Daily Devotion (January 4, 2025)
As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them.
“And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.” (Ezekiel 2:5-7)
I have entered my eighth decade of life. I was raised going to church. I went to church nine months before I was born. I remember pews with no cushion, sanctuaries with no air conditioning, there was no p.a. system. And the preacher preached the Word of God not to tickle the ears of the congregation but to proclaim the truth of God with conviction and courage. Today we have well-lit air-conditioned sanctuaries. Canned music, sound systems to enhance the music and even a congregation of people yearning to hear the Word of God proclaimed.
Yes, I do believe most churches still have preachers who proclaim the Word of God with great conviction. Paul writes to “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” – 2 Timothy 4:2
The problem in America is not churches preaching another Gospel, it is that most people do not want to hear The Gospel. Some have heard the Gospel watered down holding no one accountable to God. Some have the idea that the Gospel is personal and should not be forced upon someone else (of course we cannot force anyone to accept the Gospel.)
The Gospel is the Good News of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection are the pinnacle of the Gospel. The Gospel has taken on different meanings today. There are cultural interpretations of the gospel. For some it is general moral or ethical message not really focusing on the “death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.”
The United States of America has become a rebellious house. God’s people are to follow the commission God gave to Ezekiel and speak God’s Word to the nation. Everywhere we go we are to speak God’s Word. It is not our responsibility to make people hear; it is our responsibility to “speak Gods word to the nation.” Read Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2.