Ezekiel 12:26-28
“GOD’s Message came to me: ‘Son of man, do you hear what Israel is saying: that the alarm the prophet raises is for a long time off, that he’s preaching about the far-off future? Well, tell them, ‘GOD, the Master, says, ‘Nothing of what I say is on hold. What I say happens.’’ Decree of GOD, the Master.’”
“Then this message came to me from the Lord: ‘Son of man, the people of Israel are saying, ‘He’s talking about the distant future. His visions won’t come true for a long, long time.’ Therefore, tell them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: No more delay! I will now do everything I have threatened. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!’’”
God’s words are powerful, even long after they leave his mouth. Us too, what we say happens. Our children become who we tell them they are. Words of discord produce the same. Say, “We’re going to the moon,” and we got there. So, this is another way we bear God’s image. But our speech, like the rest of us, is tarnished. God redeems our mis-speak by placing his Spirit in our hearts, giving our words power to accomplish healing, creative and wholesome things. Amazing!
Lord, my tongue is out of control too often. It is a powerful failing and needs your power to fight it. Muzzle me with your Spirit when I am tempted to serve evil in my speech. Let me respond obediently and turn from gossip and criticism and honor you.