Beech Tree News Network

God teaches man in many ways. While we know His will is revealed in the written word, it does not take long to see God use many “tools” to get His truth to man. In the Bible, we have a record of the various ways He did things (Heb. 1:1-2).

             God used men for “object lessons” on many occasions. One example of this is when we read about Ezekiel and his actions in Ezekiel 4 and 5. He was to lay siege to a tile (KJV) or brick (4:1-2). This was actually writing material, like a clay tablet. While laying siege, Ezekiel was told to lay on his left side for 390 days and on his right for 40 days (4:4-8). He was to eat rationed bread and water during this time (4:9-11), and the bread was to be baked over burning cow dung (v. 15). God then wanted Ezekiel to shave his beard off and separate it into thirds (5:1). People would then see Ezekiel burn 1/3 of his beard, cut up 1/3 of his beard, and then scatter the remaining 1/3 in the wind, leaving only a few hairs bound or tied to his garment (5:2-3).

 When we read Ezekiel 4-5, we see the purpose of this work was to serve as object lessons against the inhabitants of Jerusalem who would suffer through an actual siege. They would suffer through a famine due to this siege, food rationing, and finally suffer death or be scattered to other nations once this was all over (Ezek. 4:7, 16-5:12).

             Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others would also serve God by offering “object lessons” to the people through their actions (Jas. 5:10). Jesus did similar things when He wrote on the ground (Jn. 8:6), when He spoke in parables, and when He pointed to lessons taught to us in nature (Matt. 6:26-30, 10:29-31). Indeed, many other examples could be named, for Christ’s life was an “object lesson” (Jn. 13:15; I Pet. 2:21; I Jn. 2:6).

             The apostle Paul said folks needed to follow him as he followed Christ (I Cor. 4:16, 11:1; Phil. 3:17). In other words, Paul had a life that served as an “object lesson” just as others had done before him (II Cor. 11:22-29).

             God’s intention is that men be “object lessons” of the truth (Matt. 5:13-16; II Jn. 6; Col. 1:10). Who knows how many have looked to you as an example in certain circumstances? Our children look to parents to see how they should speak and act. Indeed, parents have a “captive audience” in their children (Prov. 22:6). Jesus said that when we allow our “lights” to shine, people will see our good works (what we have done) and glorify God as a result (Matt. 5:14-16). There is no question that the saving power of the gospel is in the word (Rom. 1:16). What God wants, as well, is for people to see the gospel in us and note what changes we have made as a result of His truth.

             Have you thought about how you are an “object lesson”? Let us make sure we are teaching folks correctly “in word or deed” (Col. 3:17)!

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167