As we all know, central to the Biblical story of redemption is the little word “sin.”  When we begin to follow God’s Word as it reveals to us the true significance that little arrangement of three letters, we soon discover that there is more meaning packed into “sin” than we have time to fully probe.

To no one’s surprise, the prophecy of Ezekiel addresses this topic head on.  Yet, it does so with a measure of force that makes this book unique among the Old Testament prophets.  As we have discovered so far in our studies of this great prophecy, the Lord called Ezekiel to confront the sins of the covenant people.  After all, it was their many and persistent transgressions against the Lord that led to their captivity in Babylon in the first place.

In chapters two and three of Ezekiel, the prophetic assault upon the wayward covenant people commences with a relentless, repetitive rhythm and unimaginable force.  Synonyms for the term “sin” flow from his mouth as inspired and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord.  “Sin” is exposed as rebellion, wickedness, iniquity, hard-heartedness, brazenness, stubbornness, obstinacy, and abomination.

Modern believers like us, far removed from Ezekiel’s time, might wonder why the prophet is led by the Spirit to speak this way to those the Lord has loved and redeemed.  And even more critically, we are curious as to how all this finds a place of connection and relevance to us, the Bride of Christ.

Our message on Sunday will address these important concerns.  As we reflect upon the words of our sermon text, Ezekiel 2:3-5, let’s ask the Spirit of the Lord to show us our own sins in a new light so that the wonder of His saving grace might overcome our guilt, and move us to deeper worship and more obedient service.