Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Ezekiel 2:1-3:3 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘And you, O mortal, do not be afraid of them, and do not be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns surround you and you live among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words, and do not be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.’ Ezekiel 2:6

Have you ever lived among scorpions? I have, and I can tell you there is a reason Alabama is called the Beautiful State and not the Scorpion State. If it was no one would ever move there. The pain of a scorpion sting can be quite blinding, but I would still sooner be stung by a scorpion than face some of the pain that other people’s words and looks have caused.

In this passage we read about Ezekiel’s call to be a prophet, which if you read the rest of your bible, you will see, wasn’t a glamorous or even comfortable job. The prophets were often ostracised and even hated, because they held a mirror up to society and showed them where they had strayed from the Lord. No one likes to be told that what they are doing is wrong.

So, Ezekiel, while obedient, probably was not jumping at the chance to do as the Lord commanded of him. Sometimes we can avoid listening to what the Lord has to say because we fear ending up like Ezekiel—living with scorpions (literal or metaphorical). Being too busy is a common excuse we use for avoiding making time to pray, but how many of us, do you think, sometimes avoid prayer because we are scared of what the Lord has to say? When we pray the Lord’s prayer, we pray one particularly powerful and brave line ‘Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.’ This is the point when we shed all of our own plans and expectations, and lay them aside to boldly follow God down whichever road He leads us. But let’s remember that just like Ezekiel, if the Lord has called you, He will equip you and most importantly, He will protect you from the scorpions. So, fill up your stomach with the Word of the Lord, stand up on your feet and let the Lord speak to you today.

Let us pray: Our Father, in heaven, glorious is Your name, we ask today that Your kingdom come, and Your will be done. Help us to listen to the calling You have placed on our lives, and give us the courage to look up past the briars and thorns, and fix our eyes on you instead. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Christy Sawyer, Warden of Lay Ministry and Lay Training Officer.