Example For You

Reading: Ezekiel 22-24; Revelation 9 18 So I proclaimed this to the people the next morning, and in the evening my wife died. The next morning I did everything I had been told to do. 19 Then the people asked, “What does all this mean? What are you trying to tell us?” (Ezekiel 24:18-19 NLT) Jeremiah had it tough, being faithful as God’s prophet—facing accusations, beatings, and imprisonment. But Ezekiel really paid the price! Not only did he have to do strange things like digging a hole in the city wall, and lying on his side for a year, he suffered the sudden death of his beloved wife just to make a point to the people! 15 Then this message came to me from the Lord: 16 “Son of man, with one blow I will take away your dearest treasure. Yet you must not show any sorrow at her death. Do not weep; let there be no tears. 17 Groan silently, but let there be no wailing at her grave. Do not uncover your head or take off your sandals. Do not perform the usual rituals of mourning or accept any food brought to you by consoling friends.” (Ezekiel 24:15-17 NLT) God told Ezekiel and he told the people that all this was happening to Ezekiel as an example to the people: “Ezekiel is an example for you; you will do just as he has done. And when that time comes, you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 24:24 NLT) When we go through really hard things, when we suffer loss, when we’re hurting, other people are watching us. Others are seeing how Christ-followers handle the worst of life’s experiences. As they see us go through these really difficult situations and respond in quiet faith, this scripture can be fulfilled for them… “(Your name here) is an example for you; you will do just as he has done. And when that time comes, you will know that I am the Lord.” (Ezekiel 24:24 NLT) Prayer: Father, This morning I pray for special grace on me, my family, my friends, and my fellow Christ-followers during those times we face the storms of life, when we are hit with unexpected loss, and when we face seemingly insurmountable challenges. Help us to always respond in faithful obedience—just as Ezekiel responded to his tragic loss—so that others will know that you truly are the Lord. Amen.