Tag: Rebellion

Ignoring God’s Warnings? Why Defiance Leads to Disaster

In Jeremiah 44:16-17, the people of Judah blatantly refuse to listen to the prophet’s warnings. They declare their intention to continue worshiping the “Queen of Heaven,” a pagan deity, despite knowing the consequences of their idolatry. This brazen attitude—choosing their own way over God’s commands—is strikingly similar to what we see in modern times. People often reject God’s Word, preferring to follow their desires or the cultural norms that make them feel more comfortable.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 33:21-33, we see another tragic example of misplaced trust. After hearing of Jerusalem’s fall, the people still do not repent. Instead, they continue to seek security in all the wrong places, including aligning themselves with enemies of God. The idea of trying to hide from God’s judgment in the arms of His enemies is tragically laughable, yet it reflects a deep spiritual blindness.

Fast forward to today, and the same attitudes persist. How often do people refuse to accept Biblical truths, choosing instead to live according to their own desires or societal trends? This is evident in countless ways—whether it’s justifying sin, ignoring God’s commands, or reshaping Christianity to fit modern sensibilities. The refusal to listen to God’s Word is as dangerous now as it was then, leading to spiritual ruin.

Moreover, just as the people of Judah sought refuge in the arms of God’s enemies, many today seek comfort or security in places that are directly opposed to God’s will. It might be in harmful relationships, unethical practices, or ideologies that stand in stark contrast to Biblical principles. This attempt to find safety or fulfillment outside of God’s will is as futile and destructive now as it was for the Israelites.

The lessons from Jeremiah and Ezekiel are clear: Rejecting God’s Word and seeking refuge in the wrong places lead only to disaster. The folly of trying to hide from God in the arms of His enemies is a timeless warning. As believers, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to God, listening to His Word and finding our security in Him alone.

Consuming Conviction

In Ezekiel 3, we encounter the striking image of the prophet being instructed to eat a scroll. This was not just any scroll but one filled with words of “lamentation and mourning and woe” (Ezekiel 2:10). Despite its bitter content, when Ezekiel obeys and consumes the scroll, it tastes “as sweet as honey” in his mouth (Ezekiel 3:3).

Why would something so bitter taste sweet? The answer lies in the transformative power of God’s word. Ezekiel was being prepared for a difficult task: to speak God’s truth to a rebellious and stubborn people. God knew that for Ezekiel to deliver His message with the necessary conviction and authority, the prophet first needed to fully internalize—consume—God’s word.

This act of consuming the scroll is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a profound spiritual reality. For us today, it highlights the importance of not just reading or hearing God’s word but fully imbibing it, letting it sink deep into our hearts and minds. Only then can we speak with the conviction required to confront a world often resistant to the truth.

In Chapter 2, God warns Ezekiel that the people he is being sent to are obstinate and rebellious. They are not going to be easily swayed by gentle words or half-hearted messages. Ezekiel’s mission was not to comfort them with platitudes but to confront them with the stark reality of their sin and the impending judgment if they did not repent.

This task required more than courage; it demanded a deep, personal conviction that could only come from a profound encounter with God’s truth. Ezekiel’s consumption of the scroll was God’s way of ensuring that His prophet was not merely a mouthpiece but a living embodiment of the message he was to deliver.

In our own lives, we too are called to speak truth in a world that is often rebellious, stubborn, and resistant to God’s word. But before we can do that effectively, we must first consume the truth ourselves. We must allow God’s word to penetrate every part of our being until it becomes a part of us. It is only then that we can speak with the kind of conviction that pierces through the hardened hearts and minds of those around us.

Just as Ezekiel’s message was vital for the people of his time, our message is critical for the people of our time. They, too, are living in rebellion, often unaware of the impending consequences of their actions. We have the responsibility to share God’s truth with them, not timidly, but with boldness and clarity.

But this boldness is not something we can manufacture on our own. It comes from having fully consumed God’s word, allowing it to transform us from the inside out. When we do, our message will be not just words, but life-giving truth that can turn even the most rebellious hearts back to God.

