Ezekiel 2-3: Toughening Up

Like Jeremiah, God called Ezekiel to a pretty tough gig. Ezekiel was to be a lone voice that would speak God’s word – not very popular at this time – to a “rebellious”, “obstinate and stubborn” people (Ezekiel 2:2-3). Sounds like fun doesn’t it?

But, at some level, can’t you relate to Ezekiel? Don’t you feel sometimes like a lone voice as you seek to live for and speak up for Christ in a world that continues to revolt against God? Has it ever crossed your mind that it might be easier just to keep your mouth shut about God and what he says?

I bet you Ezekiel had those thoughts. I observe two instructions that God gives to Ezekiel that I think we can benefit from today:

• “Do not be afraid” (Ezekiel 2:5-10). Here we read God telling his spokesman three times to not be afraid. God knew what Ezekiel was up against – just like he knows what we are up against. God always provides us grace to accomplish what he asks us to do.
• “Take to heart” the words of God (Ezekiel 3:3-11). Ezekiel needed to make sure that he had taken God’s words deep into his heart before attempting to tell others about it. The same is true for us: we must allow the message of Christ to sink deep into our hearts before we can help other understand the gospel.

The next time you have an opportunity to speak God’s words to someone and find yourself double-clutching, remember these two instructions to Ezekiel. As with Ezekiel, may God find us faithfully reaching out to others, regardless of how they respond.

Ken Jackson