Reading from Ezekiel 1-3 this morning reminded me of a vital principle for effective communication.
Until we adequately share the “Who?” and the “Why?” of a message, the “What?” has little value.
It’s like getting a check written to you for $1 million. If the check account number isn’t tied to the right person and if you don’t know why you’ve been given the check, it could be a scam by overseas crooks who want to gain access to your bank account number in order to steal from you, not give to you.
God knows that the influence of His message is greater when the prerequisites for persuasion are in place.
We should know the same.
What are those prerequisites? Communicating to people why our message is important and from whom the message is coming.
For without this understanding, the person will very likely have little loyalty to the what we say. After all, they might just see it as our opinion. And who is going to change the direction of their life based only on our opinion?
When God spoke to preacher Ezekiel while he was with other Hebrew exiles in Babylon, there was a dramatic demonstration of God’s holiness that left Ezekiel swept away by the awesomeness of God, His heavenly servants and His divine authority.
It was absolutely clear to Ezekiel as to why he should listen to God.
God was amazing and sovereign and yet, He chose to speak with Ezekiel, a priest and prophet who was not perfect and holy.
In view of the fact that a Perfect God spoke to an imperfect prophet, Ezekiel knew that some special reason for the calling was about to be shared.
That’s when the “Why?” was shared.
Ezekiel was about to be given a series of lengthy messages that would be quite uppopular with his people.
In fact, God told Ezekiel that the hard-hearted Hebrews would most likely not listen to him in a compliant manner.
God told Ezekiel to not grow discouraged, however, by the future rejection of his message since the Hebrews had for centuries rejected messages even directly from God Himself.
Actually, there is no “What?” shared in the first three chapters of Ezekiel. That comes later.
But the point was clear to me — I am to share my faith with others because God has made clear that He is the Author of the Gospel that was made real and powerful in the person of Jesus Christ. These are the “Who?” facts.
The point is also clear to me that my sharing is to be rooted in obedience and a desire for others to experience a personal, surrendered, love-filled, ETERNAL relationship with God through acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior. These are the “Why?” facts.
When I understand and apply the “Who?” and the “Why?” correctly in my life, the “What?” just becomes a matter of hearing and sharing.
If people listen and respond as God desires, that’s great. If they listen and don’t respond, I’ve still done what God called me to do.
Remember, God sent Ezekiel with a message, not a quota.
Let’s remember this as we serve according to the “Who?” and “Why?”, passing on the “What?” as the Word and the Spirit lead us.
As always, I love you
Martin
