S) "4 The man said to me, 'Son of man, see with your eyes, hear with your ears, and give attention to all that I am going to show you; for you have been brought here in order to show it to you. Declare to the house of Israel all that you see.'"
Ezekiel 40:4 (NASB)
O) Ezekiel was given a vision of the temple of God, and in this chapter he recorded the outer measurements and details of the temple (and chapter 41 records inner measurements and details). Considering the scale of the vision, it seems incredible that Ezekiel was able to record it all. However, when we carefully consider the words of the verse above, it isn't even surprising that the LORD would give Ezekiel such a miraculous ability. The whole purpose of Ezekiel witnessing the glory of the temple, was for him to be able to relate it to the Israelites. God used terminology regarding Ezekiel, that was directly opposite of how He described the house of Israel (see Ezekiel 12:2). Once again, we see that God wants His servants to be alert, ready, and able to obey.
A) To see and hear, to give attention to what God is giving and doing, these are not random things. There is an effort I must take, because "see" and "hear" are verbs that I must do. There have been times in the past, when I have been fairly sure God has given me short visions. I think He still speaks with "special revelation" (as opposed to "general revelation"), but I am always quick to disclaim that any vision, or word, or dream, would ever contradict the Holy Scriptures. But, God has given me specific words to encourage others. He has given me visions of warning for individual circumstances. In any case, I must be ready to obey God. Certainly, there are the simple two commands that Jesus clarified, that sum up all righteous obedience, to love the LORD my God, with all my heart, strength, mind, and soul; and to love my neighbor as myself. The form of those commands, in worship and prayer, in feeding the hungry and teaching brethren, all of those details can vary from day to day, season to season. Above all, those two commands should be obeyed. I don't need any vision to be given, I don't need a dream, I don't need God's audible voice to whisper into my ear. I can see needs with my eyes and meet them. I can hear the Word that has already been written, and believe and obey. God did not redeem me on accident, He did it on purpose. He saved me with purpose in mind. At the very least, I am a witness to the power of the gospel. I am a witness to Christ Jesus being alive. I am witness to the power of God at work in the heart of a man. I am witness to the grace of my Lord in a marriage. I am witness to the living God, taking a heart of stone and giving a heart of flesh. If nothing else, that is worth recording and declaring, to anyone who will listen.
P) Father, You are good beyond words, but I don't want that to stop me from trying to speak. I am suddenly reminded of the importance, of sharing my testimony with my own children. Help me remember that they are my first responsibility, in terms of sharing the gospel. Second only to my wife, they should be the most familiar with my testimony of the power You have shown in my life. Let me also be bold, when sharing my witness to Your glory. Your grace has been so evident in my life, that sharing should be the easiest thing. Still, I confess to my simple fears. Help me to fear only You, Lord. In all things, I want to be obedient, Father God. Your grace and mercy are so glorious. I want to honor You with my life and my obedience. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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