PODCAST
The Sweet Taste of Obedience
May 29th, 2014
Ezekiel 2:3—3:3
Six times in Ezekiel chapters 2 & 3 God refers to Israelites as a “rebellious” people. The Lord calls His chosen people “obstinate” and “stubborn.” Also, the message Ezekiel is called to deliver is composed of “words of lament and mourning and woe.” God commands the prophet to eat the scroll on which these words were written. Perhaps surprisingly, the scroll tasted “sweet as honey” in Ezekiel’s mouth.
In Psalm 19, King David uses five different words to describe God’s communication with His people: law, statutes, precepts, commands and decrees. “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:10-11). Even God’s words of warning are sweet to those who will heed them.
Ezekiel had to take God’s Word into himself. It had to become part of his being. Until the message we proclaim has become part of us, we cannot fully impart it to others.
Author: Duane C. Brush
