November 1

Ezekiel 1:1-3:15, Hebrews 3:1-19, Psalm 104:1-23, Proverbs 26:24-26

Pray: Pray to have an experience with the Lord much like how Ezekiel is about to describe. Wesley summarizes the account by saying, “He felt the power of God opening his eyes to see visions, opening his ear to hear the voice, and his heart to receive both.” Ask God to open your eyes, ears, and heart to receive all that He has for you today.

Read: Ezekiel was originally a priest in God’s house in Jerusalem before receiving the call to the office of a prophet. As you read, notice how Ezekiel’s role as priest, new assignment as prophet, and his audience are a taste of what is to come in the great High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Edify: Many times God reveals Himself and with it comes a burden for people. Ezekiel had an incredible encounter but yet left “in bitterness and turmoil” (Ezekiel 3:14). This is comparable to what Jesus must have been feeling in Gethsemane. But praise the Lord that His “hold on me (Ezekiel) was strong.” Did you know that when you are fulfilling God’s call that there will be many times when you are discouraged by the rebellious hearts you’re called to reach out to? Did you know that when you feel weak and perhaps even ready to give up, that the Lord has a hold on you? Hebrews urges us to take care of what we are able to take care of, such as “watch our own hearts,” “warn others close to us,” and “stay faithful to the end.” Then, we can only take courage in that we have a great High Priest that goes before God on our behalf.

Practice: Are you able to articulate the “who” God has called you to and the “what” God has called you to do? Write down your burdens, your most impactful experience in mission and ministry, and how you have seen the Lord’s hold on you.