Daily Manna: The Danger Of Rebellion

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

TEXT: EZEKIEL 3:1-14

Key Verse: “But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted” (Ezekiel 3:7).

Svetlana Stalin told the incredible story of how her father, Josef Stalin, the Russian dictator had been a seminary student, preparing for the ministry. Then he came to a point in life where he made a decisive break from his belief in God. This dramatic and complete reversal of conviction resulted in his hatred for all religions. (The name Stalin, which means “steel,” was not his real name, but was given to him by his contemporaries who fell under the steel-like determination of his will). And as Stalin lay dying in 1953, his one last gesture was a clenched fist toward God, his heart as cold and hard as steel.

Ezekiel was commissioned as God’s spokesman to his native Israelites. Like a new worker being shown his duty, Ezekiel was told of the rebellious nature of his audience. The Lord told him, howbeit with a disappointed countenance, that Israel would not hear because they are a rebellious and impudent people.

Rebellion is open resistance to authority. Resistance to authority is a popular pastime of the human race. We have chaffed under authority, stamped our feet, cried, shouted and screamed to indicate that we do not wish to comply. We humans just do not like being told what to do; so we resist. This means that today’s text has a general application, yet with specific call to all who rebel against the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel.

Going to church without an inward transformation will not remove the evil blot of rebellion from the heart. We can look a lot like Christians on Sundays and even be convinced that we are one, but the way we live our lives the rest of the week will reveal the true condition of our heart. Judgment may be delayed but unrepentant sinners will ultimately be judged! Make a change now!

Thought for the DAY: Rebellion profits nothing; true repentance does.

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