Correspondence: The Comission of Ezekiel

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Ques. 168. Is the commission given to Ezekiel the prophet, in Chapter, 2 and 3, also given to us?
L. C.
Ans. It is of great importance to rightly divide the word of truth. The Hebrews were unskillful in the word of righteousness, (Heb. 5:1313For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (Hebrews 5:13).) that is, what was of direct application to themselves. There is much profit in studying the whole Word of God, but we must distinguish what is written to the Jew or Gentile, from what is addressed to the saints in Christ Jesus who compose the Church of God.
If we look at our place in Christ we see that we are not under law but under grace. (Rom. 6:1414For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14).) There is now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 8:11There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)) We are accepted in the Beloved. (Eph. 1:66To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6).) And as He is so are we in this world. (1 John 4:1717Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17).) We are children, the family of God. (Eph, 2:19. 1 John 3:11Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1).) Our service to the Lord is in keeping with this grace. We are not compelled to serve; if we serve the Lord, it is, if right, the expression of our heart's joy and not compulsion from fear of penalty. If I were held responsible for anyone's soul, I should be lost: I could not be responsible for my own salvation. My Great High Priest Hoes that for me. We are the subjects of grace and in this law of liberty we must walk and serve.
God may apply scriptures directed to Ezekiel, Jeremiah and others, to us to stir us up to more earnest devotedness to Christ and here we may see the living character of the Word of God. But in all our service we must bear in mind our heavenly calling and the true grace of God in which we stand. We serve in the joy and gladness of children, and thus express our gratitude to God. We must not think that the Lord's work among men is dependent upon us, but further that in condescending grace He gives us fellowship in what He is doing and if in any small way we may be used, we have to say "yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." (1 Cor. 15:1010But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (1 Corinthians 15:10).) In Luke 10, Martha had service so much before her, she could not sit at Jesus' feet and hear His Word. She blamed the Lord and Mary, her sister for not helping her. She could tell the Lord what His duty was; such service has no happiness in it. The Lord gently rebukes her, as careful and troubled about many things: her work might be right, but her spirit was wrong. "But one thing is needful and Mary hath chosen that good part, (not better part, Martha's part was not good) which shall not be taken away from her." Many now are so busy working for the Lord, they have no time to hear His Word, and they blame others who do not go in their ways. The Lord says to the Philadelphian assembly, (Rev. 3:88I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8).) "I know thy works." He says it approvingly, as if to confirm them and bid them be satisfied with the sense of His approval, no matter what others might do or say. And like the man who was blind, (Mark 10:5252And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. (Mark 10:52),) to whom Jesus said, "Go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole," and immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. So we now, through grace, find it our delight to serve and follow Him.