September 24, 2022
“Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.” Ezekiel 3:8-9
Ezekiel, whose name means strengthened by God, ministered among God’s people during the darkest days of the history of Judah: during the seventy-year captivity in Babylon. The northern ten tribes of Israel had long-since dissolved and disintegrated, having been absorbed by the surrounding pagan cultures. But the southern kingdom of Judah (tribes of Judah and Benjamin) had also fallen into apostasy. As a result, Yahweh allowed Babylon to overrun Judah. Ezekiel was included among the captives in Babylon.
God began Ezekiel’s call to witness by showing visions of Himself to Ezekiel.
Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. (1:4)
It can be very intimidating to witness, especially among family and people you know best: those who have some knowledge of God’s word and regard themselves as God’s people. But be encouraged, beloved, that among them are those who are already on a true trajectory toward heaven. They will humbly listen and actively allow for needed corrections. Too often, the “personality” of a group is established by the louder and more outspoken members of the group. The LORD encouraged Ezekiel not to be afraid of them, referring to the whole as a rebellious house. Look to Him and be strengthened by Him, knowing that His Spirit is already at work in some. The stronger and more rebellious, like Saul before he became Paul, are also potential victors for God’s Kingdom. Therefore, all are the objects of His love.
The forehead is often mentioned in Scripture. It represents the cognitive reasoning part of the brain. This is where decisions are made. Does not our life consist of a series of decisions? Decide today that you will accept correction yourself as you walk in the light of God’s word. He will never lead you astray, but always in the direction of His ultimate will and purpose, one step at a time.
For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:12
He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray. Proverbs 10:17