“In their sight you shall bear them on your shoulders and carry them out at twilight; you shall cover your face, so that you cannot see the ground, for I have made you a sign to the house of Israel.” Ezekiel 12:6
The Word of God came upon Ezekiel regarding the approaching captivity of Zedekiah, king of Judah. He was faced with a tough task of convincing his fellowmen that Zedekiah, instead of being their deliverer, would very shortly be taken captive like them. One would think that it might be sufficient if the prophet had only told them the truth in God’s name.
But Ezekiel had to prepare the people for the prophecy by first giving a sign of it; to speak it to their eyes first, and then to their ears. This was because they were a group of stubborn and rebellious people who would not take heed if no deep impression was made upon them. As such, Ezekiel had to speak to them through his own life.
To make a lasting impression, Ezekiel deliberately moved his entire household during the day in front of all the people, and left the city through a hole he dug by himself. He had to carry all his possessions upon his own shoulders, and steal away at evening in their sight, with fear and trembling, covering his face as if being ashamed of being seen or known. By doing so, Ezekiel was making himself a “sign” to the people.
Ezekiel’s prophecy was a reflection of how Zedekiah, the king of Judah, and his people would be led away into captivity. They would make a vain attempt for escape, but would nevertheless end up in captivity. In the same way that Ezekiel had carried his possessions and goods upon his own shoulders, Zedekiah would do likewise. He would be made a prisoner and be carried captive into Babylon.
Ezekiel’s life speaks of ready obedience to the orders of God. As a minister of God, he was willing to go through the most difficult and inconvenient tasks. He serves as an example for us to:
(1) Obey with cheerfulness every command of God, even if it is most inconvenient;
(2) Do all we can for the saving of the souls of others;
(3) Allow ourselves to be affected by those things we desire to affect others. Your life is often a testimony and a sign for people around you. Jesus says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Jesus didn’t say you will do witnessing, but He said you will be witnesses. When others see your good works, they will glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
Jesus demonstrated the righteousness of God and His love for us when He shed His blood on Calvary’s cross. Therefore let us avail ourselves as Jesus did, to serve not ourselves, but others.
The Word of God came upon Ezekiel regarding the approaching captivity of Zedekiah, king of Judah. He was faced with a tough task of convincing his fellowmen that Zedekiah, instead of being their deliverer, would very shortly be taken captive like them. One would think that it might be sufficient if the prophet had only told them the truth in God’s name.
But Ezekiel had to prepare the people for the prophecy by first giving a sign of it; to speak it to their eyes first, and then to their ears. This was because they were a group of stubborn and rebellious people who would not take heed if no deep impression was made upon them. As such, Ezekiel had to speak to them through his own life.
To make a lasting impression, Ezekiel deliberately moved his entire household during the day in front of all the people, and left the city through a hole he dug by himself. He had to carry all his possessions upon his own shoulders, and steal away at evening in their sight, with fear and trembling, covering his face as if being ashamed of being seen or known. By doing so, Ezekiel was making himself a “sign” to the people.
Ezekiel’s prophecy was a reflection of how Zedekiah, the king of Judah, and his people would be led away into captivity. They would make a vain attempt for escape, but would nevertheless end up in captivity. In the same way that Ezekiel had carried his possessions and goods upon his own shoulders, Zedekiah would do likewise. He would be made a prisoner and be carried captive into Babylon.
Ezekiel’s life speaks of ready obedience to the orders of God. As a minister of God, he was willing to go through the most difficult and inconvenient tasks. He serves as an example for us to:
(1) Obey with cheerfulness every command of God, even if it is most inconvenient;
(2) Do all we can for the saving of the souls of others;
(3) Allow ourselves to be affected by those things we desire to affect others. Your life is often a testimony and a sign for people around you. Jesus says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Jesus didn’t say you will do witnessing, but He said you will be witnesses. When others see your good works, they will glorify your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
Jesus demonstrated the righteousness of God and His love for us when He shed His blood on Calvary’s cross. Therefore let us avail ourselves as Jesus did, to serve not ourselves, but others.
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