DAILY BIBLE READING: Ezekiel 1, 2; Hebrews 11: 11-20
“And thou son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, or be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.” Ezekiel 2:6 (KJV)
Sometimes, we read certain scriptures and think that the Bible is speaking to certain people and not to you and me because we are not church leaders, but, I think the Bible speaks to you when you study it. The word of God comes first to you and it is always appropriate for you. This verse, these words that God speaks to Prophet Ezekiel are for you. These words are appropriate especially for the times that we live in. God is saying to us today: be not afraid!
The Lord was sending the Prophet to a rebellious people, it was at the inception of his ministry and he was naïve and unknowing. But, God said to him, “do not be afraid.” These words were important for this young prophet at a time when he was going to experience a lot of antagonism for the message which he was going to bear. These words are important for you and me because we bear the message of Christ and we will suffer antagonism because of it.
It is very important to consider this passage and the succeeding passage closely. God is careful to mention the various difficulties that he would face because of the message that he would bear, yet He sends him still. Like the Prophet, we are charged to bear the message of Christ in our lives, not just when we have a message to preach, but by our very conduct. Like the prophet too, we would face difficulties and barriers from those who oppose the truth, but we must hold steadfast.
Our God is not oblivious of the challenges that we are facing as we strive to live as children of God among a rebellious people, but in verse 8, he says to Ezekiel, “…be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house.” We must live the gospel of Christ, though we dwell among “scorpions”, we must not be afraid of their words. We must stand strong in our walk of faith.
This is God’s word of encouragement to us today, Be not afraid!
Prayer: Dear Lord, give me courage to live for you, help me to live as you desire regardless of the opposition that I may face in Jesus Christ name.
Rev. Julius Oluwole