TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Sandra Chua

One of the most common prayer requests in Jubilee’s Access groups is a prayer for unsaved loved ones. Usually, their relatives are from a similar religion but one that believes in salvation by works. Sharing the gospel to people we love is usually difficult, if not awkward, because maybe it is a topic seldom touched and, when discussed, seems to convey a condemning self-righteous attitude. 

Today’s passage pierces the heart so deeply. I pondered long and hard. 

Ezekiel 3 opens with God commanding Ezekiel to eat a scroll. From the context of the passage, the scroll must have contained God’s message. Like the words of God in the Bible,  to us who believe, it is sweet. The next command in verse 4 was to go to the house of Israel. Like us, we are commanded to bring the gospel wherever we are. (Mark 5:19, Jesus told the man whom  he released from demon possession to go home to his family and tell them how much the Lord has done for him and how He has had mercy on him.) Simple enough? For us who have family members on the above prayer list, it might not be so simple. How do we broach the topic? If they are older than us, how will they react? How many times do  I need to tell them, or how often? 

Read Ezekiel 3:5–6 slowly this time. Ezekiel 3:5–6, “For you are not sent to a people of foreign speech and a hard language, but to the house of Israel—not to many peoples of foreign speech and a hard language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely, if I sent you to such, they would listen to you.” Think about who you are going to share the gospel with. Isn’t it someone close to you, probably someone you grew up with? Chances are that you spoke the same language and were brought up in the same culture and social bracket. If it’s a family member, then you must have so much in common. Why are we afraid? Why are we hesitant? 

The next few verses warn Ezekiel that Israel will not listen, at least not yet. Our family or friends may not easily accept what we say. But do not give up. Just do what we are commanded to do, what God has burdened our hearts with. Although the waiting may seem too long, keep in mind 2 Peter 3:8-9, which states, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 

REFLECTION

Who has the Lord put in my heart to share the gospel with?

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, You have paid the penalty of my sins, and like the demon-possessed man in Mark, You have set me free from the dominion of darkness. You have placed me in my family, in my community, in my work for a purpose which is to let people know who You are. Give me the courage and persistence to obey. In Jesus’ name, amen.