AVAAT
A VERSE AT A TIME
TOPIC: POWERED UP FOR HIS SERVICE
TEXT: EZEKIEL 3:1-5
KEY VERSE: He handed me the scroll and said, “Eat this and fill up on it.” So I ate the scroll, and it tasted sweet as honey. EZEKIEL 3:2(CEV)
God provided food to sustain human life; throughout the scriptures, you will read of miraculous provisions of food for individuals and the nation of Israel. God’s care for our sustenance is unwavering, and He has faithfully provided for us from generation to generation. We also read of times when God forbade man from eating certain types of food in certain places. The way God sustained the Israelites in the wilderness for several years, feeding them with manna until they entered the promised land, should assure you that you will never lack.
The people had never seen anything like this, and they started asking each other, “What is it?” Moses answered, “This is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. And he orders you to gather about two liters for each person in your family—that should be more than enough.” They did as they were told. Some gathered more, and some gathered less. Everyone had exactly what they needed, just the right amount.Exodus 16:15-18(CEV)
God’s solution to the food problem in the wilderness was unique and unprecedented. It defied human logic and was beyond their comprehension. This should inspire us to stop figuring out how God will keep his promises and instead trust His unique and perfect provision for us during the different seasons of life.
Moses told the people that the Lord had said, “Store up two liters of this manna, because I want future generations to see the food I gave you during the time you were in the desert after I rescued you from Egypt. Then Moses told Aaron, “Put some manna in a jar and store it in the place of worship for future generations to see.” The Israelites ate manna for 40 years, before they came to the border of Canaan that was a settled land. Exodus 16: 34-36(CEV)
God foresaw a time when the Israelites would encounter food shortages and forget about his miracles. As a result, he commanded that some of the manna be preserved in the Ark as a reminder of his past faithfulness and to instil hope for present and future needs. Even though we may not have access to the Ark today, the Bible contains ample stories to demonstrate that God cares and will go to any lengths to provide for his people’s food needs.
So he made you go hungry. Then he gave you manna, a kind of food that you and your ancestors had never even heard about. The Lord was teaching you that people need more than food to live—they need every word that the Lord has spoken. Deuteronomy 8:3(CEV)
‘The knowledge of God’s word is not merely for information; it holds the keys to everything you need for human existence. Humans, including children, have vital physical, emotional, and spiritual needs that cannot be ignored or minimized if we are to lead a truly fulfilling life.’
For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3(AMP)
Jesus resisted the devil’s temptation to misuse God’s power to satisfy his hunger by relying on his knowledge of the scriptures. Accessing God’s provision requires a personal and accurate understanding of Jesus. The quality of our lives may reflect the depth of our knowledge of these provisions. Our ability to interpret and apply the scriptures correctly is not solely dependent on our understanding but depends on our reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Jesus assured us that the Holy Spirit would lead us to the truth.
But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, ‘Human beings cannot live on bread alone.'” Luke 4:4(GNT)
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now. But when the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. John 16:13(MSG)
The idea of the Holy Spirit taking you by the hand speaks of the kind of relationship God wants us to have, the dependent type and empowers us to know what to do and be able to do it. Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, cannot provide leadership if we are unwilling to give up ownership and live in submission.
When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice.John 10:4(CEV)
The prophet Ezekiel was willing to eat the scroll God offered him without asking questions. He trusted God and believed his obedience to the commandment would do him good, not harm. God desires to empower us for the various acts of service he has called and prepared us for. We must feed on God’s word to access the knowledge that will empower us for a life of exploits. Your health, emotional agility, and spirituality reflect the word that has taken root in your heart. Serving God in the power of the flesh leaves you stressed, burnt out, and frustrated; avoid it.
God has determined your mission and message because he knows your audience better than you. You don’t need to copy anyone’s strategy; trust God to equip you for your call. This message of empowerment and hope is especially relevant for those facing retirement and health-related challenges, as it reminds us that God has a unique plan and provision for each of us.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What encouragement do you find in today’s text?
2. What fears do you have about provisions for the future?
3. What steps will you take to increase your knowledge of the scriptures?
4. Talk to God about your need to be empowered.
Photo by Taylor Flowe on Unsplash