Ezekiel 33 records an attitude toward the word of God that existed in that time, and in ours as well. The text verses 30-33) relate God’s words to the prophet regarding the reception of his message by the people.
“…they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’ So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them” (30-32).
Back in 1871, Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset and David Brown published a commentary on Ezekiel, where they attributed the following quote regarding this text to Jerome (4th century), “They praise thy eloquence, but care not for the subject of it as a real and personal thing; just as many do in the modern church.”
In Ezekiel’s day; in Jerome’s day; in the 19th century; in the 21st century; indeed in every age, among every people, there is the tendency to give lip service to God’s word.
“Oh, how beautiful it is, how soothing, how wonderful. It’s beautiful music to our ears.”
“…For they hear your words, but do not do them.”
How about you. Do you hear God’s words? Do you recognize how important it is to submit to Him? Do you obey God’s will for you?
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