A Taste of Prophecy: Eating the Word of God

Bible Passage: Eze 3:1–21

Summary: In this passage, God commands Ezekiel to eat a scroll containing His words, symbolizing the internalization of His message before he delivers it to the people.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to internalize God's Word, reminding them that they must first absorb His truth before sharing it. It calls believers to consider their relationship with Scripture and how it impacts their communication of God's will to others.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the effectiveness of our witness hinges on our personal engagement with God's Word. Like Ezekiel, we must take in God's truth, allowing it to shape our hearts and minds, before we proclaim it.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme highlights Christ as the fulfillment of God's Word, as He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Just as Ezekiel eats the scroll, Christ embodies the message of the Gospel that we must digest and spread.

Big Idea: To effectively communicate God’s message to the world, we must first consume and embody His Word in our lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the nuances of prophetic calling in Ezekiel’s context, as well as the concept of eating in the biblical tradition. Utilize your Logos library to examine commentaries on Ezekiel for insights into the cultural significance of this act and how it reflects the broader theme of God's communication with His people.

1. Consume the Divine Message

Eze 3:1-3

Perhaps, you could explore how Ezekiel's act of eating the scroll represents the necessity of internalizing God's Word before sharing it with others. This passage suggests that our spiritual nourishment comes from God's Word, which needs to be part of us before we can deliver it effectively. You might draw parallels to Christ being the Word made flesh, emphasizing that as Christians, we are to embody His message fully in our lives.

2. Courage for the Calling

Eze 3:4-9

You could discuss how God equips Ezekiel for his mission, strengthening him to deliver a difficult message. This reminds us that while God calls us to take His Word into our hearts, He also provides us with the courage and resilience needed to stand firm against opposition, much like Christ’s resolve in proclaiming the truth. Highlight the transformative power of God's Word when internalized and relied upon.

3. Cultivate a Compassionate Heart

Eze 3:10-15

Perhaps, this section could illustrate the importance of truly attending to God’s Word and letting it affect our emotions and actions. Here, Ezekiel’s reaction to his mission demonstrates the profound impact God's Word has on the prophet’s heart and life, mirroring how Christ's life and teachings should stir our hearts deeply enough to move us to action and share His gospel compassionately.

4. Convey with Commitment

Eze 3:16-21

Maybe, you could focus on the accountability aspect of sharing God’s Word—Ezekiel is responsible for delivering God’s message faithfully. This aligns with the Christological idea of Christ commissioning His followers to spread the gospel. It stresses that our embodiment of God’s Word carries a responsibility to communicate it truthfully, highlighting the grave duty we share as bearers of His message.