“Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse” (Ezekiel 3:10-11 NKJV).

HAVE YOU RECEIVED GOD’S WORD INTO YOUR HEART?

When God gave a word to Ezekiel, he was instructed to receive it into his own heart, before sharing it with other people. This is still the best instruction for those that would answer the call to be preachers and teachers of God’s Word. They should always first apply it to their own hearts and lives before delivering it to others. The preacher or teacher who does this will find their hearts set aflame for the task. And will remove much of the risk of seeming hypocritical in application.

After receiving God’s word into his heart, Ezekiel was sent to preach to his people. He was not to concern himself with results. For whether they heard, or refused to hear, he was to preach, “Thus saith the Lord!”

PRAYER: Dear Father, we receive Your Word. Your Word is truth. Sanctify us by Your Word. Fill us with Your Spirit and send us to declare Your Word to others. Help us to focus on obedience to You and not results. For You are the only One who can change human hearts and open human ears. In Jesus’ name, amen.