Daily Reflections on Ezek. 3:1-9 (Hardheaded People)

I've been accused of being hardheaded ever since I was a kid. While sometimes others throw ugly sounding words my direction like "stubborn" or "arrogant," I prefer to think of my self as confident and determined. Pigheaded just doesn't sound very nice to me.

Surely all of us at times have be accused of something similar. It may not be our normal behavior, but on occasion, well let's just say we resemble that remark. Like me, during those moments, you think of yourself more as determined than stubborn. And even though nasty comments flow from the mouths of others, you remain steadfast.

Sometimes stubbornness isn't all bad. Sometimes one has to maintain a determined spirit to get something accomplished. We often use phrases like "hardheaded" or "pigheaded" in a negative tone, and probably rightfully so. However, there are times when it's essential to stand your ground or keep up the pursuit.

Here in this passage, God tells Ezekiel that He wants Zeke to be hardheaded. In fact, God says He's going to make Zeke hardheaded. Why? Somehow I didn't think obstinacy was one of the character traits of the Fruit of the Spirit. Doesn't seem like it goes along with love, peace, patience, etc.

But that depends on how you look at it. If a parent goes to no end to save their child, we consider that admirable, even necessary. They are bound and determined to do whatever it takes. In another situation we might call that hardheaded. But in this situation we would call that love.

The fact that God wants His children, really all people to hear and respond to His words of truth and hope, means that sometimes He and His prophets/messengers have to have a determined spirit. They have to be hardheaded at times. It's really an act of love. If you truly love someone, you won't let them destroy themselves.

It's interesting that God sends Ezekiel to people he knows really well. He speaks their language. He knows their culture and their ways. He's one of them. Maybe that's why hardheadedness is required. Going to people you you're not connected with, makes it easier to let them go. People you love, you never give up on. You may have to display some tough love, but you don't give up on them.

God, I know that I'm hardheaded about some things. But I want to be hardheaded about the right things, things of your Kingdom. Help me continue to proclaim your message, uphold your truth, hold out your grace, even when it seems like all ears are deaf. Give me the determination without the obstinacy that repels.

Daily Reflections on Eph. 5:1-10 (True Freedom)

It was 1776 and on this date a group of statesmen gathered together to sign the Declaration of Independence from British rule. They set the course for a new, independent nation. That course would mean sacrifice and struggle and determination. Forging out a new democracy would be a challenge. This newly conceived democracy ultimately would become the pattern for freedom throughout the world. These visionaries broke the current mold of thinking and pursued a lifestyle unknown to the culture of the day.

Since the foundational days of the U.S. of A., successive generations have sought not only to follow the dreams of their founding fathers, but to flesh out the implications of those dreams. In many respects, Paul is urging followers of Christ to do the same thing, to live out the dreams and aspirations that God in Christ has for His people. As His children we are called to live by a standard that is antithetical to the world's lifestyle. Not that God calls us us to live above the world's level with a condescending attitude, but rather with the ambition of calling others to a higher plain.

The path of sin leads to tyranny and oppression. The Bible refers to it as being slaves to sin. Although many people think that if they accept Christ as Lord and Savior of their life, they will have to give up their freedom. It's just the opposite. People can choose to do whatever they want to do, but they can't choose the consequences of their actions or sin.

Paul says that Jesus is the only true path to freedom, that the Spirit of Life/Jesus sets us free from the law of sin and death. Is the path to freedom easy? Not really. It came at a high cost, the life of Jesus. It takes courage, boldness, determination, self-sacrifice to follow Christ. Without that attitude and spirit, the U.S. wouldn't exist today. It took some gutsy people to pull that off. In a sense The Church is a new nation, a chosen nation according to Peter, that is set apart to fulfill God's purpose to bring true freedom to the world. We can't do that by following the old path.

God, I want to be a freedom fighter. I want to follow the example set by my forefathers of faith. Rising above the status quo of the world takes a sense of commitment and determination and empowerment that only comes from your Spirit. Fill me. Mold me. Empower me. I want to live to please you, God.