Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Potjie, Grief and Hope

Image result for Potjie
Stories get our attention! There is no question about it, stories have a way of striking at the core of our being. Perhaps in today's world we could argue that images or media are having the same impact, but essentially these new means of communication are just about telling a certain kind of story. 

So, our friend, Ezekiel is given some power images to share and today's illustrations are enough to stop the clock! He starts off by sharing about a cooking pot, meat and a very hot fire. It reminded me of having a Potjie (if you don't know what that is then refer to Google :) - you put all the ingredients in and wait for the food to be ready, but you need to watch the heat in case you burn the food. Read this in Ezekiel 24:1-14.

Then God asks Ezekiel to use the death of his wife as another illustration. I admit that I felt a little uncomfortable with this one, but Ezekiel was obedient to the Lord's request and the people asked him what this all meant. His reply is found in v.15-24.

The last few verses are the ones that I wanted to focus on this morning, as they point to the Messiah. This is what is recorded in Ezekiel 24 

25 Then the Lord said to me, “Son of man, on the day I take away their stronghold—their joy and glory, their heart’s desire, their dearest treasure—I will also take away their sons and daughters. 26 And on that day a survivor from Jerusalem will come to you in Babylon and tell you what has happened. 27 And when he arrives, your voice will suddenly return so you can talk to him, and you will be a symbol for these people. Then they will know that I am the Lord.”

I see this as a fulfilment of a promise, that when the Saviour arrives he will give people their voice back and they will return to the Lord. Jesus will show us that the Lord is God and draw people back to the heart of the Father.

Is this not the message of Easter?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

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