Ezekiel 24:24 – "Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign..."
Many of Ezekiel’s messages to the nation of Israel were lived-out object lessons. These were not mere illustrations for a sermon but were enacted in the very life of the prophet himself. In this way, God's chosen men continue to be "a sign" to the people.
This part of Ezekiel’s ministry cost him more than any other. He ate bread baked with cow dung, endured uncomfortable situations for extended periods, and In this chapter his wife died, and God prohibited him from mourning or even shedding a tear. When his wife passed away suddenly, Ezekiel obeyed, saying, “I did in the morning as I was commanded.” It’s no wonder we are instructed to count the cost before building the tower, as Jesus said, “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” The idea that the Christian life will be easy is nowhere in Scripture, and sorrows are often multiplied for those in ministry. When the Lord takes away "the desire of your eyes" (v. 16), will you rise in the morning and do as you are commanded? Will you continue to be a sign to the rebellious people God has called you to?
In the New Testament, we are called to be examples of believers. As ministers, we are always called to live exemplary lives, but like Ezekiel, we may be required to endure hardships as a living testimony, not just a spoken one. Many are eager to preach a sermon on Sunday mornings, but far fewer are willing to live one out before the people for months or even years. This part of ministry will cost you the most, yet it will be more powerful than any sermon. Perhaps many of God’s people will learn how to handle loss by watching you deal with yours. They will learn how to endure persecution by seeing your living sermon unfold before their eyes. Just as Jesus was the Word made flesh, we too must become living, breathing sermons—though in a lesser sense. You may be called to endure what you don’t want, sleep in places you never would have chosen, and lose what is most precious, all for a people who may seem indifferent.
Ezekiel’s life was consumed by the calling God placed upon him, but remember what his name means: "God will help." With every loss came the grace to bear it; with every command came the strength to carry it out. The same is true for all of God’s servants today. No matter what sorrow, shame, distress, or loss you face, remember: God will help (Ezekiel) you to carry out this ministry, just as He did with our Master.
Comments