Ezekiel 37:3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

This is one of the more famous tales in the whole Bible. What jumped out at me just now was Ezekiel’s humble wisdom in responding to God. You could say that God was using the Socratic method, asking questions in order to teach, and Ezekiel responded perfectly. There is the possibility that Ezekiel’s answer here includes the implication of “Lord, You know there’s no way these can live.” However, he didn’t say that, and that was very wise. You could say that this is an ultimate example of “God said it. That settles it.” The God who spoke into nothing and said, “Let there be light,” can do absolutely anything at all! Ezekiel lived in very difficult times, and went through hardship and heartache, with his wife’s death. (Ezekiel 24:15-18) However, the Lord showed him things He showed no one else, and Ezekiel was greatly blessed. We have a lot we can learn from him and through his life. In this particular instance, he simply did as the Lord told him, and the results were miraculous indeed. This was without much question a vision, rather than a physical occurrence, but the message was absolutely clear, and it is one that echoes down through the centuries. We too need to know that God’s will is absolute, and it is good indeed. Accordingly, we too need to be fully obedient to whatever the Lord says to us, however He says it, so that we may participate in His plans for His glory.

I have the feeling this is a very timely Word for me. I am faced with various “impossible” circumstances, along with seemingly contradictory guidance from the Lord. I’m getting strong indication that my ministry will be involving much more traveling from now, at the same time that I am manifesting angina, and face tests on my heart. Likewise, such travel will take me away from here, but my succession in this pulpit is not settled, and there is the very big issue of my being the caregiver for my wife. Some of the travel she may do with me, which I would certainly prefer, but there is the question of how much would be possible for her. The lesson of Ezekiel, repeated with Mary of Nazareth and others, is that nothing is impossible for God! I need to remember that, and focus on listening accurately and acting obediently, so that God’s purposes may be accomplished on His schedule for His glory.

Father, thank You for this strong reminder. Thank You for all You’re doing. It makes my head swim at times! Thank You for the wedding You allowed me to conduct yesterday, and for speaking through me in it. Thank You for the service this morning, and the message You’ve given me for it. Thank You for the marriage counseling I’ll be doing this afternoon, and for the assurance that You will be there, too. Help me flow with Your Spirit on Your schedule, today and every day, so that Your will may be done for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!