In our study of Ezekiel chapter two, we will look at his call by God to a very difficult ministry. This can be a very inspiring study for those who are actively serving the Lord in a very difficult situation.
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He said to me, "Human being! Stand up! I want to speak with you!"
At the end of chapter 1, we saw that the prophet fell on his face when he found himself in the presence (glory) of God. Then, God addresses him as "Son of man" and this is a title that was only used for two men in the old Testament (the other was the prophet Daniel). This is the same title that was used for Jesus when He came into the earth. The first thing God tells the prophet is to stand up in His presence and this was not the custom of the Jewish people.
As he spoke to me, a spirit entered me and put me on my feet, and I heard him who was speaking to me.
The prophet did not get up on his own as he was probably in shock at the idea of standing in the presence of God. But, God raised him to his feet by the Holy Spirit. This is a reminder to all of us who wish to serve the Lord that it is only through the power of the Spirit that we can do anything.
He said, "Human being! I am sending you to the people of Isra'el, that nation of rebels who have rebelled against me - they and their ancestors have been transgressing against me to this very day.
The word used here for nation is not the normal word that God used to describe His people. It is, in fact, the word (goyim) that the Jews used to describe Gentiles. The rebellion of the people has gotten so bad that God does not even call them His people. It would be very tough to go to a group of people that have been in rebellion so long. The longer people go without listening to God, the harder it is for them to hear the things of God. It was true of the Israelites and it is just as true today.
Because they are defiant, hardhearted children, I am sending you; and you are to tell them, 'Here is what Adonai ELOHIM says.' Whether they listen or not, this rebellious house will still know that a prophet has been among them!
This had to be a little bit discouraging to Ezekiel as God does not assure him that the people are going to heed his warning. Instead, God assures him that they will know that he was a prophet. This is a reminder for us as well that we are not responsible for whether people listen to the Word of God or not. We are simply to proclaim the Word and trust God to use it for His glory.
"As for you, human being, don't be afraid of them or their words, even if briars and thorns surround you, and you sit among scorpions. Don't be afraid of their words or be upset by their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
Three times in this verse God tells the prophet to not be afraid of the rebellious people. Even though he is surrounded by the disobedient, God has assured him that He is in control and so there is no need to fear any man. The same can be said for us as we serve the Lord and face opposition.
You are to speak my words to them, whether they listen or not, for they are very rebellious.
God repeats the call to speak no matter what the outcome. Two is the number of legal witnesses throughout the Bible and when God repeats something it is of great importance.
But you, human being, hear what I am telling you: don't you be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth, and eat what I am about to give you."
God continues to tell Ezekiel to be obedient and here is a big test. When God tells him to eat, he must have been thinking "eat what" because he was not around any food. The command did not make any sense to him but God is showing him and us that our obedience has to continue even when our understanding fails us. We have to remember that He knows all things and failing to obey is rebellion against God.
When I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me, holding a scroll. He spread it out in front of me, and it was covered with writing front and back. Written on it were laments, dirges and woes.
Now, a hand is extended that contains a scroll which has the Ten Commandments written on it. On the front are the laws concerning man's relationship with God and on the back are the laws concerning man's relationship with their fellow man. These are words of "lament and mourning and woe" because man cannot keep the law perfectly for salvation and so there is no hope in the laws only conviction.
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