Will You Be A Christian Warrior If It Means Sacrificing Your Old Life? (Lam. 5 - Ez. 6)
Have you ever given up something you love for someone else? While it could have been something completely innocent, it still could have provided a hindrance to the relationship so you thought it best to set it aside?
A Christian warrior is one who recognizes that sacrifice because it is a complete turn away from their old life.
The comforts, and eases, people, and places may stay the same when you give your life fully over to God, but they may all change. The question to ask yourself: is it worth it?
It’s never too late to start!
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Have you ever given up something you love for someone else? While it could have been something completely innocent, it still could have provided a hindrance to the relationship so you thought it best to set it aside?
A Christian warrior is one who recognizes that sacrifice because it is a complete turn away from their old life.
The comforts, and eases, people, and places may stay the same when you give your life fully over to God, but they may all change. The question to ask yourself: is it worth it?
It’s never too late to start!
Download your first two weeks free by signing up below (or buy Book One of the Family Bible Plan)!
Ezekiel the Exile...
Ezekiel was exiled to Babylon with a good chunk of the Israelites. Some were exiled to Egypt, some died in Jerusalem, and some died by sword.
Ezekiel was married, had his own house, and was relatively free while in Babylon. While in exile, Ezekiel turned 30 which is the same age that men of priestly families enter the ‘ministry’. It is at this time that God calls him.
Ezekiel the Called...
Ezekiel experiences a grand vision depicting a God holier than we can imagine.
Angels with massive sets of wings, 4 faces, animal and human characteristics with fire and lightning passing between them… they themselves appearing as burning coals of fire while zipping back and forth like flashes of lightning, emitting powerful sounds just from their flapping wings.
What a sight!
Then we are told about the wheels representing the spirit of the living creatures–covered in eyes, bright as ever, and directing their movement.
As if all that isn’t enough to give us pause to consider what Heaven is like, Ezekiel gives us a glimpse of God’s glory.
Ezekiel the Called...
Read this slowly and soak in the glory surrounding God. His holiness knows no bounds… we just have no idea how holy He is!
Wow!
Ezekiel’s response to seeing that reinforces the majesty of what he just witnessed.
Ezekiel's obedience...
In just the first couple chapters of the book of Ezekiel, we learn a lot about him and his life.
- he was exiled
- he was 30
- came from a line of priests
- God called him
- he was warned about coming persecution (and still) obeyed God
- he wanted to remain ceremonially clean
- he followed God’s directions even when they seemed strange (to us)
Ezekiel obeyed. He sacrificed his old life for that of a new one called by God.
He was to give warning to Israel… a warning they would not like.
Over and over the phrase “‘Thus says the Lord God,’ whether they hear or refuse to hear.” It did not look promising for the Israelites to look favorably on Ezekiel’s message. In fact, God clearly warned him.
God told him exactly what and whom he would be facing with his messages of warning. And. he. obeyed. Would you do the same?
These were his countrymen, neighbors, friends, community members, etc.
Ezekiel the "Christian warrior"...
Was Ezekiel a Christian warrior? The idea of a Christian was not around until after Jesus, but he represents a component of our faith as Christians that we often lack. That of a Christian warrior.
This life is a battleground, and as a Christian warrior, we need to stand unbendingly for truth against whomever seeks to twist it.
That is not an easy task. Nor a simple one.
Think of the last time you did or said something that went against the majority opinion, you easily become ostracized, gossiped about, and untrue mischaracterizations are launched your way. It is lonely and emotional.
Ezekiel faced this, also. He was a Christian warrior example for us to emulate.
Are you a Christian Warrior?
What is your life all about? Do you seek the comforts of life and hold them close? Are the ‘friends’ you don’t want to offend with truth holding a higher place in your life than honoring the holiness of God? Oh no, what if they’re family? Or your boss, now your job is on the line….
Is an earthly sacrifice worth more to you than your eternal future?
The point is that we need to evaluate our lives with regard to the Bible. Not saying to go beat everyone over the head with Bible truths or yell in their faces. Truth can be told in love, with gentleness, through debate, etc.
At the end of the day, a Christian warrior is only as good as the truth upon which he stands. What truth are you standing on? One that sways to culture or bends to the need to be liked by someone?
Or do you, Christian warrior, stand firmly planted in awe of the God whose holiness encompasses the Heavens?
Last Week
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Lamentations is an emotionally expensive read, but so rewarding.