We started talking in the last post about Ezekiel and the encounters he had with God. We talked about how God called him to do some pretty crazy things – read Ezekiel 1-4 if you want to get a picture of his calling and just a small taste of the crazy things he was called to do. He was called to do these crazy things by God when he realized his dream of going home (he was in exile) was not going to happen. God gave Ezekiel a fresh dream and a fresh vision of what he was to do.
Now if you have read Ezekiel 1 you have will have seen a vision that was pretty crazy. We can learn I be something from this. He is what I think we can take away from this: we do not and will not understand all that we see and experience in an encounter with God. Then to go with that just because we don’t understand everything about our encounter with God, doesn’t mean there is no interpretation to the events. Ezekiel saw many wild things in his visions from God. He saw a whirlwind, four angels, wings flapping, glowing clouds, a vast crystal atmosphere, and a wheel within a wheel. Scholars throughout the years have not agreed on what the various things mean.
In his encounter with God, Ezekiel probably understood very little but he did understand the most important thing. What is this most important thing? He understood that he was talking with God and he needed to be obedient to what God called him to do. Ezekiel did not understand all that was happening, but he did understand this – it is all God and Ezekiel’s job was to be obedient to what God was calling and asking him to do. The same is true for us – we might not understand all that happens when we encounter God in a mighty way but we need to understand that it all about God and us being obedient to Him. Ezekiel was called by God to do some pretty crazy things that I am sure he did not understand but regardless he pushed forward in obedience.
Here is the connection for each of us; God might call us to do some pretty crazy things – things that do not make sense in worldly wisdom – but we need to follow through and be obedient to what God is asking because His ways are always right. God has a plan for you and you must trust and obey him to see them come to life – even when those things seem crazy to everyone else. I am reminded of this: Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
What is the craziest thing to date that God has called you do to this point in your life?
Several times He has called me to do something totally crazy. Resigning and not having a place to go (and not having one for 7 more months). My first week on the new job was the last week of the severance pay. Moving here to a fairly new church was crazy also.
I would put several of those into the crazy category!
Thanks for adding in Bill!
uh…wow…if i’m honest…it’s be nice to my sister-in-laws boyfriend…the guy is a loser, treats her bad, and just a bum…
of course thats the way my flesh sees him…
BUT unwantingly, God has placed in my heart to see him the way God sees him…a sinner like I am…and in need of God’s grace and love…a Lost Sheep…the one that God would leave the 99 for…
I don’t like it…i don’t understand it…but that’s what he’s put in my heart lately…
so i think next time i see him, instead of ignoring his existence…I MIGHT, say hi…how you doing?…
ugh!!!
Lord help me!!!!
Sounds like a tough situation Arny! It seems crazy but be obedient and the Lord will help you through! Thanks for sharing my friend!
To get out of my comfortable chair and go sit with sinners.
Just the other day, I had to attend a funeral for the sister of one of our brother’s in the church (he was shot in the head when he was young and has been blind for 30 years as a result). I finally met his son who he talks about all the time. Thing is, he was a she. He’s a transvestite. It was so hard to look at him(her?) in the eye and have a conversation with him/her. I mean, the guy had breast and pretty hair and all. The worse part… I don’t think his father (the blind brother from our church) knows this.
It was hard, but I spoke to him/her like I spoke to any other person. Looking at them at their eye and having a conversation. I am now trying to meet with him/her and break bread. I have no idea what to say, but he’s lost, as I was, and I need to share the gospel with him and I’ll let God do the work that He needs to do.
I still haven’t said anything to his/her father and I don’t think it’s my place to do so.
Wow Moe – what a story and a sad one with the father not knowing. You did right and are doing right by trying to get together with them. Thanks for sharing this story!
Recently it was pour out my cup of coffee- it was to teach me to obey even the smallest command, especially when it didn’t make sense.
If we are obedient in the small he will give us bigger things. Thanks for sharing this TC!
God called my wife and myself to move from Portland OR to San Diego CA, it was crazy but we did it.
Thanks for Sharing Dan! I am sure that He is blessing for you obedience!
He really has blessed us from our faithfulness.