Hard hearted - Lent reflections with Ezekiel

When Ezekiel received his call from God (Ezekiel 2), it was backed up with some clear instruction and very strong advice. God knew that his people had become very rebellious (the term 'rebellion' is mentioned 6 times), and that they were a "stubborn and hard-hearted people", but he still wanted them to hear the message.

I find it interesting that God said to Ezekiel - "You must give them my messages whether they listen or not" (v.7). Despite his deep frustration, God still wanted to give them a chance. It shows me the extent of his love for the people, and ultimately for us. Even if we don't listen to God today, he loves us enough to keep sending messages to us. It is God's longing that we would turn to him and be restored. 

Paul presents a question for us to think about:

"Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" - Romans 2:4

Prayer focus:
Lord teach me to listen to your voice and not to harden my heart. Thank you for your patience with me - may your kindness change my heart, so that I may glorify you. Amen. 

Living in Grace
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Lent insights from Ezekiel

The name Ezekiel means "God strengthens" or "The Lord is strong." It is this simple message that is the golden thread that runs through all the visions, imagery and proclamations of the 48 chapters of Ezekiel's book.

Each year I choose a book of the Bible to reflect on as part of my Lenten experience and this year I have felt drawn to Ezekiel. I don't fully know why as yet, but I intend to stick with him for the next 7 weeks and see what God has in store for me. If you are at a loose end for something to guide your prayers, thoughts and study, then I invite you to join me in thise process. You are most welcome.

In chapter one, Ezekiel shares the amazing vision God had given to him and it is from this vision that he unpacks his message for the Israelites living in Babylonian exile. What is most intriguing is that just when Ezekiel was preparing to become a priest (when you turned 30, you could become a priest - remember Jesus started his ministry when he was about 30?) he was taken captive and sent to a camp near the Kebar river, in Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1).

There is a message of hope hidden in this whole experience for Ezekiel. Although they had been taken away from their home - both their physical and spiritual homes - God was still very near to them. As we read in the 3rd verse, God's hand was upon him, even while they were in exile.

If you feel far away from 'home' today, may you remember that God is still there with you and may your hold onto the truth that 'God Strengthens' us when we need it most. When I am weak, God is still strong (to paraphrase Paul).

May your Lent journey be one of renewal, deep reflection, strength and hope.

"When I was thirty years of age, I was living with the exiles on the Kebar River. On the fifth day of the fourth month, the sky opened up and I saw visions of God. ^2-3 (It was the fifth day of the month in the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin that God’s Word came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, on the banks of the Kebar River in the country of Babylon. God’s hand came upon him that day.) - Ezekiel 1:1-3 (Message)


Living in Grace
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P.S. I am asked almost every year as to the meaning of Ash Wednesday, so if you would like to know more about why it's important for us to mark this occasion, please read this.

Insights from Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard, who lived in the twelfth century, used to often to say to the monks in his care:

"However early they might wake and rise for prayer in their chapel on a cold mid-winter morning or even in the dead of night, they would always find God awake before them, waiting for them-nay, it was he who had awakened them to seek his face."

As I got up before sunrise this morning to go for my run, I thought about this quote. God had not been sleeping while I was asleep, but rather he was already awake and present with me long before I had fully opened my eyes. David spoke about this in Psalm 121:3-5

 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand.

May the knowledge of God's constant 'alertness'  fill you with hope and peace today.

Living in Grace

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P.S. - don't forget that the 6th March 2019 is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of our 40 days of preparation for Easter. Lent is a special time to draw near to Christ.

Indelible Ink

The word "Indelible" is often used in the context of writing and means - "what has been written cannot be forgotten or erased". I guess it could also refer to tattoos and how they leave a permanent story on your body.

I had the pleasure of stumbling upon a book in the local library entitled "Indelible Ink" (by Scott Larsen) and it has an interesting take on Faith and Influence. Scott Larsen asked a number of prominent Christians to reflect on the 3 books that had influenced their Christian lives the most.

Reading the insights of these well known Christian leaders was fascinating. One of the things I realised is how God used the written word to impact the lives of every one of these people. It was as if God intentional brought a special book across their paths, so that it would bring them closer to faith.

If we had to ask ourselves a similar question, how would we respond? Has their been a influential book in your Christian experience (apart from the Bible). What was it about this book that shaped your relationship with Christ?

I suppose I can't ask you the question without answering it myself; so here are my 3 books (although it was tough to decide on just 3).

The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis
What's so Amazing about Grace, Philip Yancey
Ordering your Private World, Gordon MacDonald


Even as I list these 3 I find that there are another 10 that come to mind, but I will stick with these for today. Perhaps my list will be different tomorrow :)

Grace and Peace
Living in Grace
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Exodus 32:33 - God said to Moses, “I’ll only erase from my book those who sin against me. For right now, you go and lead the people to where I told you. Look, my Angel is going ahead of you.

Why I am afraid to be myself!

"People fail to be themselves because it is easier to be somebody else and because they can copy somebody else's success rather than risk their own failure." - Abbot Christopher Jamison

This quote is spot on in so many ways. The reason we want to be like someone else, is because we don't believe people will like the real me. We are skewed in our thinking, because we believe that the 'real me' is not good enough for the world. We assume that because someone else has got the stamp of approval, that we should just copy them and we will also be accepted. But, in doing this we deny who we are and all the gifts God has given to us.

So, all I want to say is this - "be yourself!"
God already knows your most innermost thoughts and your inner being. God has loved you from the moment of your conception and God is desperate for you to love yourself. After all, how can we expect to obey Jesus commandment if we can't love ourselves. Remember Jesus said this:

"Love your neighbour as you love yourself."

I can't fully love you, if I don't love myself.

1 Peter 3:4 -  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight

#justthinking #beyourself #beoriginal

Living in Grace
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An interesting statement to make - Hudson Taylor

 

The missionary to China, Hudson Taylor used to have a very strict policy when it came to asking for money for his mission trips and to support all the mission projects. The policy was never to ask for money. He stated, "God's work done in God's way will receive God's supply."

What do you make of this? I personally feel it is an incredible act of faith, showing that he was totally reliant on God. I guess he firmly believed that if he was called to do something for God, that the Lord would provide for him. Of course Hudson Taylor would speak about the work going on these places, but, as far as we know, he never "guilted" anyone into giving money for these mission. He relied on the Spirit to prompt people to give. That takes great faith!

Matthew 8:10 -  When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith."

Living in Grace
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Commit yourself to what?

 

Should I commit to this project or this great cause?
Should I put my energy and efforts into helping the needy or speaking to people about the Bible?
Should I commit myself to my family, to the church, to my chosen sport?
What should I commit myself too? There is so little time and so many good choices.

Ian Thomas, in his book The Saving Life of Christ gives us a little insight into the question.

"You are not called upon to commit yourself to a need, or to a task, or to a field; you are called upon to commit yourself to God!"

So the answer lies in the first step, and then the others flow from that one decision. If I choose to commit yourself first to God, then my priorities, desires, gifts and other tasks will flow from this first commitment. Does that make sense?

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Living in Grace
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