Ezekiel's Call to Speak

Faith in Action

A Living Faith in God

A Strong Faith

Ezekiel 1:26-2:7 The Message 

25-28 And then, as they stood with folded wings, there was a voice from above the dome over their heads. Above the dome there was something that looked like a throne, sky-blue like a sapphire, with a humanlike figure towering above the throne. From what I could see, from the waist up he looked like burnished bronze and from the waist down like a blazing fire. Brightness everywhere! The way a rainbow springs out of the sky on a rainy day—that’s what it was like. It turned out to be the Glory of God!
When I saw all this, I fell to my knees, my face to the ground. Then I heard a voice.
2 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

This is the first of four similar visions that would call Ezekiel to action. Again God describes Israel challenging to govern, "hardened to their sin." Perhaps we could take a lesson from God's instruction regarding the limits of Ezekiel's call. Many of us after chastening another person would be tempted to take action beyond words. God suggests that disciplining Israel is God's work, not Ezekiel's. Perhaps, when we feel compelled to speak out our task is similarly limited.  

Pray

Pray that your admonitions are made in love and the grace of forgiveness. Pray that those whose transgressions are criticized repent and become reconciled to God.

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