Read Ezekiel 2:1-8
One moment Ezekiel’s face was in the dust overcome with his vision of the throne of God, and the next–God spoke. Have you ever heard the voice of God speak to you? I’ve often wondered if I may have missed hearing God because my head was too crowded with other things. I’ll never forget the night I heard God say, “You’re going to write for me.” I’ve been writing my Bible reflections ever since.
If God wants us to move, like he did Ezekiel, he’ll make sure we hear him loud and clear. Do you think Ezekiel jumped to his feet when he heard the voice? He may have thought he was hearing things. If there had been any initial doubt, God sent his spirit to enter Ezekiel. In that moment, Ezekiel must have realized who he was hearing. It was God speaking just to him.
The events of this day were certainly memorable, yet it all had to be so confusing. Coming from a priestly family, Ezekiel would be acutely aware of how stubborn the nation of Israel, his people had been. Just imagine what Ezekiel must have been feeling to know it was his turn to bring God’s message to his people. Did he feel ready?
While an immense honor to be used by God, Ezekiel was warned his job would not be easy. These are God’s own words, “And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.” God would now be known to the people through another prophet, Ezekiel. We will soon see what God’s message to the people living in exile was.
It can be hard for us to want to share our message, the Good News of Jesus, to a stubborn world that doesn’t want to hear. It’s helpful to remember that sometimes what matters is simply the “bread crumb” we leave behind, that is the seed of faith that we plant. When the time is right all our efforts will be realized. Our way of being used by God is to be moving our mouths about Jesus whenever we can!
Have you ever been assigned a difficult task by a boss, parent, or some other person in authority? Got an example in mind? You may now have an idea of how helpless you can feel at first when trying to navigate the ins and outs of a new project. I’m sure Ezekiel will encounter that uncertainty, too.
For now, God seems concerned with Ezekiel’s level of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of being hated, fear of being killed. God was quick to reassure Ezekiel. God used words like “don’t be afraid” and “do not be dismayed.” Sometimes we let our fears hold us back from enjoying the blessings God has for us.
Facing such rebels doesn’t sound like a blessing, but it is an honor to be used by God. What God didn’t want to happen was that Ezekiel let his fear get the best of him so he’d let down his guard and fall into the same trap that everyone else has already fallen into to–the trap of sin and non-repentance. God said, “Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.”
We’ll read more about what God puts in Ezekiel’s mouth in another reading. But for now, take that statement as reassurance that “God’s got your back!” Ezekiel’s call…to be continued.
God must have seen an obedient heart in Ezekiel to give him assignments of prophecy. Take time to further reflect on what it means for you to be a strong, faithful servant for God like Ezekiel.
Let’s pray. LORD, you chose Ezekiel for his place in your story just like you chose me. It is an honor and a privilege to be used by you. As I look over my life I see so many ways that you worked through me, and here I thought it was all me. Thank you for all that you have accomplished throughout my life. I look forward to the next chapter and how you will be working everything for your purposes. I’m on board and ready. Help me to never stop opening my mouth about your greatness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
