“Imagine a world where our beliefs weren’t just something that happened in our heads and hearts- but became something powerful we did with our hands and feet.” ~Jennifer Dukes Lee
We all yearn for a life of significance. Truth be told, we want to matter. We long to leave our mark on the world, but how do you translate ideas and desires into something tangible? What if you struggle to make a difference and nobody notices?
God made the prophet Ezekiel a Watchman over the exiled Israelites. He would share their fate if he failed to deliver the message from God faithfully and expediently. God assured him that the people would stubbornly ignore him, but added that their stubbornness would be matched only by Ezekiel’s own.
“Then he added, “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself.”
Ezekiel 3:10 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/ezk.3.10.NLT
This is how discipleship works. “See one. Do one. Teach one.” My husband is trained in surgery. As a medical resident, he learned in this way. Each procedure must be observed many times before the student doctor assists and then attempts the procedure for himself. As his training progresses, he will then lead in the training process. As an attending physician, he still assists in the training of future surgeons.
Jesus told his disciples, “Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.”
Luke 6:40 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/luk.6.40.NLT
He also said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
John 14:12 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.14.12.NLT
Ezekiel was charged with taking to heart the words of his Master before he delivered God’s message to the people of Israel. In other words, “Practice what you preach.” I cannot share with you something that I do not possess.
The kings of ancient Israel were similarly charged. “When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way.”
Deuteronomy 17:18-20 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/deu.17.18-20.NLT
By this method, the scribes of old should’ve had a decided advantage in the obedience department, but they’re most often grouped with the Pharisees when Jesus condemns those most offensive to God. So it isn’t just the copying that imbues the power.
“He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives.” This discipline was an act of faith in “the Lord his God” who entrusted him with the throne. Only a handful of kings acted in faith during their reigns, but their legacies all read, “He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.”
2 Chronicles 34:2 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2ch.34.2.NLT
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
Hebrews 13:7 NIV
https://hebrews.bible/hebrews-13-7
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
2 Timothy 2:2 NIV
https://2timothy.bible/2-timothy-2-2
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV
https://1corinthians.bible/1-corinthians-11-1
See one. Do one. Teach one.
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
1 Peter 2:21 NIV
https://1peter.bible/1-peter-2-21
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:14-15 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.13.14-15.NIV
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.12.1-2.NIV
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!”
Isaiah 52:7 NLT
A Fitting Reply 