The message to Ezekiel in chapter 12 begins with, “you are living in the midst of a rebellious house.[a] They have eyes to see, but do not see, and ears to hear, but do not hear,[b] because they are a rebellious house.” Is that not what we face today? All around us we hear the clamoring of people all shouting to say that they are the only ones who know truth. Professing to be wise, they became fools (Romans 1:22). Ezekiel was called by God to warn the people that judgement was here. Time had run out; but for the few who might believe, there was hope. He had seen Jesus sitting upon His throne in a vision and that was enough for hm to do the hard things in Life’s Darkest Hours.
People had ceased to listen to God. It had not been the first time, nor the second, but perhaps the millionth time since the creation. Lured by all the beauty and riches they had been so graciously given; they were blinded to the true riches that God held in store for them. As such they cast Him aside, like a child playing in a sandbox never realizing the ocean is just around the corner. But don’t we do the same?
So, it is in Chapter 12, God tells Ezekiel to pack his bags and move them down the street. Then he was to dig through the wall of his house to carry his things again to the street with a hood that covered his face. This was to arouse the attention of the people. To pique their curiosity enough that they would ask him. “Why?”
In Life’s Darkest Hours
Are we not in a similar situation? There is a pandemic. Tornadoes spin across the earth with devastation in their path. Wars and rumors of war rage globally. Violence fills our streets. In a time when the churches have greater opportunity to spread the gospel, who are listening? Of those who attend church, how many are there to truly worship Jesus, giving Him the glory? Or how many go merely to check off a box for the week, hoping the pastor or someone says something to tickle their fancy, making them feel better about who they are. Maybe for a moment, our fear and anger will subside.
The message that Ezekiel was to tell them once he had their attention was a bleak one. It was life’s darkest hour for them. All the extensions of time for the city of Jerusalem over. The king will be taken to Babylon. His eyes will be gouged out. Judgement now inevitable. The only ray of hope was for the few who would repent and believe.
AND US?
As we look around us, do we not also see the signs? Unless this nation repents, there is no holding off the judgement that is coming or is already here. And not only our nation, but the world. So, are we listening? Are we, in the darkest hours of life, willing to proclaim to all who will listen that Jesus is More! He is more precious than all this stuff we are holding onto in this world. Ezekiel knew that truth and therefore did all that God commanded him. His desire was that some would hear, for as many as would believe, would be saved. The remnant represented God’s grace pressing forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. And we, must be looking forward because one day Jesus will return to claim His throne.
Their Crimes Enumerated
Ezekiel was told of all their Sins
If you ever thought that God was or is unjustified in His wrath, read the atrocities as expressed in Ezekiel 13 through 19. However, as you read them, note they are the same as ours. Ezekiel lived in what would seem for him the darkest hour. Afterall, he was already in exile. What gave him strength for the journey? He knew Jesus was more wonderful and more precious. Whatever the cost to worship, Ezekiel knew Jesus is worth it. He is worthy of all honor and praise. Jesus is more righteous and glorious than we can even comprehend. Therefore, knowing He is worthy, we are willing to give our all for Him. Just to know Him. Is there any price too great to pay for the precious chance of knowing Him for eternity? Furthermore, because of that, what price is too great to pay for the salvation of one soul?
Ezekiel had to see everyone as potentially a part of the remnant. In other words, we need to begin to see everyone we meet as potential converts for Jesus as well. No one is outside of the possibility of being save. For some all we can do is pray. Yet, when the spirit calls us to speak, we speak. Ezekiel took no pleasure in condemning even those who were walking contrary to God, and neither should we be.
Special Note
How often do we forget the debt of sin He has forgiven us? At the same time, how often do we choose to criticize those around us. Should we not remember the debt of sin we are forgiven daily? And thereby pray for those whom God has placed in leadership within the church and the nation. At minimum, we need to understand that those who are in church ministry are facing daily a barrage of attacks by Satan who wants to silence them or destroy their testimony. Would you or I be able to withstand the attack they face? Or do we take the time to try to understand the pressure they might feel.
Afterall Ezekiel had been told by God that he would be responsible for the people if he failed to speak when God asked him to. I, too, at times have been guilty of this, which is why I must every moment try to be conscious of the Holy Spirits guidance. Reading and studying God’s word. Soaking it in. Like an athlete we must train.
STEPS OF TRAINING
- Diet—God’s word
- Exercise—Put to action what we have read
- Rest- Trust in His word. All that God prophesied in the Old Testament historically came true just as He said. WE can trust the same to be in the future for us.
- Pray—there never is a time He is not present, knowing where we are or what we are doing. Yet, prayer is our connection to His heart, so we might feel His presence more.
- Always striving to beat our own best score—knowing in Him we have the victory.
In the darkest hours, remember Jesus is more
Ezekiel 20, God has Ezekiel remind the Elders of how patient God has been through the ages. Repetitively, God stretched out His hands to redeem His people. And repetitively they have turned their back on Him. I urge you to read it.
Then, let us look at how He still marched forward. Then the God of this universe, the creator of all came to earth as a baby. So fragile, born to a poor family. Laid in a manger. Our King. The word of God made flesh and dwelt among us. All this so that we might have the chance to be saved.
Therefore, in our darkest hour, our strength comes from knowing Jesus is More. He is the only truth we need to know. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.[c] No one comes to the Father except through me.
Did not Jesus tell Pilate “You say that I am a king. For this reason, I was born, and for this reason I came into the world—to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to[dc] my voice.” And Pilate’s reply? 38 Pilate asked,[dd] “What is truth?” (John 18).
The answer: Jesus is truth and Jesus is more than we could ever hope for in this world.
C.S. Lewis wrote:
“It may be possible for each to think too much of his own potential glory hereafter; it is hardly possible for him to think too often or too deeply about that of his neighbor. The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor’s glory should be laid daily on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken. …
“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which,if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations
“It is in light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations — these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit. … Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
So, Therefore, in the darkest hours of life
Let us each have the longing to ask the Holy Spirit to place this burden upon our hearts as well as we go into this a New Year. Knowing Jesus is more, let us determine to proclaim this truth to the world around us.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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DISCLOSURES
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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