September 22, 2022 | ||
Dear Church Family, Sometimes God’s commands are hard. Sometimes they don’t make sense. Ezekiel surely felt some of this when God came to him in Ezekiel 4 and gave him instructions that would teach the people about the upcoming judgment for their sins. To illustrate this, God gives Ezekiel some unusual instructions:
As I read this in my devotions, I wondered how well I would respond to God’s instructions? Ezekiel was to lie on his side to represent the sins of the people and bearing their punishment. Israel’s sin was much greater than Judah’s (390 years vs 40), but together would represent 430 days on his side. He most likely only did this for a portion of the day, as he is given other tasks to do during this time later in the passage. Still, imagine doing this task for over a year! Sometimes I don’t understand God’s ways. Sometimes I feel like there could be an easier or better way. Every time, though, we can trust that God has thought things through and that His way is better than our way.
For every command He gives, there is goodness and kindness involved. He is a Father Who wants good for His children and only gives good commands. What command are you having trouble with today? Which is hard to understand or obey? Even when we don’t understand His commands, we can always trust in His character. Remember this:
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