Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Ezekiel 2:1–5
He said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you. And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them. (NRSV)

Reflection
I’ve always been inspired by the courage and strength of prophets—biblical, historical, and contemporary. I love hearing stories of people who stood up for what is right based upon God’s call; people who faced animosity, hatred, and even violence and found a way to still do what is right despite the risks.

I remember being in fourth grade during recess, trying to play basketball with my friends, and some boys came up to us saying that girls can’t play basketball. Naturally I yelled at them and then told the teacher about it. The teacher wouldn’t do anything about it. Oh the fury in my bones! How dare those boys say that! How dare they think that! How dare that teacher not do anything about it! I remember this deep-seated desire to change their minds and hearts. I remember the confusion of why those boys thought they were better than me just because of their birth as boys. I didn’t grow up to be a WNBA star like I had been hoping in elementary school, but that prophetic fire stayed with me. When I feel discouraged, I like to remember childhood stories like this that remind me who I am, where I came from, and how God speaks and encourages us from our young age to our old.

What stories do you remember where God spoke and a spirit entered you, lifting you on your feet like the prophet Ezekiel? What stories make you who you are? What memories do you have of times when that spirit was so strong you had to stand up for what was right?

Prayer
Holy One, remind us of your boldness speaking in us. Help us remember our stories of why you’ve called us to our particular journeys. Amen.

Written by Abbi Heimach-Snipes, Pastoral Resident

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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