ezekiel 2:8
It can be very tempting to listen to the world as it seeks to seduce us into its ways and draw us away from God. We are called to stand firm in our faith and not ‘conform to the ways of the world’, but rather be transformed by our knowledge of Christ and all he has done for us. Let us praise God for his mercy and grace.
Friday
Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. Ezekiel 3:3
Our verse today might seem strange but its message is simple. The Word of God is good and its message is sweet., We should hunger for it as we would food for our stomach, it might perhaps appear unappetizing at first glace but it is something good for us and pleasant for us to enjoy. Let us pray that we would be eager to consume all the scriptures offer us in teaching and wisdom. trouble hits they ask, ‘where is God’, and the answer is his is near . Let us pray that those who need God in their lives would call out to him and invite him into their lives.
Saturday
And he said to me, ‘Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. Ezekiel 3:10
In the clamour of all that is around us, all the noise that can so easily drown out the Word of God, let us listen carefully to what God says for it is always to our profit. Let us make the lessons we learn from the Bible a part of who we are, the things that define us, because in so doing we bring glory to God. Let us praise God for his love and patience towards us when we struggle to stay focused on what is truly important.
Sunday
Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a loud rumbling sound as the glory of the Lord rose from the place where it was standing. Ezekiel 3:12
As we come in worship before God, let us capture a sense of reverence and awe as we stand before the glory of God. Let us praise his holy name with a sense of belonging, because if we truly believe and follow his ways, we are his family, his children. Let us praise the God of creation for the salvation he has offered us and let us grasp it with eagerness as we worship, not only today but every day.
