It can be a fearsome thing to say what God wants us to say. It can be even more frightening when we are called to deliver a word of rebuke, admonishment or warning. When the LORD sent Ezekiel to call attention to the many sins that His people were committing, God saw fit to warn His prophet ...
And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house
Ezekiel 2:6 [NKJV]
The LORD repeats this warning several times in the book of Ezekiel, as if to reinforce the message that He knows what His prophets must endure. And even today, His prophets are subject to persecution. Fellow believers call them names and look at them like they've lost their minds. Even pastors, who should know better, will use the power of their office to silence a prophet who says what he doesn't want to hear.
Executing the office of the prophet is difficult. It requires great confidence and intestinal fortitude. It carries few rewards in this lifetime. But each of us is called to bring forth revelation. Each of us is commanded to know what God has to say and to speak it... no matter the consequences. None of us can claim to have obeyed this command perfectly. Yet, by God's grace we can repent of our failure, accept Christ's forgiveness, and then forge ahead ... with courage and conviction.
Be encouraged, Jose
No comments:
Post a Comment