My wife and I enjoy songs from the 70’s (the golden era of rock ‘n roll). We both like the music, but my wife famously remembers almost none of the lyrics. Of course, lots of the lyrics make little sense—I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name—so maybe she’s not missing much.

Ezekiel experienced a similar phenomenon. The Lord described those hearing his prophecies: Indeed to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays the instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

What went into the ear failed to penetrate the heart.

Which is my problem as well. It’s one thing to read the words of God or hear them taught, but it’s another thing altogether to put them into practice. Without applying them, all I get are vapid love songs with syrupy lyrics.

Some words, like lyrics, aren’t worth remembering. But others are worth memorizing and living by and passing on to others.

Good music combines words and tune. Just like the only true way to follow the Lord is to work His words deep into your life.

Ezekiel 33 in reading the Bible cover to cover 2022

Photo by Markus Spiske