February 3 ~

"As for you, son of man, your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, 'Come, and hear what the word is that comes forth from the LORD.' And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with their lips they show much love, but their heart is set on their gain" ...
Ezek.33:30-31 (RSV)

They hear, O Lord, the things that Thou dost say
through children of Thine who walk in Thy Way.
And lo! they marvel at each gracious word.
'Such wisdom," they exclaim, "we've never heard!
Come! Sit and hear the prophet prophesy.
Pure truth he speaks! No falsity! No lie!
Just God's Own words sent freshly from above.
Hear how He says, "Obey, and show forth love!"

They hear it, Lord, and recognize its Source.
Like music of the spheres - a heav'nly chorus -
it is to them: delightful to the ear.
They hear, but listen not! Nor do they fear
when told, "Obey Him, or one day thou'lt rue it!"
They hear, Lord. But, alas, they will not do it!

"And, lo, you are to them like one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it" ... "the God in whose hand are your life-breath and your ways, you have not glorified" ... "have not honored" ...
Ezek.33:32 (RSV); Dan.5:23 (NAS,RSV).

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