Ezekiel 2:5-7: Among Thorns and Scorpions
Monday, April 1, 2019
A number of months ago we looked at Ezekiel 2 and focused on the image of the scroll. Today as we watch Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem we look at just a few of the verses. From the Jerusalem Bible: The[y] are defiant and obstinate; I am sending them to you to say, “The Lord Yahweh says this”. Whether they listen or not, this set of rebels shall know there is a prophet among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them, do not be afraid when they say, “There are thorns all around you scorpions under you”. There is no need to be afraid either of their words or of their looks, for they are a set of rebels. You must deliver my words to them whether they listen or not, for they are a set of rebels. Jesus knows that he is about to settle into the thorns; he is aware that scorpions lie in wait; yet he goes willingly to do as the Father asks.
In today’s reading from Philippians (2:6-11) Paul describes for us Jesus’ manner before God. Perhaps when we spend some time reflecting on these verses we will be better able to do as God asks. We know that this obedience will lead us from time to time to sit among thorns and be surrounded by scorpions; yet we obey as Jesus obeys, knowing that we are led and loved by God.
And so we pray . . .
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped . . .
If Christ himself does not try to supersede the creator, why do we?
If Christ himself does as the Father asks, why cannot we?
He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness . . .
If Christ empties himself so that the Spirit may enter, why cannot we?
If Christ enslaves himself to the will of God, how might we?
Found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross . . .
If Christ humbles himself and bows to the creator, when can we?
If Christ obeys unto death, even death on a cross, when do we?
Because of this, God greatly exalted him.
If Christ settles into thorns to sit among the scorpions, why don’t we?
If Christ calls us to follow . . . even into the thorns and among the scorpions, why don’t we?
What do we fear . . . when we know that we are led and loved by God?
Let us place our cloaks on the ground to make a passage way for Christ. Let us take up the fronds of palm to wave them in joy. And let us follow the one who leads and loves so well . . . even knowing that we go among the thorns and the scorpions. Amen.
A re-post from April 1, 2012.
Scorpion image from: http://bioveteria.com/antivenom/scorpion-antivenom/
For another way to look at scripture, click on the thorn image above or visit: http://thewordin365.wordpress.com/tag/thorns/
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