So, let us take the example of Ezekiel to heart. Let us consume the truth of God’s word fully, so that we can speak it with conviction, no matter how rebellious or hostile the audience may be. For in doing so, we fulfill our calling as messengers of God’s unchanging truth in a world that desperately needs to hear it.

An Unapologetic Apologetic

Today’s reading from Isaiah 63:15-66:24 unveils a profound narrative where God appeals to His people, calling them out of their rebellion and into a relationship with Him. This passage vividly illustrates how God reaches out, not just through spiritual means, but through a comprehensive appeal that encompasses historical, scientific, and logical evidence, all of which testify to His reality and truth.

One common critique against Christianity is the perceived lack of proof. However, Christianity uniquely offers robust evidence across various disciplines. Spiritually, God engages with us through personal experiences and transformations, as seen in the heartfelt plea in Isaiah 63:15: “Look down from heaven and see, from your holy and beautiful habitation. Where are your zeal and your might? The stirring of your inner parts and your compassion are held back from me” (ESV). This verse reflects a deep yearning for God’s presence, a spiritual appeal that resonates with our intrinsic need for divine connection.

Historically, Christianity stands on firm ground. The events recorded in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, are corroborated by external historical records. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are well-documented events that provide a historical foundation for our faith. The consistency of these records with other historical accounts strengthens the credibility of Christianity’s claims.

Scientifically, the intricacies of creation echo the existence of an intelligent Designer. The order and complexity of the universe, from the fine-tuning of physical constants to the intricacies of biological systems, align with the biblical account of a purposeful creation. Isaiah 66:1-2 says, “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool… All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord” (ESV). These verses remind us that the natural world is a testament to God’s creative power.

Logically, the coherence of the Christian worldview offers the best explanation for the world we see around us. Christianity provides answers to life’s fundamental questions: the origin of the universe, the nature of humanity, the basis for morality, and the hope for the future. Isaiah 65:17-18 speaks of the new heavens and a new earth, a future hope that gives meaning and purpose to our present lives.

Despite these compelling evidences, many still refuse to see God. Isaiah addresses this rebellion, depicting a people who are obstinate and resistant to God’s call. Isaiah 65:2 poignantly states, “All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices” (ESV). This verse captures God’s persistent appeal and humanity’s stubborn rejection.

As we reflect on today’s reading, let us recognize that God’s call is multifaceted. He appeals to us spiritually, historically, scientifically, and logically, providing ample evidence of His existence and love. May we not be like the rebellious people described in Isaiah, but rather, may we open our hearts and minds to the overwhelming evidence of God’s reality and respond to His call with faith and obedience. In doing so, we embrace an unapologetic apologetic, confidently and assertively proclaiming the truth of our faith.

Lack of Faith is Rebellion

12 scouts are sent into the promised land, all 12 agree that the land is incredible and rich in resources. But only one, Caleb of the tribe of Judah thinks they can actually take the land. When 10 of the other scouts start spreading a bad report about the trip and telling all the people of Israel that they people are giants who will crush them like grasshoppers, Joshua joins Caleb in saying that with God in their side, they can take the land.

But the people refused to be convinced. Rather than acknowledge that God delivered them OUT of the powerful nation of Egypt and can therefore deliver them INTO the smaller, less powerful land of Canaan… they leave God out of the calculus entirely!

WE can’t do it. WE are like grasshoppers. WE will die. WE. WE. WE.

It feels crazy to me after witnessing all they had in Egypt, after being led around by pillars of smoke and fire, they still don’t have faith in God to provide for them! And when God has called us into something and has asked us to trust Him and we know it, to refuse is rebellion. And rebellion is sin.

If you know God is calling you into something, even if it’s scary or unknown, do it. He won’t lead you astray. And you may just find that it will turn into the blessing of a lifetime! If you don’t, not only are you missing out on God’s best, but you are rejecting His gift and His goodness. You are in rebellion against God.

Whose will be done?

Mar 3 | Num 14-15 | 062/365