Treasures From God’s Word for the Week of January 4-10, 2027

Theme: “Perhaps They Will Take Notice”

When we talk to someone about something that matters to us and it seems that they are not listening, we may feel discouraged. If that happens repeatedly in the ministry, we may wonder whether our efforts are accomplishing anything. Ezekiel had to preach under difficult circumstances. But Jehovah helped him view his work from a perspective that can encourage us too: although many may not want to listen, there may still be someone willing to take notice.

Jehovah did not present Ezekiel with a situation that was easier than it really was. He clearly explained what the people he would address were like. This would help him face rejection without being surprised or thinking that he had failed. Before considering what the prophet had to do, let us see what Jehovah told him about those who would receive the message. Let us read Ezekiel 12:1, 2.

Ezekiel 12:1-2 — The word of Jehovah again came to me, saying: “Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see, but they do not see, and ears to hear, but they do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.

The problem was not that those people lacked eyes or ears. Their rebelliousness prevented them from accepting what Jehovah was communicating to them. So Ezekiel should not confuse a lack of response with a lack of ability on his part. The supporting material explains that by rejecting the prophet, those Israelites were rejecting Jehovah. Understanding this must have helped him not to interpret every negative reaction as a personal failure.

In addition, Ezekiel was not carrying out an assignment on his own initiative. Jehovah had sent him and was supporting him. The holy spirit strengthened him, and taking in God’s words helped him fulfill his mission. Therefore, his confidence did not depend on receiving a favorable response. He had reasons to keep going even when he encountered opposition. Remembering who had entrusted him with that work gave him a firm basis for not giving up.

This helps us when a conversation ends quickly or someone does not want to listen to us. We can humbly review the way we speak, but we do not have to conclude that we preached badly. Nor should we assume that everyone who rejects us is rebellious like those Israelites. We do not know the person’s heart. Our responsibility is to present the message faithfully and respectfully. And Jehovah teaches us not to assume that every possibility of someone’s listening is lost.

Although Jehovah knew that the people were rebellious, he instructed Ezekiel to do something that could capture their attention. It would not be enough to pack his luggage privately. He had to perform a series of visible actions that conveyed a message. As we consider the instructions, let us focus both on what he had to do and on Jehovah’s concern for those who would observe him. Let us read Ezekiel 12:3-6.

Ezekiel 12:3-6 — As for you, son of man, prepare for yourself luggage for going into exile. Then, during the day while they are watching, you must go into exile. Go into exile from your home to another place while they are watching. Perhaps they will take notice, even though they are a rebellious house. Bring out your luggage packed for going into exile during the day while they are watching, and then in the evening while they are watching, you should leave like someone being taken into exile. “While they are watching, bore a hole in the wall, and carry your belongings out through it. While they are watching, put your belongings on your shoulder and carry them out in the darkness. Cover your face so that you cannot see the ground, for I am making you a sign to the house of Israel.”

Packing his luggage, bringing it out during the day, boring a hole in the wall, and leaving in the darkness with his belongings on his shoulder were not meaningless actions. They represented going into exile. Ezekiel would become a sign to the house of Israel. Jehovah was communicating his message in a way that people could observe. The instructions emphasize that those actions had to be carried out in full view of others.

What is moving is the reason why Jehovah told him to do this: there was still a possibility that some would take notice. He did not assure Ezekiel that everyone would change or that his effort would receive an immediate response. But neither did he treat the people as if they no longer deserved any opportunity to listen. Although he knew they were resistant, he continued communicating with them. That attitude teaches us to maintain a balanced hope in the ministry.

For example, if someone tells us that they are busy, we can respond kindly and end the conversation respectfully. We do not know whether they may be willing to listen on another occasion. Maintaining a positive attitude does not mean insisting when the person does not want to talk or assuming that they will accept the message. It means not deciding for ourselves that they never will. That hope can help us continue preaching with sincere interest, without allowing indifference to make us cold.

However, the possibility that someone might take notice had to be accompanied by the prophet’s obedience. Ezekiel could not control the people’s reaction, but he could decide whether he would follow Jehovah’s instructions. What did he do when the time came to act? The answer is found at Ezekiel 12:7. Let us read it.

Ezekiel 12:7 — I did just as I was commanded. During the day I brought out my luggage as luggage for going into exile, and in the evening I bored a hole through the wall by hand. And when it was dark, I took out my belongings, carrying them on my shoulder right before their eyes.

Ezekiel did what he had been commanded, including the details that required effort. He brought out the luggage, bored through the wall by hand, and carried his belongings on his shoulder when it was already dark. He did not make his obedience depend on the response of those who saw him. The supporting material points out that it is reasonable to think that he had an audience, since Jehovah had instructed him to act while the people were watching. His faithfulness was evident to all.

We have not been commissioned to represent that prophetic sign. But we can imitate his obedience and remember that our conduct is also observed. Think of a neighbor who does not agree to talk about the Bible but sees that we greet him kindly, respect his decision, and treat him considerately. We cannot be sure that he will change his attitude. Even so, our good conduct may give him reasons to reconsider the opinion he has of us.

It is worth meditating on this question: How does knowing that people notice our good conduct help us maintain a positive attitude even when they do not listen to our message? It reminds us that our words are not the only thing they perceive. They also see how we react when they reject us. If we remain calm and respectful, we continue setting a good example. Thus, instead of focusing only on a conversation that did not progress, we can value the opportunity to demonstrate our faith.

So when we encounter indifference, let us remember Ezekiel. Jehovah knew that the people were resistant, but he continued giving them the opportunity to listen, and the prophet faithfully carried out his assignment. We too can continue speaking respectfully and setting a good example. We do not know who may eventually take notice. What we can do is remain faithful without losing a positive attitude.

More posts for this week

Week of January 4–10, 2027

Gems Spiritual Gems for the Week of January 4-10, 2027 View post →

Be Better Teachers Apply Yourself to the Field Ministry for the Week of January 4-10, 2027 View post →

Book Study Congregation Bible Study for the Week of January 4-10, 2027 View post →

The Watchtower Watchtower Study for the Week of January 4-10, 2027 View post →