In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 18, Jesus asks a question about a man who has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray. Jesus says, “Will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray?” God is always looking after us when we go astray – no matter how far we go or where we are. And when we hear His voice and return, there is much rejoicing.
The first reading today from Ezekiel 2 and 3 is an interesting story. God writes on a scroll. What is written is not pleasant. “Written on it was: Lamentation and wailing and woe!” God then tells Ezekiel to eat the scroll. That’s right, put it in his mouth and eat the scroll. You would think that that would be very unpleasant, especially given what was written on the scroll. Not so. Ezekiel says, “I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.” God then orders Ezekiel to go and speak His words to the house of Israel.
While Ezekiel literally feasted on God’s word, we need to spiritually feast on God’s word. We need to feed our spirit with Scripture. There are many things in Scripture that are lovely and uplifting. There are also parts that are like what God wrote on the scroll that Ezekiel ate – difficult to swallow. But the bottom line is that it is all for our good.
Father, may we always feast on your word. As you bless us with your word, may we be encouraged and bless others. Amen.
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