Saturday 25 February 2017

Psalm: Psalm 115

Background

Since the beginning of the book that bears his name Ezekiel hasfaithfully shared the words God has given him. This hasn't been aneasy vocation, as the words have been harsh for those that havereceived them. The call of a prophet is never an easy one and herein these verses we see how the people in exile view him and theoracles that he brings.

In verse 30 God tells Ezekiel that wherever the people are,God's name is never far from their lips. God is the talk of thetown and the main attraction for the people as they seek to hearGod's own word. This all seems like it could begin to make Ezekielfeel proud of what he has achieved, but that is not the place ofthe prophet. These people come to hear a word from the Lord, butthey have ulterior motives. They listen to what is said, but do notdo what is asked of them and their hearts are set on their owngain. In verse 32 God compares Ezekiel to a musician singing lovesongs to an audience but his calling is not to the life of a popstar.

There is no evidence that Ezekiel has tried to encourage thisfollowing or that he revels in the attention. The fact that God istelling him these things seems to indicate that he understands thereality of the situation and there is no call against Ezekiel. Thispassage is about how the people are reacting -  they act likefaithful disciples but their hearts are not in it.

The final verse acts as both a warning and an encouragement toEzekiel. God reminds Ezekiel that when the prophecies come aboutthe people will realise that the words Ezekiel brought weren't justwords. Rather he was a prophet and spoke on behalf of the livingGod.

To Ponder

• How can we avoid seeing our corporate worship services becomingentertainment instead of times of transformation and change?

• How can we continue to serve God faithfully when the worldaround us often does not seem to listen?