Listening to the Word

Ezekiel 15-16; Psalms 70; Revelation 6   “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’” Revelation 6:9, 10 Why are the martyrs seen under the altar? They have offered their lives as living sacrifices to God, and the blood of their sacrifice of service, obedience, and faithfulness to Jesus is precious to the Lord. Living on mission with Jesus the Lamb of God, was more valuable to them than their lives. Their value of the gospel, the Word of God, cost them their lives. What would we value enough to give our lives for? The gospel is not just a message we receive with gratitude, it is an example we follow and the most valuable thing we give our lives to. Wherever the gospel is received as a model to follow and not just a message to hea...

Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5   “The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the Lord!’ ...Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The Lord declares…because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash...’” Ezekiel 13:1, 2, 6, 10 It is a significant responsibility to declare the Word of the Lord! To speak words in God’s name that he has not sanctioned is to misrepresent God. Ezekiel was called by God to confront the false prophets who were using God’s word like “whitewash” to cover the idolatry and sin of the Israelites. They proclaimed peace when God had pronounced judgment on Israel for their rebellion. The prophet Isaiah predicted a suffering servant would atone for the sins of God’s people (Isaiah 53). He would be the “lamb who was slain” and with his blood “purchased men [people] for God from every trib...

Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4   “He said to me, ‘Have you seen this, son of man? Is it a trivial matter for the house of Judah to do the detestable things they are doing here? Must they also fill the land with violence and continually provoke me to anger?’ ...He answered me, ‘The sin of the people of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great; the land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of injustice…’” Ezekiel 8:17; 9:9 Ezekiel was grieved by the things that grieved God’s heart. As he prayed for his people, God took him back to Jerusalem in a vision and showed him the idolatry, violence, and injustice which had polluted the land.   While we can have strong feelings about polluting the physical environment, how do we feel about the polluting influence of sin in our land? Much entertainment today glorifies violence. This generation is being shaped by the casual taking of human life. In North America, multiple casual shootings are being experienced daily. The injustice of wealth d...

Ezekiel 4-7; Revelation 3 “’I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.’” Revelation 3:18 When getting advice from an investment counselor, we might be asked if we want short term or long term returns on our investment. Jesus counsels us to invest in eternal returns.   If we are to buy gold, white clothes, and salve from Jesus, what currency do we use? All of these eternal qualities require the humble surrender of our will to Jesus. Our faith is of greater worth than gold, and like gold is refined, tested, and strengthened. Without faith, we cannot please God. By listening to the Word like Abraham, and obeying, we, too, will become rich in faith. It is Jesus who offers us his white clothing of righteousness and right-standing with God. Our self-righteousness, including religious posturing, is like filthy rags. It is hardest to unders...

Ezekiel 1-3; Revelation 2   “’But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.’” Ezekiel 2:8 “’He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.’” Revelation 2:7, 12 How do we listen to the Word in such a way that it transforms us? God’s Word to Ezekiel was to open his mouth and eat the word the Lord gave him as symbolized by a scroll. Are our mouths open in anticipation that God’s Word will feed us? To eat the Word is to chew it, swallow it, and digest it. We find nutrients in God’s Word that strengthen us and build us up in our faith. God speaks to individuals and to churches. His Word is not only food, but also symbolized a sword which comes out of the mouth of the Lord. This sword cuts to our lives dividing soul and spirit, judging the thoughts and intents of our heart. Will we invite the Lord’s discipline, rebuk...

Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalms 143, 144   “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you…” Psalm 143:8 “I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the Island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus…and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword…” Revelation 1:9, 16 Jesus’ word is a sharp, double-edged sword which came out of his mouth. David put his trust in that sword and submitted his life to the authority of God’s Word. John trusted in that Word and boldly gave witness to the power and resurrection-life found in Jesus. By submitting to that double-edged sword, John was exiled to the Island of Patmos. It is an incredible privilege to listen to the Word, obey it, and share it with others. However, this Word is a sword and it will pierce and cut our lives, even as we call others to know and follow Jesus, the Living Word of God. Have we s...