SUMMARY: Bags packed
OVERVIEW: God uses another object lesson to get the attention of the exiles in Babylon. Ezekiel packs a bag and carries it throughout the day to illustrate that God would even send Jerusalem’s remnant away. Ezekiel also digs a hole in the wall, previewing that even King Zedekiah would attempt to leave Jerusalem through a hole in the wall until the Babylonians captured him.
BIG IDEA: Live today like heaven is your home.
KEY VERSE: Ezekiel 12:2 (God to Ezekiel)
Son of man, you live among rebels who have eyes but refuse to see. They have ears but refuse to hear. For they are a rebellious people.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I want you to distinguish yourself by how you live. Set yourself apart from the ways people think, speak, and act in the world. I want people to see a difference in what it means to have an active faith instead of being merely religious. You live amongst rebellious people. It should not be difficult for your life to be different.
Follow me as I instruct you. I will lead you to listen to and care for people, giving you opportunities to show my love to others. I will do whatever it takes for people to know me. I want you to be willing to do the same, even if it feels awkward or pushes you out of your comfort zone. Remember, I know what people need when they need it. Trust me and obey me in the big and little things. You have ears to hear me and eyes to see me. Follow me.
NEXT STEP
Do the people you see every day know that you are a Jesus follower? Look for opportunities today (and the rest of the week) to identify with Christ. Ask someone if you can pray for them after they share a need, and then follow up—via text or a handwritten note—with a Bible verse that addresses their situation.
MUSIC VIDEO