God’s Word must be spoken as a Word which calls for response. The prophet is to “warn the wicked man to turn from his ways” (Ezekiel 33:9).
He is to declare that “the Sovereign Lord ... takes no pleasure in the
death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and
live.” The prophet is to say, “Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will
you die, O house of Israel” (Ezekiel 33:11).
If God’s Word is to be received as a Word of salvation, it must be
“humbly accepted.” We must “not merely listen to the Word.” We are to
“do what it says” (James 1:21-22). Our “house” must be built on the Lord (Psalm 127:1).
This is the way of wisdom, the way of building on the Rock, which is
God Himself. When the storms of life become very testing, those who have
built their lives upon the Lord will not collapse - “They will not be
put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:5). God’s Word promises blessing to those who respond to its challenge with the obedience of faith.
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
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