Tuesday 10 August 2010

Background

Sometimes we have to 'eat our own words' and they can taste verybitter. Perhaps what we might have predicted has turned out quitedifferently or, when correct, would be better applied to ourselvesthan others. Not so the words of the Lord, they are sweet ashoney.

Bitter or sweet words we have 'eaten' become a very part of us. Wehave to own them. We can do no other because they are from insideus. So it is with Ezekiel. The hand (perhaps that of the one 'likea man' he saw in his initial vision) gives him a scroll to eat, onwhich are written the words of the Lord. Now he must make them hisown.

Not that the message is sweet - even if the scroll was. And what'smore there is a double dose, because scrolls are not usuallywritten on both sides as this one is. The reason is that the wordsof the message are going to elicit from the people lament, mourningand woe.

Ezekiel is to take this message to the people - even though he hasalready been warned that he is unlikely to get a hearing. Such isthe task of the prophet.

To Ponder

When have you had to 'eat your own words'? Howdid you feel?

Can you think of a time when you had to convey amessage that caused upset for others. How did you do it?