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Also the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Son of man, behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes with one stroke; yet you shall neither mourn nor weep, nor shall your tears run down. "Sigh in silence, make no mourning for the dead; bind your turban on your head, and put your sandals on your feet; do not cover [your] lips, and do not eat man's bread [of sorrow]." Ezekiel 24:15-17 NKJV
Today’s scripture presents a directive from God that, at first glance, looks insensitive, even harsh. Ezekiel was about to suffer the wrenching loss of his wife, and one would expect that he’d need to spend a period of time mourning her death.
But God instructed Ezekiel to skip all the traditional outward signs of grief and instead mourn the loss of his wife quietly and privately. God knew that Ezekiel would be grief-stricken, and He almost certainly comforted His prophet during his private time of praying and seeking His will.
It may be difficult to understand why God commanded Ezekiel to forgo the traditions of mourning. But we can take one important lesson from this passage: when we serve God, there may be times when tragedy can discourage us or steal our joy. When you suffer loss, you can and should mourn. But your heavenly Father will be right there with you through your season of mourning, strengthening you and encouraging you in what He’s called you to do.
Prayer: God of compassion, strengthen me and help me to remain focused on serving You, even when my heart is breaking.
Today’s scripture presents a directive from God that, at first glance, looks insensitive, even harsh. Ezekiel was about to suffer the wrenching loss of his wife, and one would expect that he’d need to spend a period of time mourning her death.
But God instructed Ezekiel to skip all the traditional outward signs of grief and instead mourn the loss of his wife quietly and privately. God knew that Ezekiel would be grief-stricken, and He almost certainly comforted His prophet during his private time of praying and seeking His will.
It may be difficult to understand why God commanded Ezekiel to forgo the traditions of mourning. But we can take one important lesson from this passage: when we serve God, there may be times when tragedy can discourage us or steal our joy. When you suffer loss, you can and should mourn. But your heavenly Father will be right there with you through your season of mourning, strengthening you and encouraging you in what He’s called you to do.
Prayer: God of compassion, strengthen me and help me to remain focused on serving You, even when my heart is breaking.
