Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezekiel 3:9)
Was God doing some trash talk about the Israelites in Exile? It sounds like God is saying, “Don’t be afraid, even though those people are UGLY!”
But that is not God’s intention. He uses the same word that we hear twice every Sunday in the Benediction. We translate it “His face” and “His countenance.” Not physical appearance, but deeper than that. “Looks” refers to intention. “Looks” refers to demeanor. “Looks” refers to purpose.
And the exiles had no intention of listening to God, or His prophet, Ezekiel. In fact, they might want to keep Ezekiel quiet. They might threaten him. They might scowl and frown and glare. And it is THOSE looks that Ezekiel doesn’t need to fear.
Because GOD’S looks are stronger, effective, and familiar.
Ezekiel heard about God’s looks in every Benediction. God purposefully contrasts the Benediction with the bad looks of the exiles. Those bad looks don’t matter, because GOD is looking, too. And His intentions matter. His intentions are good. The things He intends are what end up happening.
We face some scary intentions, too. Some threatening looks. Some purposes that are against Christ’s kingdom. And like Ezekiel, it is easy for us to slip into fear.
But when we might fear conspiracies, Ezekiel would remind us of God’s looks.
When we might fear plans that are being made against us, Ezekiel would remind us of God’s looks.
When we sense the ugly looks of our society towards Christianity, or some politicians against the church, or some folk planning riots, we can listen to what God told Ezekiel.
Pay attention to God’s looks… His looks are what matters.
Fear not, because of God’s looks.