We are a sign.

EZEKIEL 12: 1-10

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people. 3 “Therefore, son of man, pack your belongings for exile and in the daytime, as they watch, set out and go from where you are to another place. Perhaps they will understand, though they are a rebellious people. 4 During the daytime, while they watch, bring out your belongings packed for exile. Then in the evening, while they are watching, go out like those who go into exile. 5 While they watch, dig through the wall and take your belongings out through it. Put them on your shoulder as they are watching and carry them out at dusk. Cover your face so that you cannot see the land, for I have made you a sign to the Israelites.”

7 So I did as I was commanded. During the day I brought out my things packed for exile. Then in the evening I dug through the wall with my hands. I took my belongings out at dusk, carrying them on my shoulders while they watched. 8 In the morning the word of the Lord came to me: 9 “Son of man, did not the Israelites, that rebellious people, ask you, ‘What are you doing?’ 10 “Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: This prophecy concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the Israelites who are there.’ Say to them, ‘I am a sign to you.’ “As I have done, so it will be done to them. They will go into exile as captives.

God is commanding Ezekiel to make a move in broad daylight while everyone is watching. It says, “while they are watching” multiple times in these verses. That has been the story of our life. We have been this radical faith journey and people have been sitting back watching. Many people have said I will sit back and see how that works out. We have found our names in the scroll.

God commanded Ezekiel to go from where he was to another place. He commanded that so that he could be a sign to those who were watching him. He said perhaps they will understand even though they are a rebellious people. Is God commanding us to make a move in order that we may be a sign to those who are watching? Ezekiels sign was to represent God’s people being taken into captivity. What sign is God trying to get across to His people today? Could this move be a sign? Is God calling us to do something that doesn’t make sense in order that He can communicate something to His people?

It said that Ezekiel had to pack his belongings and dig through a wall with his bare hands. How uncomfortable and crazy is that? God is asking us to pack our belongings and move to (as of right now). A place that we would have never thought He would be moving us. This isn’t just about making a move, putting roots down and having more kids. This is about finding our names in the scroll and God giving us the grace to have a glimpse into the life of one who thousands of years ago He called to do the exact same thing. 

Perhaps God needs to change the way we see things. Perhaps we need to pack our belongings while everyone is watching. Perhaps they will ask what are you doing and our only response will be…

I am a sign to you.