Good morning -
Knowledge requires responsibility. If I've just been informed by my doctor that I have a serious medical condition, then I need to act on that knowledge and pursue a course of treatment.
Knowledge of God's word requires a responsible response. The phrase, "observe to do" (Deuteronomy 5:32) implies that we read in order to heed. To fail to do what God's word says is the ultimate self-deception (James 1:22).
Ezekiel was an authentic prophet with an inspired word from the Lord. His reputation as a prophet was without dispute among the Jewish people, but that reputation did nothing to guarantee the necessary response to God's word through him. The train of judgment was racing full speed down the track toward the unresponsive people of God.
Notice God's words to Ezekiel:
"But as for you, son of man, your fellow citizens who talk about you by the walls and in the doorways of the houses, speak to one another, each to his brother, saying, ' Come now and hear what the message is which comes forth from the LORD.' "They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain. Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. So when it comes to pass--as surely it will--then they will know that a prophet has been in their midst." (Ezekiel 33:30-33)
Ezekiel was a household topic of conversation, and the people "came to church" to hear him preach God's word, but his message was disregarded because of sinful practices that took precedent. God's message was merely a pleasant-sounding song that was enjoyable to listen to but nothing more.
As a pastor I've heard, "Good message, pastor", more times than I can count, and I'm certain that most such comments were genuine. But I've often been tempted to respond, "why was it a good message?" The true test of a "good" message is not how well it sounded but what gets done with it in response. God's word always requires responsible response.
The times when Bible study mean the least are the times when I read without an eagerness to do what it says. To read without a desire to heed is to relegate the Living Word to the realm of empty philosophy. Real joy and life come from a zealous desire to "observe to do" (Deuteronomy 5:32).
May the Living Word direct your life and steps today.
Pastor Steve
Knowledge requires responsibility. If I've just been informed by my doctor that I have a serious medical condition, then I need to act on that knowledge and pursue a course of treatment.
Knowledge of God's word requires a responsible response. The phrase, "observe to do" (Deuteronomy 5:32) implies that we read in order to heed. To fail to do what God's word says is the ultimate self-deception (James 1:22).
Ezekiel was an authentic prophet with an inspired word from the Lord. His reputation as a prophet was without dispute among the Jewish people, but that reputation did nothing to guarantee the necessary response to God's word through him. The train of judgment was racing full speed down the track toward the unresponsive people of God.
Notice God's words to Ezekiel:
"But as for you, son of man, your fellow citizens who talk about you by the walls and in the doorways of the houses, speak to one another, each to his brother, saying, ' Come now and hear what the message is which comes forth from the LORD.' "They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain. Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. So when it comes to pass--as surely it will--then they will know that a prophet has been in their midst." (Ezekiel 33:30-33)
Ezekiel was a household topic of conversation, and the people "came to church" to hear him preach God's word, but his message was disregarded because of sinful practices that took precedent. God's message was merely a pleasant-sounding song that was enjoyable to listen to but nothing more.
As a pastor I've heard, "Good message, pastor", more times than I can count, and I'm certain that most such comments were genuine. But I've often been tempted to respond, "why was it a good message?" The true test of a "good" message is not how well it sounded but what gets done with it in response. God's word always requires responsible response.
The times when Bible study mean the least are the times when I read without an eagerness to do what it says. To read without a desire to heed is to relegate the Living Word to the realm of empty philosophy. Real joy and life come from a zealous desire to "observe to do" (Deuteronomy 5:32).
May the Living Word direct your life and steps today.
Pastor Steve
posted by steve @ 10:11 AM
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