Scripture: "Son of man, you live among rebels who have eyes but refuse to see. They have ears but refuse to hear. For they are a rebellious people." Ezekiel 12:1 NLT
Observations: Ezekiel is given a prophecy for the people of Israel because their lives had drifted far from a relationship with God. Consequently, they were facing captivity from an enemy nation. Apparently, there was much for them to see that would spare them from the consequences of a life lived far from the Lord. There were things they could have heard that would have instructed them in finding their way back to God. But, clearly, they refused to see and they refused to hear. Such descriptions define a rebel.
Application: I recall the times in my life when I knew if I "looked" at the facts of my life and direction; if I "listened" to those who loved me, I would have to change my life. I didn't want to. I stubbornly determined to live how I wanted, so I shut my eyes and closed my ears to what would have surely spared me the destruction of my life and the lives of many around me. I recall the word: REBEL being whispered into my heart and mind. I shook it off. Yet, the word persisted. The hardness of my heart, the stubbornness of my spirit, the tight closure of my eyes and ears all indicted me. I was in a state of rebellion against God and His ways. These days, I must constantly challenge myself to listen to those in my life, to look honestly at the thoughts and behaviors that mark my life. For if I refuse to "see" and "hear," I will surely find myself in a land of rebellion, once again.
Prayer: Father, keep my heart tender, keep my eyes open to Your direction and keep my ears open to Your whispers and cautions. You love me more than I comprehend. I love You and yield again my will (which can get quite stubborn) to You.
