Observation: Ezekiel is well into his prophesies, making clear statements about what is to befall those still left behind in Jerusalem, and against surrounding lands and nations. He is doing this dutifully, declaring all the words the Lord has commanded. However, right here, after he has stated a prophesy against the forests of the Negev, he dares to respond to the Lord himself. His response is this ... the people aren't taking the prophesies seriously, but instead believe that Ezekiel is just telling stories as a teaching mechanism.
Surely this skepticism will not last long, as everything Ezekiel pronounces will occur withing just a few short years. That said, it must be frustrating for Ezekiel to be under such pressure to declare God's word, only to have people dismiss it as stories, fables, and metaphors.
Application: There is a warning here about calling out false prophets. I should not be so quick to question everyone just because I may not like their platform or tangential activities surrounding their message. I explicitly am thinking of certain prophets who begin and end every message with a pitch to buy their books. I find this detestable. That doesn't mean the messages aren't real
Prophesy needs to be tested against the word of God, and against accurate outcome of events. In that context, there are way too many false prophets declaring clear lies and deceiving believers and non-believers alike. I know there is a special judgment awaiting them. However, there are others making declarations that are clearly aligned to the word of God. Again, the same person who pitches his books has also made amazing, insightful predictions associated with Rosh Hashanah that are very aligned to others and to scriptures.
I will keep an open mind, and seek God's true word, for I know that it is becoming more and more important in these crucial days.
Prayer: Lord, I will be open to hearing your word, both in my reading, and also through your anointed messengers. May you give me, and all others, the wisdom to know the truth from the deceptions. Amen.
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