SPEAK UP

 

June 12, 2025

2 Samuel 23:2

“The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.”


Ezekiel 2:1–2

“He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.’ As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.”

 

In the Bible, those filled with the Holy Spirit often became God’s spokesperson. King David reflected this in these words from 2 Samuel 23:2, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.” The words he spoke were not just his ideas or advice; they were shaped, inspired, and directed by the Holy Spirit.

We see this same message in Ezekiel 2:2 above, the Prophet Ezekiel describes his own experience of God’s Spirit, “Then the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet. He spoke to me…” The Spirit doesn’t just give Ezekiel words; He lifts him to his feet and enables him to hear and speak. It is a powerful picture of the Spirit’s motivating presence. We see that the Spirit makes the message possible.

If you have read some of the Old Testament Prophets writings you will know that the words given to each one were often difficult words, calls to repentance, to justice, to humbleness. It is clear from the Old Testament teaching that the Spirit empowered these leaders to speak God’s truth no matter the personal cost or sacrifice they would experience.

The Old Testament Prophets were called to speak hard truths, to comfort the suffering, or to call people back to covenant faithfulness. Whether it was Isaiah confronting kings, Amos challenging social injustice, or Ezekiel warning a rebellious people, each one declared the word from God “as the spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)

Our takeaway today from these verses is to be reminded that the Spirit still empowers people, to speak God’s heart in moments of fear, injustice, or spiritual need.


Reflect

Have you ever felt the Spirit prompting you to speak, whether a word of encouragement, correction, or comfort?

What holds you back from speaking when God nudges you to say something?

How can you create space in your life to listen more clearly for the Spirit’s voice?



Let’s Pray

Holy Spirit, 

You spoke through prophets and poets, kings and shepherds. 

You are still speaking today. 

Give me ears to hear and a heart ready to obey. 

Use my voice as a means for Your grace, mercy and healing. 

Like Ezekiel, raise me to my feet and help me listen and respond. Amen.