以西結書 3:9 :
我使你的前額像堅硬一樣堅硬:不要害怕他們,也不要因他們的外表而驚慌,儘管他們是一個叛逆的家族。
詩句的延伸解釋:
在這節經文中,上帝向以西結保證,祂會裝備祂去面對以色列人民的抵抗和敵意。額頭「像最堅硬的石頭」的意象象徵著以西結面對叛逆的觀眾所需的韌性和內在力量。神應許要使他“比燧石還硬”,這強調了神為以西結站立得穩、無所畏懼的超自然供應。不要害怕的命令反映了神對先知挑戰的理解,也反映了他對以西結完全信任他的呼召。
這節經文對今天的基督徒意味著什麼:
以西結書 3:9 提醒基督徒,神裝備祂的子民,讓他們在反對面前站立得穩。在一個經常抵抗真理的世界裡,信徒被呼召勇敢地宣講上帝的話語,相信上帝的力量而不是自己的力量。這節經文也鼓勵基督徒在面對恐懼或沮喪時依靠神的應許,因為知道祂提供了承受挑戰所需的韌性。
這節經文與慈愛的神有何關係:
神應許要堅固以西結,這反映了祂對僕人的愛和關懷。上帝並沒有讓以西結獨自面對祂的使命,而是確保祂完全有能力應對未來的挑戰。這節經文顯示神密切參與祂所呼召之人的生活,準確地提供他們所需要的東西來實現祂的目的。他「不要害怕」的命令是一個充滿愛的提醒,讓我們知道他的存在和力量比任何反對派都強大。
這節經文如何與耶穌基督連結:
耶穌在地上的事工中表現出了最終的決心和勇氣,他的臉「如燧石」面向十字架(路加福音9:51)。儘管面臨拒絕、迫害和死亡,耶穌仍然堅定不移地履行祂救贖人類的使命。他也透過聖靈給他的跟隨者力量,給他們勇氣和力量堅定他們的信仰(使徒行傳1:8)。正如以西結得到上帝的力量去宣揚祂的信息一樣,今天的信徒也得到基督的力量去分享福音,即使在困難的情況下也是如此。
思考與討論問題:
我們什麼時候經歷過神的力量幫助我們在困境中站立得穩?
當我們面對生活中的恐懼或反對時,我們如何能更信任上帝?
我們可以採取什麼步驟來確保我們依靠上帝的力量而不是我們自己的力量?
以西結的榜樣如何鼓勵我們即使在充滿挑戰的情況下仍忠於上帝的呼召?
耶穌的堅定如何激勵我們繼續致力於實踐我們的信仰?
為以西結禱告 1:28 :
「周圍的絢麗光芒看起來就像是雨天雲中彩虹。這就是主榮耀形狀的顯現。當我看到 [它]時,我臉朝下摔倒,並聽到一個聲音在說話。
透過以西結書 1:28 禱告
我們的禱告:
天父,當您坐在天上的寶座上,周圍環繞著雲彩中的彩虹時,我們是多麼榮幸,能夠在以西結的奇妙異像中看到主榮耀的形象。宏偉的生物運送。沒有任何言語足以表達你榮耀的偉大,然而,在你的良善和恩典中,你憐憫你墮落的受造物的處境,並賜下你的獨生子作為我們罪孽的完美犧牲。無法用言語來表達您無盡的智慧、無邊的力量和令人敬畏的純潔。讚美祢的聖名,阿門。
Ezekiel 3:9 :
As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Extended Explanation of the Verse:
In this verse, God reassures Ezekiel that He will equip him to face the resistance and hostility of the people of Israel. The imagery of a forehead “like the hardest stone” symbolizes the resilience and inner strength Ezekiel will need to confront a rebellious audience. God’s promise to make him “harder than flint” emphasizes His supernatural provision for Ezekiel to stand firm without fear. The command not to be afraid reflects God’s understanding of the prophet’s challenges but also His call for Ezekiel to trust Him completely.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian:
Ezekiel 3:9 reminds Christians that God equips His people to stand firm in the face of opposition. In a world that often resists truth, believers are called to proclaim God’s Word boldly, trusting in His strength rather than their own. This verse also encourages Christians to rely on God’s promises when facing fear or discouragement, knowing that He provides the resilience needed to endure challenges.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God:
God’s promise to strengthen Ezekiel reflects His love and care for His servant. Rather than leaving Ezekiel to face his mission alone, God ensures that he is fully equipped to handle the challenges ahead. This verse shows God’s intimate involvement in the lives of those He calls, providing exactly what they need to fulfill His purposes. His command to “not be afraid” is a loving reminder that His presence and power are greater than any opposition.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ:
Jesus displayed the ultimate resolve and courage in His earthly ministry, setting His face “like flint” toward the cross (Luke 9:51). Despite facing rejection, persecution, and death, Jesus remained steadfast in His mission to redeem humanity. He also empowers His followers through the Holy Spirit, giving them the courage and strength to stand firm in their faith (Acts 1:8). Just as Ezekiel was strengthened by God to proclaim His message, believers today are strengthened by Christ to share the Gospel, even in difficult circumstances.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion:
When have we experienced God’s strength helping us stand firm in a difficult situation?
How can we trust God more when facing fear or opposition in our life?
What steps can we take to ensure that we rely on God’s power rather than our own strength?
How does Ezekiel’s example encourage us to stay faithful to God’s calling, even when it’s challenging?
In what ways does Jesus’ steadfastness inspire us to remain committed to living out our faith?
Prayer for Ezekiel 1:28 :
“The appearance of the brilliant light all around was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the form of the Lord's glory. When I saw [it], I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.”
Praying through Ezekiel 1:28
Our prayer:
Heavenly Father, how privileged we are to have such an astonishing peep into the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord in Ezekiel's amazing vision, when You were You seated on Your heavenly throne, surrounded by the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, and transported by four magnificent living creatures. No words are sufficiently worthy to convey the greatness of Your glory, and yet in Your goodness and grace, You pitied the state of Your fallen creatures and gave Your only begotten Son to become the perfect sacrifice for our sin. There are no words to express how great is Your endless wisdom, boundless power, and awesome purity. Praise Your holy name, AMEN.