We are in the Old Testament and have been since Jan 1st. There is so much within the pages. A lot of deep, scary, and terrifying things that happened back in the day. We started this week in Ezekiel, and we just finished Jeremiah and Lamentations.
Ezekiel was a street preacher. He was a spiritual watchman over the people. He was a priest and a prophet. There are differences in a priest and a prophet. A priest represented the people to God, offers sacrifices and instruction, organized and predictable, structured and more. A prophet represented God to the people, brings revival, no provision in the law, spontaneous.
Ezekial’s role as a prophet was different than Jeremiah. Remember Jeremiah was the weeping prophet. Ezekial had some crazy things he had to do. He had to lay on his side for 390 days, eat only one 8-ounce meal a day cooked over manure, shave his head and beard, show no sorrow when his wife died. He obeyed and faithfully proclaimed God’s word. Ezekial challenged the people to turn from their wicked ways, not to be a part of idolatry. He committed himself to obey God, whatever, wherever, whenever he asked.
God shaped Ezekiel to fit the mission he wanted him to have. He used a tough and courageous man to reach a hard and stubborn people. Ezekiel was made unable to speak by God except when delivering God’s messages.
Some of the most valuable and important lessons I have learned in life is from people I encounter. Maybe on the street, in the isle at Walmart, or maybe even on the radio. These lessons may be from people I don’t even know. I have watched people and how they inspire to be more Christ like, and they go to extremes to do just that. They are committed to obeying God no matter what that looks like. They do what He asks whatever, wherever, and whenever.
The prophets in the Bible and the people that I have encounter have all been able to be labeled street preachers. They all have public Christian lives. They show up for Christ daily in whatever they are doing. They aren’t afraid to be different, to worship Christ, to speak a different language, to talk about Jesus openly. They know that by engaging in and with Christ everyday they will experience the harvest that’s in their future.
Brother Bryan this Sunday said, “The harvest comes to those who do not tire doing good and those who are consistent in doing the small things that are needed every day to ensure a great Christian life.”
We don’t have to go to extremes like Ezekiel and lay on our side for hundreds of days but are you willing to be a street preacher? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that not only you, but others have a harvest? Are you willing to do the small things? Are you willing to be different than what the world says we should be?
In the world today we need more street preachers. Those that are bringing joy in a world where unpredictable things are happening around us.
Like Ezekiel open your mouth and speak Gods words to those around you. You are planting seeds that will one day produce a harvest.
This week, take a moment to remind yourself to find the joyful harvest we need we should let God lead us to be street preachers. To do that we have to:
1. Show up for JESUS – Start your day in the Word.
2. Show up for OTHERS – Serve others, whether they are like you or not, whether they annoy you or are difficult to understand. That is what Jesus did; He showed up for everyone.
3. Show up for YOU – You need to fill your cup before you can help fill others’ cups.
WE WILL FIND JOY WHEN WE SHOW UP FOR JESUS, OTHERS, AND OURSELVES.
As Father Mike says, “You pray for me, and I will pray for you.”
And as Tara Leigh says He’s where the joy is.
Have a great week, Cupcake loves you.
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