September 06, 2022
“So when it comes to pass--as surely it will--then they will know that a prophet has been in their midst.” (Ezekiel 33:31)
God is in a constant dialogue with His people and with nations. There is rarely a time of silence. It is because He loves His creation and consistently gives them the opportunity to hear the truth.
The prophet Ezekiel spoke the heart of God to those in his day.
“Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?’ (Ezekiel 33:11)
In His love for us, God has sent prophets to tell us when we are astray and to warn us of what will happen if we do not repent and return. It is simply the spiritual law of cause and effect.
EZEKIEL’S CALL
God told Ezekiel that if a watchmen failed to tell people of impending judgment, that it was on his head for his failure. But if he warned them and they refused to take action, they were responsible for their negligence. And then He spoke of the prophet’s role.
“Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me.” (Ezekiel 33:7)
Don’t despise those who are raised among us now who are true prophets. Who see ahead and understand the times and the ways of God. Who warns us of impending judgment if we will not repent. There are false prophets, to be sure, but there are other men of God who are mightily used to call us back to the Father. We must have the wisdom to listen and respond, regardless of what others do.
And let the men compelled by God to speak raise their voices. Let it not be said that the prophets hid and did not do their job. Hopefully, it will be so clearly seen in our day that people will “know that a prophet has been in their midst.”
Father, give me the wisdom to listen and respond to those who rightly proclaim the Word of God in our day. And give me the courage, as You desire, to speak the truth to others, however strong.
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