[:en]SCRIPTURE: EZEKIEL 12
“They will know that I am the Lord, when I disperse them among the nations and scatter them through the countries. But I will spare a few of them from the sword, famine and plague, so that in the nations where they go they may acknowledge all their detestable practices. Then they will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 12:15-16)
“Say to the people of the land: “This is what the Sovereign Lord sys about those living in Jerusalem and in the land of Israel: They will eat their food in anxiety and drink their water in despair, for their land will be stripped of everything in it because of the violence of all who live there. The inhabited towns will be laid waste and the land will be desolate. Then you will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 12:19-20)
“But I the Lord will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in our days, you rebellious house, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign Lord” (Ezekiel 12:25)
“Therefore say to them, “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.” (Ezekiel 12:28)
THE EXILE SYMBOLIZED
God used two action sermons for Ezekiel to preach and warn the people of Israel that judgment was at hand:
- During the day, Ezekiel packed his things for exile. Then in the evening, he dug through the wall with his hands and carried his belongings on his shoulder (v. 7)
- Ezekiel would eat his food in tremble and drink his water with fear (vs. 17-18)
LESSONS FOR THE ACTION SERMONS:
A. During the day, the people of Israel would pack their things and go into captivity. In the evening, king Zedekiah attempted to escape would fail. (vs. 10, 14)
B. The people would experience terror. They will eat their food in anxiety and drink their water in despair for their land will be laid waste and desolate. (v 19)
What is your action sermon to the world? Does it catch the attention of the people to God’s truth? Can your life style tell people that you are a Christian?[:]