We have put people in space, but keeping cereal fresh is still a chore. How long, O Lord, should we wrestle a cereal bag into submission, folding it over, and hoping the cardboard tab holds everything together?
But finally, someone called the meeting. Cheerios and Ziploc are partnering. Now, two familiar names will share one package. Both belong there because both are involved.
That's where breakfast meets Ezekiel.
In Ezekiel 13:1-7, God confronts prophets who have put God's name on their ideas. They follow their own spirits, have their own visions, and expect God to deliver what God never promised.
In a sense, they've announced a partnership without consulting the Holy partner. Now, before we shake our heads at those prophets, we might need to check our own packaging.
It's easy for something I want to become something God must want, too. And add a favorite Bible verse that sounds close enough, and we can have it all ready for distribution.
"God told me" can end a conversation before anyone has permission to ask further questions. It can also keep you from asking the questions you need to hear. Questions like: Have I really listened? Am I willing to be wrong? Would I still call this God's will if it required something more of me?
Ezekiel says those prophets haven't repaired the breaches. Their impressive words have left people vulnerable. And that's a gut-check moment for us. What is my certainty doing for the people around me?
God's name deserves more care than we sometimes give it. So do the people who trust you when you use it. Be careful with your certainties. You may have to pray something like, "Lord, I have some ideas. Help me listen before I speak for you."
And we may need to leave our plans open. God might have a few changes before we seal the bag.
Stay blessed...john
Comments