Ezekiel 19 to 21

If you are an avid sports fan you are familiar with this scenario. The coach calls the team to the bench and then gives a pep talk or a scolding, depending on the score. The team high fives and returns to the field or floor. Yet, the coach’s words go by the wayside. We hear whistles and calls for a time-out and the coach again gives his team the plays to follow. But, once again the team seems to forget the coach’s words for once again they flounder and fail. The scoreboard reflects this lack of teamwork and following the playbook.

Ezekiel’s illustration of Israel is like that game. The Israelites coach is God and He gives the plays but when they return to the field it is as if they want to do their own thing. Instead of following the plays God has for them such as honor the Sabbath and put away idols, they rebelled and outwardly said yes but in their heart said: “we will be like the nations who serve gods of wood and stone.” As their coach, God rages in heaven yet in his mercy He calls them back to the bench over and over.  Why is God so patient? It is because of His love and so they know He is Lord.” He is the Royal Coach. His playbook is never wrong.

Discipleship is like this illustration. Jesus is the coach and you as the believer are part of the team. If you follow the playbook you will hear “well done!” but if not you soon will see the other team winning.

So the question is this: Is God/Jesus your coach and if He is, are you following His playbook? Whose side are you on?