For some reason I've felt led to start studying the Bible in an attempt to learn more, to dig deep, to get to know the Lord better... and so I prayed about where to start, and was led to start with Ezekiel...
I'll add my notes and thoughts as I go through, one chapter per day...
Ezekiel 2:2 - "Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me."
I find it interesting that he says "The Spirit entered me when He spoke to me..." - Because He is already in us, He often uses His words coming out of our mouths to give even US revelation. Interesting that I have been seeing that recently, that I often say things and then have to wonder where it came from, and realize the revelation it can give not only me, but others around me as well...
Also, he says "...and set me on my feet..." and I know in it's context God is preparing him, speaking to him, to go out and tell His children that they have been rebellious and to turn to Him... I just think it's interesting that He didn't let Ezekiel sit or relax, but that He had him stand on his feet, as in preparation to move... which just brings to mind that He doesn't want us to hide what He tells us and hoard it for ourselves, but to share it with others, and to GO OUT, to get up on our feet, and go spread His Word wherever we go... just interesting notes.
Also, in this one chapter, the words rebelled/rebellious combined appear 7 times in a mere 9 verses. God was truly telling Ezekiel that he was going into the thick of it with a very rebellious people. He even warns Ezekiel and tells him that it is likely that most will not listen because they are a very rebellious people. Interesting to note here that sometimes God doesn't send us in to "tend flock", to preach to those who already believe or to those who are passive, but often times it is to those who will not listen, will not heed His Word, and will perhaps condemn he who preaches.
Ezekiel 2: 6-8 - "And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious."
I think that Scripture reminds us that we go in to battle fields. We don't always get sent into quiet and passive and gentle people's lands to speak to them. But sometimes He sends us in to 'dwell among scorpions'. Perhaps that is why Ezekiel is said to be a much more straight forward prophet using harsher/more graphic language. It also lets us be aware of our surroundings... tells us that we shouldn't assume that just because we are speaking His words that they will be received in peace. It is not only possible that those hearing it will not only dislike us, but perhaps will threaten our very well being (scorpions aren't nice after all, they work to deliver a sometimes deadly sting...). Perhaps in some manner of perspective, we are called where we are at present to 'dwell among scorpions'...
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Thoughts... Just thoughts, inspirations, revelations...
About Me
- Julie
- Fountain Inn, SC, United States
- I don't have too much to say here. Mainly I'm starting this blog space so that I can keep track of some of my thoughts, revelations, and more...
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1 comment:
I've already told you this was a blessing, but I'm so excited that you have a blog now that I just had to comment here too. You know this week God definitely handed me this information through you - and I needed it.
Every time I've read over what you wrote, this popped in my head and I forgot to share the connection God made for me:
I just think it's interesting that He didn't let Ezekiel sit or relax, but that He had him stand on his feet, as in preparation to move
As you know, Ephesians 6 - the Whole Armor of God - has been my source of strength this week. When I read this - about you saying that God had Ezekiel stand on his FEET - I automatically thought "feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace".
Then I remembered what Pastor Mike said in his sermon when he taught on the Armor. He mentioned that the shoes of a Roman soldier were not just sandals - they were made with metal spikes on the bottom. Those spikes dug into the ground - making a solid foundation against attack. The attacks could come, but the solider was rooted to the ground by those shoes... and when ready to move forward, you get a picture of picking one foot up and planting it in the ground - then picking the other foot up, and planting it in the ground. It wasn't two steps forward and three steps back - these steps really MOVED them forward, and were planted in the ground once placed.
God plants us in places that may be difficult - but He gives us the tools (His Word, His Armor, He is our strength) to stay planted AND move forward - and while moving forward we are to be spreading the gospel of peace. "Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace".
The gospel of Jesus Christ, our blessed Redeemer, prepares us for the battle we will enter once we step out and start sharing it... it is the means... and the end.
Yeah... I'm loving Ezekiel. We are planted among scorpions - but our Creator/Redeemer/Spirit of Truth is right there beside us... and it is faith in His promise of protection that let's us realize the beasts at the side of the path are chained to the rocks... all we have to do is believe in His promise, and pass through - one step closer to our Almighty God!!!!!!!!!!!
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