Saturday 9 March 2019

When God doesn't make sense - Lent with Ezekiel

 Image result for Ezekiel 4
God gave Ezekiel some pretty weird instructions in chapter 4. God was wanting him to use symbolism to demonstrate what was about to happen to the nation. It couldn't have made much sense to Ezekiel and it certainly seems quite strange to me. Just have a quick read of part of this chapter:

 “Now lie on your left side and place the sins of Israel on yourself. You are to bear their sins for the number of days you lie there on your side. I am requiring you to bear Israel’s sins for 390 days—one day for each year of their sin. After that, turn over and lie on your right side for 40 days—one day for each year of Judah’s sin." - Ezekiel 4:4-6

So Ezekiel had to lie on his left side for 390 days and his right side for 40 days. That is a lot of discomfort for the poor priest. I am not sure I would last more than 1 day, let alone 430 in total. Yet the remarkable thing about this incident is how Ezekiel obeys the Lords instructions even when they don't make sense to him.

The question is then put to us - how willing are we to obey the Lord's direction even when it doesn't make much sense to us? Do we only walk in obedience if we 'LIKE' God's suggestions, or are we willing to trust in God's high purpose and plans?

As we cast an eye into Holy Week, we think of how the disciples reacted to the news that the 'Son of Man must die and then be raised on the third day.' It made no sense to them whatsoever, yet in the end they saw the unfolding of God's plan.

Thought: Are you willing to trust in the wisdom of God's plans, even if you can't understand them completely?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

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