Spirit-enabled obedience

I have been reading in Ezekiel lately.  The first three chapter have really made my heart and soul long for a deeper, closer intimacy with my God.  Ezekiel's response to the call of God is remarkable.  Absolutely, wholly awe-striking.  Here is Ezekiel 1:28-2:2 (ESV)

"Such was the appearance of the likeness of the GLORY OF THE LORD. AND WHEN I SAW IT, I FELL ON MY FACE, and I heard to voice of one speaking.  And he said to me, 'Son of man, STAND ON YOUR FEET and I will speak with you.'  And as He spoke to me THE SPIRIT ENTERED ME AND SET ME ON MY FEET, and I heard Him speaking to me."

This is a reaction I have seldom seen in my walk with Christ.  But I want it more.  After reading this I was pretty shaken,  read chapter 1 and be amazed at the vivid, awesome, glory of the Lord that Ezekiel saw.  Then my mind was taken to God as Creator, the world we live in and the workmanship of God. God's glory!!! I want to be constantly driven to me face in awe of the glory of God.  He is awesome.

Then Ezy was commanded to stand on His feet.  And he did.  Not on his own power, no, the obedience of Ezekiel to come to His feet after being driven to his face by God's glory was the Holy Spirit alone.  This wasn't an isolated instance too.  The exact same thing happened in Ezekiel 3:23-24.  1) Glory of God revealed, 2) floored by God's glory, 3) Command to rise to feet, 4) Spirit-enable obedience.  The exact same thing.



There was no hesitation by Ezekiel, he obeyed with a Spirit-enabled obedience.  I want to obey God also, that means I need to submit to the Spirit.  If that is true, then to submit, it means I need to be broken of my pride.  If I am prideful, I need to have a conviction of my sin and fall on my face before the glory of God in a genuine fear of the Lord.

So, for a Spirit-enabled obedience, this has been my prayer for myself and I encourage you to pray it also.  Its simple, but I mean it with all my heart: "God soften my heart to my sin, and make me sensitive to the leading of your Spirit."

I have been praying this with sincerity and looking to the Scripture for teaching, guidance, conviction, and direction.  This past week I have felt a deeper intimacy with God than ever before in my life.  It has been by His grace alone.  So, I pray again and continually:

"God, soften my heart to my sin and make me sensitive to the leading of your Spirit. Amen"