Read the Book: Summer Bible PlanSample

EZEKIEL 3:1-3 - CONSUMING WORDS

The prophet Ezekiel lived during a time of deep spiritual and circumstantial darkness of Israel’s history. God does not hold back when He describes the Israelites as a “nation of rebels, who have rebelled against Me. They and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day.”(2:3) In consequence for their sinfulness, God allowed a pagan kingdom to export the Israelites from their homeland.

Often in the Old Testament, God raises up a prophet to call the Israelites back to repentance and to live righteously. This is how we meet Ezekiel, but how will God prepare him for such a task? The answer takes us back because God actually com- mands for Ezkiel to eat a scroll. Yep, you read that right. He actually ate a scroll written with words of mourning for the house of Israel. Not only does Ezekiel eat the scroll but then says, “I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.” (3:3) It’s evident that God was preparing Ezekiel by having him consume God’s Word because it’s in the consumption of God’s Word and not just the reading of God’s Word that would give strength for the task at hand. Consuming God’s Word involves reading carefully... prayerfully... repentantly... dependently... and worshipfully.

Thankfully, centuries later a man came who was the greater Ezekiel. He not only consumed God’s Word but was actually the very Word of God who spoke the truth, lived the truth, and ultimately died in the place of sinful rebels.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Prophet who points me to truth, the Priest who sacrificed for my sin, and for being my King who leads my life.

Family Connection: When we memorize God’s Word, we ingest it, so to speak. Psalm 119 has been called a love letter to God’s Word. Memorize Psalm 119:11; “I have stored up Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”