How well do you know God’s Word?

How often do you read the Scriptures? Do you know how God speaks with you?

We are going back to Ezekiel, everyone, because there was a statement that caught my attention. In chapter 3, after telling him that he needed to speak God’s words even if no one listened (like we talked about last week), God makes this statement:

Ezekiel 3:10–11
Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then go to your people in exile and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Do this whether they listen to you or not.”

Here is the more literal translation:

Ezekiel 3:10–11
“Son of man,” He added, “listen carefully to all the words I speak to you, and take them to heart. Go to your people, the exiles; speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen.”

In this passage God is telling him he has to be the first one to listen and understand. How was he supposed to speak to them if he did not first listen?

There are so many verses that talk about this very thing. All through the Old Testament God says teach each other His laws, to remember the things He has done for them, and to not forget. Why do you think that is? So that they know what God has said and who He is. Throughout the Psalms, David and the other writers declare how much they love the law and how they meditate on it. This was so they would know how to live. Even in the New Testament it speaks of knowing and doing His words:

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

John 14:15
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

1 John 2:3–6
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

John 8:31–32
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

When I was thinking of these things, another verse came to mind:

Romans 10:14
But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?

I think the same could be said for any message the Lord gives us to speak. If the prophet did not prophesy, the people could make even more excuses for their behaviors; but if he spoke the words, they would be without excuse. Just read the last part of Ezekiel 3; the same could still be said for the prophet too. If he did not hear and understand first, how was he to tell them anything at all?

So again, I ask the questions from the beginning: How well do you know God’s Word? How often do you read the Scriptures? Do you know how God speaks with you? And in addition, do you listen—really listen? Do you let His words sink deep? Do you let His words change you first?

Going back to the YWAM value “Do First, Then Teach,” which I wrote about a few weeks ago—how can you say anything if you have not put in your own work first? And then, if and when He asks you to speak, do you? The end of Ezekiel 3 is a pretty serious warning that God gave Ezekiel; it will put the fear of God in you for sure. It has made me think really hard about the consequences of disobedience.

Honestly, I think God highlighted this verse about listening and letting His words sink in because I have been struggling to receive the things He speaks to me, or even the things He has done for me; not only that, but I have not known how to testify of His goodness because of it. Maybe for me it is not a prophecy that needs to be spoken but a testimony of who God is in the midst of my struggles.

David and the other psalmists say it all the time—that they will tell of the Lord and what He has done in the great assembly. In fact, that was the whole purpose of a thank offering to the Lord. We do not do temple sacrifices anymore. We talk about our lives being a living sacrifice, but how often are our words a thank offering to the Lord? Or are they a tool of the enemy—to give him glory and to tear others, ourselves, and maybe even the Lord apart? Yes, even tear at the Lord. Out of our own bitterness and selfishness, we complain and gripe and condemn one or all of these three parties; we say, “Well, someone has to be at fault for the pain I am in,” but fail to see that the enemy is the one we are letting use us, and he is the true one we should blame.

Now yes, some things we do bring on ourselves, and we are also at fault for our sin, but that is not our identity or something God holds against us anymore:

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

So, what is the Lord teaching you about listening to Him and knowing His words? Please share with us so we can also learn. Have a great week.