“Sovereign Lord”

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,' whether they hear, or whether they refuse." (Ezekiel 3:11)

I am impressed with the number of times in Ezekiel that the prophet uses the term “Sovereign Lord” (NIV) or “Lord God” (NKJV).  The Hebrew is “Adonai Jehovah”. These names given to God represent the truthfulness and fullness of the prophet’s message.  God is speaking to hard-hearted, Hebrew exiles from Judah to Babylon.

A Sovereign is one who has supreme power and undisputed rule.  His word is absolute and in the case of God is unchanging.  In this setting God is revealing his truth to Ezekiel.  The prophet’s job, regardless of how it is received, is to preach to the captives.  Consider some lessons here.

First, God’s word is unchanging and does not depend upon human acceptance.  "And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD,' whether they hear, or whether they refuse." (Ezekiel 3:11)

Second, God’s word will be accepted by some and rejected by others.  Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, which has eyes to see but does not see, and ears to hear but does not hear; for they are a rebellious house. (Ezekiel 12:1-2)

Third, our responsibility is to teach God’s truth regardless of the reception.  "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me: (Ezekiel 3:17)

God has the right to speak and act as he wishes.  This is His role by reason of His position as Creator, Sustainer, and Savior.  Our job is to seek his approval and to be loyal to his righteous cause.

By George Slover

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