Revival not Rebellion 

Based on Ezekiel 1-2, Proverbs 17

As Jonah was called to go to Nineveh, Ezekiel was called to go to rebellious Israel. Ezekiel was someone who heard from God in amazing ways, seeing many vivid prophetic visions in great detail. Although those descriptions really stood out in this reading as well, I tended to focus on the witness Ezekiel was called to have in Israel, and how we too should move as a nation toward revival, not rebellion!

"And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day." Ezekiel 2:2-3.

"And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them." Ezekiel 2:5.

Either way, Israel was to know that God was sending someone their way to speak to them. It is a little discouraging to go knowing some may not listen, but God is always willing to go after any remnant. We have to think in these same terms! There will be some who won't take kindly to the message of Truth & revival. Some will still choose rebellion & opposition to God. But we must stay faithful to our calling & keep them in prayer!

"And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house." Ezekiel 2:6.

We will probably suffer some persecution for speaking about Jesus to people. Not only will some not care, as stated, some may rebel to the point of retaliation. But we must keep speaking! These are the people that need it most. We don't want to willingly put ourselves in danger, or fight back, but the message does need to get to them somehow! They need to know how much better a revived life with Jesus is than a rebellious life, stuck in the ends of the earth...

"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends."
Proverbs 17:9.

We must be released from past rebellion & sin! If we are stuck on "rebellion repeat," we are just causing division & strife. We want to have true love & friendship, and that only comes through a truly revived life in Christ. Choosing not to fully commit to God is rebellion. Let's commit & be revived today!