Ezekiel 2:1-10
Thursday, 14 November 2024
“You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse…” -Ezekiel 2:7
Ezekiel, a priest among the exiles taken to Babylon felt discouraged and depressed at the state of affairs; yet the Lord had a plan for Ezekiel in that foreign land. The book opens with a vision of God that Ezekiel witnessed which instilled in him the conviction that God is sovereign. Then came the new role of a prophet as He commanded Ezekiel to speak to the House of Israel. God knew their stubborn nature and yet He asked Ezekiel to go speak to them whether they refuse to hear or not.
While we reflect on our reading today, let us understand what the Holy Spirit teaches us:
1. The Call
The call of Ezekiel into the specific task of being God’s spokesman- a prophet is seen here. There was no ambiguity about the call. V2. says: “I heard Him who spoke to me…” The commissioning was done with clarity and surety. Some believers go through life without having a clarity about God’s call on their life. Many would just like to live quiet lives, being merely church goers and receiving some spiritual food each week to nourish themselves and get by through the week, without having to worry about serving the Lord. First and foremost we need to remind ourselves of 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” This is a primary call to all believers. But the specific call is when you understand your role in the body of Christ He has placed you and function in it. Just as Ezekiel received the call and had clarity in it, so does the believer need to hear the call and heed the call.
2. The Courage
The Lord told Ezekiel that his task was going to be a tough one—he had to speak to a group of people who were rebellious and obstinate! V.7 says: “You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse…” –That calls for a lot of courage to take up such a task. If you were called to minister to a group of willing people with open minds, it would be easy … but to the stubborn?—that requires boldness and a willingness to suffer the onslaught of repercussions! Ezekiel willingly took up the role though he had to face persecutions from his own people. Not everyone is given easy tasks by the Lord. There will be challenges and impediments when one is on God-given tasks. It requires courage and fortitude to withstand opposition, mocking, rejection and even physical onslaughts. At such trying times, the believer has to be reminded of God’s constant presence with him/her: ‘For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”’ (Heb.13:5-6).
3. The Commitment
To stay on course without letting despair and disappointment set in while facing challenges in the Lord’s work, isn’t easy. There will be times of discouragement or gloom as Ezekiel had (later chapters) especially when one doesn’t see the fruit of his labour. Some leave, thinking it wasn’t the right job or the field of work. But a believer who is sure of his/her calling and dependent on the Lord perseveres under difficult times and continues steadfastly as the Lord directs him/her. Following Jesus and keeping on the track He has put you on, needs commitment. Jesus said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62). Its from the Lord, at the end of it all, that one needs to hear the commendation: “Good and faithful servant!” (Matt.25:23)
Brethren, reflect on God’s call on your life today and recommit your life!
Be Confident: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil.4:13)
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