God speaks to Ezekiel

EZEKIEL   CHAPTER TWO

When the glory of the Lord appeared to him, Ezekiel heard a voice say, " Stand up, son of man, I want to speak with you now." The Spirit came into Ezekiel as he spoke, and he set him on his feet. Ezekiel listened carefully to his words. "Son of man," the Lord said, "  I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a nation that is rebelling against me. Ther ancestors have rebelled against me from the beginning, and they are still in revolt to this very day. They are a hard-hearted and stubborn people. But I am sending you to say to them, "This what the Sovereign Lord says! And whether they listen or not - for remember they are rebels-at least they will know they have had a prophet among them."

The Lord continued, "Son of man, do not fear them. Don't be afraid even though their threats are sharp as thorns and barbed like briers, and they sting like scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls. For remember, they are rebels! You must give them my message whether they listen or not. But they won't listen, for they are completely rebellious!. Son of man listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in being a rebel. Open your mouth and eat what I give you."

Then Ezekiel looked and saw a hand reaching out to him and it held a scroll. He unrolled it and saw that both sides  were covered with funeral songs, other words of sorrow and pronouncements  of doom.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Ancient scrolls were usually one page, up to 30 feet long and rolled from both ends. They normally had writing on one side only. But in this case, the writing  overflowed, showing the full measure of judgment about to descend on Judah.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? God called the people hard-hearted and stubborn because they refused to admit their sin. Even when God pointed out their wrongdoing, the people ignored the truth. Is God pointing at some sin in your life? Don't be stubborn, go obey him and you will be ready for God's final review.
Can you imagine being Ezekiel and experiencing the scene he saw. How delightful and yet scarry at the same time. You can imagine that he did not understand most of what he saw. But he was a willing servant and open to be faithful to what we know is true and right.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:


HEALTH:

Pray for my grandson, new baby Gunar who was born with kidney problems.

Pray for Gabe.

Pray for Gary and Steve my insurance men who have prostate cancer.

Pray for Arlene’s nephew David and for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life.

Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer and who recently underwent major surgery.

Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with a form of MS.

Pray for Robert Sargent who is quite ill with lung cancer.

Pray for Gary Summers, my friend from church, who has cancer.

Pray too for Charly’s husband Robert who has been undergoing chemo. Pray also for Charly who longs to be 100 percent again and walk without an aid.

Pray for James’s sister Cynthia whose chemo has lost its effect as the cancer grows powerful.

SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary

RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John

LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian

SUPPORT: Pray for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom. Pray for our farmers and those who raise livestock during this terrible drought. Pray for us consumers who will face higher grocery prices and the poor who won’t be able to adjust what little budget they have.