“And the hand of the Lord was there upon me; and He said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain and I will talk with thee.” Ezekiel 3:22
In the book of Jeremiah, we find the Lord speaking to him in order to convey to the people of Israel a message. That message was this: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgement, and righteousness on the earth.” (9:23,24) Why is it so very important to understand and know that the Lord is God, the One who can exert true kindness, judgement, and righteousness? The reason is for the purpose of bringing sinful man to faith in Him, a faith that does not judge after the seeing of his eyes, nor the hearing of his ears, but with righteous discernment can glorify God on this earth. It is to such a man who chooses to live by the “faith of Christ,” that God gives His discernment, His perspective, the knowledge of the eternal truth concerning life and eternity. How important is it for a man to stop, and to listen to what God says, even in a world where all men are born with a nature that will choose always to follow their own way, and lean to their own understanding? The importance lies in the worth of knowing God, the capacity to receive the blessed, and rich life of Christ, and this in an increasing measure, so that He will be glorified on earth as He is in heaven. Herein is the great purpose of man revealed, and the very reason for the salvation found in Christ. Salvation in Christ from sin, self, the world and the devil is essential, but that in and of itself has for its objective to bring the saved soul into living union and communion with the living Christ, so that the fragrance of His holy, good, and perfect life should be known, revealed, and manifested. Men are saved FROM many things, most of which have their origin in sin and their end in death. But men are also saved UNTO Christ, to the knowledge of Him, and the experience of blessed fellowship with Him. To be wholly Christ’s, filled with the Spirit, and abiding in the full knowledge of the will of God, is to know something on this earth of abiding in Christ, and Him abiding in us. So then, we return to our subject of “when God speaks to men.” How important is it?
During the ministry of Jesus, He spoke again and again concerning that which originates from sinful men, both things secular and those which are spiritual. He addressed the “independent” way of men, illustrated by what Isaiah wrote many years before Christ, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him (Christ) the iniquity of us all.” (53:6) God declares that this independent way, or man’s way as opposed to that of God, is INIQUITY, sin in its utter and most hideous essence and manifestation. It was because of this “iniquity,” this independent way, that Christ would die on the cross, and yet our Maker did send the Redeemer to take upon Himself the entirety of man’s sins, suffer the wrath of God for those sins, so that man might truly be delivered from sin’s tyranny and certain end, which is death. The message of Christ to men was very simple, and yet, all inclusive. “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me.” (Matt. 11:28,29) Christ’s call is to turn away from the sinful designs, thoughts and ways of sinful men to turn to Him who alone speaks the words of eternal life. This is wisdom.
Dear Father, Speak now to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.