Calling of Prophets
Ezekiel's Call
Ezekiel 2:1-7 The Message
1 It said, “Son of man, stand up. I have something to say to you.”
2 The moment I heard the voice, the Spirit entered me and put me on my feet. As he spoke to me, I listened.
3-7 He said, “Son of man, I’m sending you to the family of Israel, a rebellious nation if there ever was one. They and their ancestors have fomented rebellion right up to the present. They’re a hard case, these people to whom I’m sending you—hardened in their sin. Tell them, ‘This is the Message of God, the Master.’ They are a defiant bunch. Whether or not they listen, at least they’ll know that a prophet’s been here. But don’t be afraid of them, son of man, and don’t be afraid of anything they say. Don’t be afraid when living among them is like stepping on thorns or finding scorpions in your bed. Don’t be afraid of their mean words or their hard looks. They’re a bunch of rebels. Your job is to speak to them. Whether they listen is not your concern. They’re hardened rebels.
For Reflection
Israel, again degenerated, needed a course correction. God selected Ezekiel, a priest, to become a prophet. God offers no choice to Ezekiel. God calls, and Ezekiel obeys. The Holy Spirit enters Ezekiel, yanks him to his feet, ready to walk in obedience to God's call.
God was aware of the difficulty of the mission God was sending him to perform. God tells Ezekiel not to fear even if they respond with unkind words and action. It is Ezekiel's task to communicate God's displeasure.
That Israel listens is not a measure of Ezekiel's success. It is tough duty, but God councils Ezekiel to be fearless in the face of their rebellion.
Pray
Meditate on God's mission for your life in Christ. Pray that you will obey your call to witness to the love of God and God's intentions for human life in the Kingdom of God. Pray that you will face your commission fearlessly.
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