July 5, 2009
The Prophet’s People – The Prophet’s Power
Want the job of a prophet (messenger of God’s word)? In this week’s readings God gives us a description of the prophet’s people and the prophet’s power. Observe:
The Prophet’s People
“He said: "Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says.' And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.” Ezekiel 2:1-5
The prophet’s people are rebellious, revolting, obstinate and stubborn. Would you want a job where you know going in the people were going to give you nothing but grief – not me?
The Prophet’s People
“I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant.” Psalm 123
The prophet’s people are without resources – totally dependent the prophet for EVERYTHING - they have no defense and can only throw themselves on the mercy of the One who sits on the throne in Heaven. You would think that would be of benefit and the people would be more open to the message right? But nooooo, God says the prophet’s are guaranteed to be met with contempt and ridicule. Yeah, I can hardly wait to start - NOT!!!
The Prophet’s People
“Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor” Mark 6:4
Great, not only are the prophet’s people rebellious, revolting, obstinate, and stubborn guaranteed to ridicule and show contempt, his FAMILY turns against him too. But not to worry, prophets can take great pride in the strength they have to deal with all the contrary attributes of their people – right? Look again.
The Prophet’s Power
“I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses…. I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:5&10
The prophet’s power comes from….his weaknesses? Is there anyone in their right mind that would want that job? JESUS did!!!
Jesus is our Prophet and we are His rebellious, revolting, obstinate and stubborn people that not only refuse to give Him honor; but consistently show Him nothing but contempt and ridicule. Yet, He still came. He still willing sacrificed His life for us. Why? Because He loves us and wants to make sure we have every chance to share His throne in Heaven and He knew the only way for that to happen was through the sacrifice of blood – HIS blood.
This week as you read, repent of your rebellious nature; turn to Jesus–our prophet – and rest in His Grace though which we have forgiveness of sins, and the power to live, to love, and to tell others of His love for them.
Jesus thank you for being our prophet - for loving us enough to put up with all the rebellion, stubbornness, and contempt that we, in our sinfulness, give to you. Thank you for giving us your Grace so that when our sin soaked lives become weak – we know we are strong. In Jesus AMEN
Week ending: July 5, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament)
Ezekial 2:1-5
The children of Israel are not the only ones that are obstinate and stubborn. Ask God to reveal any stubborn, prideful tendencies you might have – then repent of them and rest in the forgiveness of Jesus Christ
Tuesday – Psalm 123
Without Jesus, we too have no resources and can only throw ourselves on His mercy saying: “Lord have mercy on me a sinner
Wednesday –(Epistle)
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Our true power comes from His grace
Thursday – (Gospel)
Mark 6:1-13
Just as the disciples were sent out two by two, we too are sent to be prophets – to tell of his grace
Friday – Listen to the message Jesus is giving you this week
Saturday – SHARE what you see and hear from His Word
Sunday – Worship together with all the saints
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