Friday 2nd May
Read Ezekiel 3:1-3
“And he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the people of Israel.’ 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.
3 Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.” (NIVUK)
Frequently in scripture the sense of taste is applied to the word of God. Whilst rather strange to imagine eating a scroll the intent is to outline clearly the all-consuming nature of the prophet’s task. God’s word sits deep within the prophet’s soul, it fills him entirely. The words themselves though are as sweet as honey. There is joy in God’s word, of the sweetest kind then known.
That same word though can taste both sweet and sour. John was presented with God’s word also, a powerful word of judgment no less.
“So I went to the angel and asked him to give me the little scroll. He said to me, ‘Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but “in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.”’ 10 I took the little scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.” (Revelation 10:9-10) (NIVUK)
Those who don’t know God are under His word as much as those who revere Him. It may taste sweet to us, but bitter to them. But like any person gifted with the sweetness of God’s word, the obligation to share it remains.
