Music Monday: “Be Okay” by Lauren Daigle (featuring Ellie Holcomb)
by: Debbie Waltz
Ever since I finished Ruth Chou Simon’s Now, Not Yet Bible study, I have noticed a significant increase in my awareness of the Lord’s extraordinary measures to capture our attention. Nothing is beyond God’s control, whether it is the ordinary occurrences of everyday life or extraordinary miracles. From unwavering faithfulness to his quest for justice, he will use whatever he has to turn His children back to Him; that includes “lifting up” judges for discipline and correction. Although the book of Judges concludes, the cycle persists without signs of resolution. God’s faithfulness endures throughout all circumstances as He raises prophet after prophet, hoping Israel will eventually change its ways.
Ezekiel is a prophet who falls into this category. In this chapter, he delivers powerful sermons condemning Israel’s sinfulness and physically embodies the consequences that the Lord will bring upon them if they fail to repent. In one instance, he chops off all of his hair ( Ezekiel 3-5); in another passage, his wife dies, and he isn’t supposed to mourn (Ezekiel 24:15-25). Later on in the chapter, God appoints him as “a watchman,”-holding him responsible for calling people out on their sins. (Ezekiel 33).
In verses 7-9, Ezekiel writes: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘you wicked person, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved.”
As Christians, we share a similar obligation, although the outcomes may not carry the same weight. Our duty is to share our faith actively with the world. Peter 3:15 reminds us, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..”
We should remember who we represent in our effort to stay humble and remember our roots. Paul writes in Philippians 2:3-5: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset of Jesus Christ..”
That said, I bet you’re wondering why I chose such a sad-sounding song for Music Monday. Considering election season, tensions are bound to rise no matter the outcome. But it’s important to remember who’s ultimately in control