Happy “Dramatic” Weekend, Everyone!
There is so much drama today. Whether it is political or in Hollywood, or in the music world, or even in our own communities. Be it drugs or suicide or violence or anything else today. Goodness, some families have enough drama going on to keep the nosey gossips busy 24/7, right?
This week’s Sunday school lesson is taken from the book of Ezekiel chapter 3:1-11. The calling of Ezekiel was similar to the calling of Jeremiah where God also said, “Oh buy the way, Prophecy to them even if they don’t listen.” (Paraphrased)
Ezekiel was a dynamic and dramatic guy. Even though he was a great prophet/teacher/preacher, his words landed on deaf ears. I’ve been teaching Sunday school for over 30 years and there are times when I wonder if I’m even getting through to anyone. I remember a few times I taught two weeks in a row and on the opening of class the second week I’d ask, “What did we talk about last week?” SILENCE! Do you know how much of a downer that can be for a teacher? Just imagine these Bible prophets that are called to speak to entire nations about God. Yikes!
As teachers, you may wonder just how many students actually do listen or even care to learn about the Bible and Jesus Christ. I truly believe that Sunday school is the most important class anyone will ever attend. I feel sad when I hear someone say "I believe in God; I don't have to go to church to be a Christian." I'm sorry to say this to them but, God's Spirit, if you truly have it, WILL draw you to His house to be with His people and to hear His Word.
There are times that I believe God has me teaching to train me and for my growth through serious study and drilling down deep into scripture. I also believe that a person cannot get full potential from scripture by studying alone. Just like Ezekiel was called to prophecy, I believe a teacher’s calling is just as important because God expects people to “hear” and “respond” to His Word. Friends, the task of teachers is to speak the words that God gives them to the best of their ability and God alone knows and requires accountability from the hearer for the results.
Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, to get back to my “dramatic” thing, I believe that a teacher of students must be dramatic in their presentation of the Gospel, I believe that a teacher should prepare, prepare, prepare. I promised God and myself when I agreed to teach Sunday school that I would not slack, and in every class, I will make a be-line to the cross. So whether students respond or not, God is in control. We are to just keep sending out seeds, and He will take care of the increase.
Ezekiel saw a rebellious people against God; today, we see a rebellious nation, the United States of America caring less and less about the Creator of us, the Redeemer of our souls, and the Friend who gave His life so that we may live eternally with God in Heaven. It's so sad that many don’t want bothered with Christ. Don’t let that be you friends. Study scripture, then share what you have learned, whether they want to hear it, or not! This world needs more Ezekiels. Amen!
