Ezekiel had to speak for God in the worst of times. Now it’s one thing to speak about God when times are good. When the land is abundant and the income and good times are constant. It’s quite another task to speak on behalf of the living God when you’re far from home and you and your people have no idea if you’ll ever see home again. Ezekiel had a tough road to walk.
Israel is in a state of utter ruin and feelings of abandonment are crowding in. Any smiles that used to spread across their faces have long since disappeared. The crow’s feet at the corners of their eyes have left the nest. All is replaced with tears of doubt and confusion. Israel feels the sting of defeat and the heartless beat of despair. Babylon reigns supreme and they are in exile in a foreign land. To make matters worse… the whole depressing reality can only be chalked up to their own sin and wickedness. They’ve got no one to blame but themselves. Sounds like the perfect recipe for walking away from God, doesn’t it? Well, I think that could have easily become the case if it hadn’t been for Ezekiel.
(Take some time to read: Ezekiel chs. 1-7; 36-37)
Ezekiel had to eat God’s words. Ezekiel had to see and hear God’s visions. This isn’t always the case. Nevertheless, when times are really tough sometimes God takes the extra steps to make sure we hear and see His loving purpose that’s still at work. It’s a good reminder to never allow our thoughts about our circumstances to dictate. Even when things look dire God can still be moving heaven and earth to accomplish what needs accomplishing.
Many abandon God in droves when times get tough. Difficulties have always tended to thin the ranks of those who say they are committed to the Lord versus those whose hearts are steadfast in the faith. Ezekiel stood in his faith during dark days. Even if it was more of a propped-up posture, still he stood and allowed his voice to give the ceaseless clarion call that the God of Israel can take even a valley of dry bones and make them live again.
If that kind of message doesn’t bring a smile to your face… then I don’t know what ever will.
Personal and/or small group questions:
What’s your current exile… your present moment Babylon? If it’s the result of your own sin… how does this reality compound the weight of your difficulty?
Do you agree that God can still be at work even when things seem at their darkest? Name a time when you’ve seen this happen.
Why is it important to stand fast in the faith especially in the tough times? How does this enable our trust in God to grow?
In what way is God speaking into your current reality? How do you draw close to Him to hear His words and receive His comfort?
Scripture Memory Verse: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2, NLT).
