today's meditation (Ez.2) Standing Before the Lord

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Ezekiel 2:1-10)  Then He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” 2 And as He spoke to me the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet; and I heard Him speaking to me. 3 Then He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have revolted against Me to this very day. 4 So I am sending you to those who are impudent and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says:’  5 As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And as for you, son of man, you are not to fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; you are not to fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, since they are a rebellious house. 7 But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.

8 “Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth wide and eat what I am giving you.” 9 Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and behold, a scroll was in it. 10 When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were songs of mourning, sighing, and woe.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

The words that Ezekiel was to tell the Israelites were words of warning.  And they had the choice:  to listen or not to listen, to obey or not to obey.  Given how Ezekiel had just met the Lord and fell to his face, there is no way that an unbeliever can stand before God!

As to Ezekiel's meeting with the Lord, the pre-incarnate Jesus was only going to speak to Ezekiel while he was standing before Him.  And the only way that Ezekiel was able to stand before the Lord God, was when the Holy Spirit entered Ezekiel and lifted him to his feet. 

The songs of mourning, sighing and woe are not for those who have been saved from God's wrath!!  When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit enters and seals our souls for eternity and we are able to then sing songs of praise, thankfulness and joy!  Not only can we stand before the Lord, but we can go before Him with confidence.  Yet - we will still desire to bow before Him to worship and adore.