January 11, 2023
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Ezekiel? Here’s today’s reading:
Ezekiel 2 (NIV)
Ezekiel’s Call to Be a Prophet
1 He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
3 He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day..............Continue Reading
“Son of man” or man among men so to speak is a title that I am sure Ezekiel was humbled to have and given this call on his life amidst this vision of the power and glory of God must have helped because the message he received was a difficult one. You are going to speak on God’s behalf to a stubborn and rebellious people who will not be happy to hear from you.
It is hard to speak truth to those who do not wish to hear, people who are disengaged from God do not particularly want to hear about Him so this would be the start of a difficult task for Ezekiel as it is for all of us but that’s what makes all the more important.
The Lord said stand up on your feet and I will speak to you. The spirit came into Ezekiel and raised him to his feet. Immediate obedience is key. God sent him to the Israelites saying even if they do not listen ( he knew they were rebellious) He said they will know their is a prophet among them. God said you must still say my words whether they listen or fail to listen and do not let them terrify you. Open you mouth and eat what I give you. The scroll that he handed Ezekiels was full of a passionate expressions of grief mourning and woe. God is not surprised by any of the reactions.
What a daunting and yet compassionate title to be given as the representative of man as well as a recognition of his finite state before a glorious God. And Ezekiel’s call is much like Isaiah’s: I am sending you so that the people can’t say I didn’t send someone. And yes, Kelly, what a good description of the courage and confidence we should have as we speak the word of truth to a society that doesn’t want to hear. It is a reminder that their opposition to what we might say should not stop us from saying it.
Ezekiel 2
Stand up. Ezekiel must have immediately dropped when he came into the presence of the Lord. Now he’s given his orders. Going to a rebellious nation and tell them what God wants them to be. Not much different than what we have today. Reminds me of some Sunday school and teen teachers. Kids not listening. But keep on preaching. And we looking for opportunities. Had a great conversation last night as I gave my testimony to an old friend. She said at the end. I do believe!!
Great to hear, Mark!
Thank you Jesus as I go out to a rebellious nation, please open doors for us to share your good news
Ezekiel 2 God filled Ezekiel with the spirit, and God describes the people he is sending him too and they sound like people haven’t changed any today either, ignoring the truth and what is right in front of them. God instructs Ezekiel not to be afraid 3 times in that chapter, something we need to remember when we are sharing the Gospel.
“Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me.”
Ezekiel is standing before the Father and the Holy Spirit enters him; experiencing God internally and externally.
Ezekiel 2. More similarities to Revelation, good book to review when doing a Revelation study.
Ezekiel is chastened to stand firm and proclaim the truth given to him.
We should not make light of the example.