Ezekiel
12 reminds me of what is sometimes called the “Three wise monkeys”.
These are of oriental origin, usually depicted with hands covering
eyes, ears and mouth. We explain it as See no evil, Hear no evil and
Speak no evil. Many do not know there is also a fourth monkey with
arms crossed representing Do no evil. In our society today, it seems
people only want to avoid seeing and hearing evil; as if ignoring sin
will make it go away. In today’s chapter the Lord tells Ezekiel he
will become a symbol to the people. “Son
of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to
see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear“.
The instruction continues, “Pack
your belongings for exile… as they watch, set out and go from where
you are to another place.
Perhaps they will understand“.
Notice there is a very important message for believers today,
“During the daytime,
while they watch… Then in the
evening, while they are watching“.
He makes it very clear that we are being watched. The people around
us notice our actions and reactions while peeking through their
fingers. This is why Jesus taught, “Let
your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and
glorify your Father in heaven”
(Matthew 5:16).
This
God-ordained pantomime continues, “While
they watch, dig through the wall and take your belongings out…
Put them on your shoulder as they
are watching… for I have made you a sign to the Israelites“.
Please notice Ezekiel’s reaction, “So
I did as I was commanded… carrying them on my shoulders while they
watched“. There is no
commentary, or questioning, or hesitation. Obedience is a word we
seldom hear today. God next tells him, when the Israelites ask “What
are you doing?” tell them “I
am a sign to you“. God
confirms, “They will go into
exile as captives“.
God
is not silent, He also speaks through the prophet, “They
will know that I am the Lord, when I disperse them among the nations
and scatter them through the countries. But I will spare a few of
them“. Why? “Where
they go they may acknowledge all their detestable practices. Then
they will know that I am the Lord“.
God tells Ezekiel to “tremble
as you eat… and shudder in fear as you drink”
because the people will continue to ignore the message. God
explains, “The days are near
when every vision will be fulfilled… without delay… I will
fulfill whatever I say“. The
“see no evil” crowd continue to say “he
prophesies about the distant future“,
but the chapter ends with God’s Word; “None
of My words will be delayed any longer;
whatever I say will be
fulfilled“. Many think we are
doing something great by avoiding certain things, but God does not
call us to sit silently. Jesus taught that we must live out our
faith with action, “Love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all
your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.
And
the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the
Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments”
(Matthew 22:36-40). Some learn by seeing, others by hearing and
still others by doing. We are called to watch, speak and demonstrate
God’s love. Friend, what do your actions say about your faith?