Happy New Year, 2021 !
This morning I flipped over those devotional spirals to a new month, indicating a new year today, January 1. And I just got used to writing 2020 then it is gone so quickly. (Of course it seemed to drag by this summer when we were limited to where we could go due to the pandemic.)
So here are a few thoughts I am reading today:
- What are your thoughts as you look back over the last year? Was it a year of heartache and loss, tragedy and sorrow? Or happiness and joy, success and achievement? Do you close the book on this year with regret, or with relief? No matter what your answer is, I hope you will pause and prayerfully ask yourself: How do you think God looks on this past year in your life? Did it bring you any closer to Him? What lessons will you take from last year into the new one? What did God teach you? (Billy Graham) But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
- An old year has completed its course. A new year is smiling at us with 12 months of the unknown. An entire ocean of possibilities stretch out across the uncharted waters. Breaking out of old, tired routines is one of the secrets of staying young and energetic. (Charles Swindoll) From everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear Him. (Psalm 103:17)
- Jesus has a wonderful way of restoring us when we fail Him! He does not humiliate us nor criticize us. He doesn't ask us to make a resolution to try harder. Rather, He takes us aside and asks us to reaffirm our love for Him. If you truly love Jesus, your service for Him in the new year will be of the quality that He desires. (Blackaby) Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these? (John 21:15)
- Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to the old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.
As we evaluate our spiritual journey in last year, may we stay close to Jesus this year. May we love and obey Him more, listen to Him more attentively, and surrender to a renewing of our mind. May we live to serve Jesus more and love others as our self.
May you look forward to the year ahead with confidence in God-He loves you more than you can imagine, and cheers you on to fulfill His purpose for you. (Day Spring)
There are the challenges that I face after reading the writings of other great spiritual followers of Jesus. May you find peace and joy and blessings this year. Let it start today.
In His Love,
Linda
O. T. #1851 "Faithful in Our Job"
Dec. 31, 2020
Ezekiel 2
LET IT GLOW
Do you like your job? Are you serving God with your work? Are you afraid to share the Gospel? Read on friend.
Like a whirlwind, God's judgment came upon Judah in the form of the Babylonian army. The land, Temple, and some people were wiped out. Some people died of a plague, some from the famine while Jerusalem was surrounded by the enemy, and yet some were taken as exiles to Babylon. Ezekiel and Daniel were a part of the latter group. It was 7 years after they were taken captive that Jerusalem and the Temple were burned down.
In his vision, which God gave to Ezekiel, he saw four living creatures around a chariot of fire. These revealed Christ as our King, His servanthood, humanity, and deity, as the Gospels do. What a tremendous vision of the glory of God in His holiness. As the wheels on the chariot moved, we realize God is always moving upon the earth, showing Himself to those who seek Him.
In this chapter, we read of the calling of Ezekiel to be a prophet of God, a spokesman to those captives. We saw his humble heart as he fell upon his face before a holy God in the vision. What a calling by God was upon this young man, probably around 30 years of age and serving in the priesthood.
How is Ezekiel addressed in verse 1? He is called Son of man. In contrast to the majesty of God, Ezekiel was merely a mortal man. This title is used 100 times in this book. Ezekiel and Daniel were the only two men given this title. Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of Man some 86 times in the New Testament. It speaks of the rejections, humiliation, and exaltation of Jesus.
What was the job assigned (calling) to Ezekiel by the Spirit of God?
- He was sent to the children of Israel, a rebellious nation; it refers to a Gentile; heathen; people. God does not usually refer to His chosen people in this way, but they had sunk this low, to the level of the heathen people around them. (verse 3)
- He was to speak God's Words to an impudent (anger) and stiffhearted (strong; violent; hard) children. They were angry and violent people. (verse 4)
- Whether they hear Ezekiel or don't listen to him, even disagree with him, they shall know there was a prophet among them. they were without excuse. (verse 5)
Talk about a difficult job that lay ahead of Ezekiel. God lays it on the line, doesn't He. It is revealed to him at the beginning that the message would not be received well, nor heeded. When we take a stand of God and His Word, sometimes it is not received well. Jeremiah and Isaiah found that out, for sure. We are not able to do the job the Lord has given us in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord Jesus.
LET IT GROW
Apparently Ezekiel was going to be in danger because he gave the messages God had for His people. In verse 6, what does God tell Ezekiel?
- Do not be afraid or discouraged. He was told this 3 times. We can lay aside our fears of rejection or ridicule when the Holy Spirit is directing our words.
- Don't be afraid of their words. God gives us strength to carry on His work.
- Even when their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions, don't be afraid.
- Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels.
- You must give them messages whether they listen or not.
- Don't join them in their rebellion.
- Open your mouth and eat what God gives you.
Judah would reject God's Words like sticking thorns and stinging scorpions. Although Ezekiel did not literally eat it, it spiritually became his inward passion. How committed are we to sharing God's Word?
LET IT GO
Be faithful in whatever job God has us doing.
Do our best to honor Him as we work.
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