Prophetic Entertainment?
Scripture reading for August 26: Ezekiel 33-36
God had made Ezekiel a watchman to warn His people of coming judgment and disaster because of sin. Like a mailman for God, he was to deliver God’s Word. (Ezekiel 33:7-9) After he warned them, they would be responsible. You might say that Ezekiel was a prophet of individual responsibility. Each person was to become responsible for the Word from God that was delivered to them. What they chose to do with it determined their destiny! (Ezekiel 33:11) Ezekiel warned them faithfully but the people complained that God was unjust in His dealing with them. (Ezekiel 33:17) The people accused but it was they who were guilty of injustice! They were under the bondage of sin and blinded to the truth that could make them free.
These people were proud of their preacher and seemed to want to hear him. God told Ezekiel that the people were talking about him in their houses. They were telling each other to come and hear the message of the prophet. The problem was that they did not want to put any of his message into practice. Their hearts were greedy for gain and they were selfish and unchanged after hearing. They viewed his messages as entertainment, such as a beautiful love song or a concert. (Ezekiel 33:30-32)
How are you receiving the word of God today? Do you read your Bible for entertainment with no heart to put it to practice? Do you listen to the preacher at church just to get a good feeling? Ezekiel was received the same way! However, he could not quit or he would be guilty of their blood! But after listening, God hold each person accountable for their reception of truth and obedience.
“If you warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.” (Ezekiel 33:9)
“And if I say to the wicked man, ‘you will surely die’; but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right–if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die.” (Ezekiel 33:14-15)
0 thoughts on “Prophetic Entertainment?”