I Received This Message from the Lord
“On June 21, during the eleventh year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, this message came to me from the Lord:”
Ezekiel 31:1 (NLT)
As I was reading the chapters from our annual Bible reading plan, one phrase deeply caught my attention: “this message came to me from the Lord.” This statement appears repeatedly in the book of Ezekiel, often accompanied by a specific date. That’s not a coincidence. Ezekiel didn’t just hear from God—he also recorded with precision the moment he received His messages. This teaches us something important about our relationship with God: He still speaks today, and we must learn to listen, record, and share His voice with reverence and responsibility.
- Ezekiel listened attentively to God
It’s not just about reading out of routine, but about being sensitive to what the Spirit wants to say. God still speaks to those who make space in their day to listen. - Ezekiel wrote down what God told him
Writing what God speaks to us is an act of faith and obedience. It helps us remember, meditate on, and share what He is doing in our lives. - He dated the messages
Recording the date when God speaks makes that moment historical. It’s a way to honor God’s voice and value His guidance. In the future, those dates can stand as testimony to God’s faithfulness. - God also wants to speak to us personally today
When we pray and read His Word with an open heart, we can receive specific direction. The challenge is having a mind and heart still enough to hear clearly. - Sharing what God speaks also builds others up
Sending a devotional, sharing a message in a small group, or simply writing in a journal can be a way to extend God’s voice to those who need it.
“On June 21, during the eleventh year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, this message came to me from the Lord:”
Ezekiel 31:1 (NLT)
Think About It:
- Am I taking time each day to attentively listen to what God wants to tell me?
- Do I write down what God speaks to me, or do I let it fade into forgetfulness?
- What can I do today to create a moment of stillness where God can speak to me clearly?