QT 6/5/2023 Ezek 2:3-7, Being uncomfortable for service

Ezekiel 2:3–7 (ESV) —

3 And he said to me, “Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day. 4 The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ 5 And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. 7 And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.

 

NOTE: In God's call to Ezekiel, three times he uses the phrase "…whether they hear or refuse to hear …" (3rd usage is in 3:11). Ezekiel had his orders, and they were not dependent upon the results. In fact, God goes out of his ways to make it clear that he did expect the recipients to listen. God calls them: a nation of rebels; rebelled against me; transgressed against me; impudent; stubborn; a rebellious house (x3); briars; thorns; scorpions; [they will reply with negative] words; and [they will reply with negative] looks. In short, God is saying, "I am calling you to do something that no one will like and no one will give you kudos." The important thing, as always, is not the results, but the obedience. I think I will call this 'Advanced Discipleship,' where obedience transcends reputation. It is hard to live life like Ezekiel. And God is aware of what he calls certain people to do. But all of us must remember Jesus' statement in this regard:

 

Matthew 19:29 (ESV) — 29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.

 

PONDER:

1. How willing am I to serve God even knowing that no one or few will respond?
2. God calls some to the impossible task of giving up a comfortable life for an earthly life of rejection by others. Why can't I give up a few things for others?

 

PRAYER: Father, I'm not sure I could take on Ezekiel's mission. I certainly am not that strong. But I do realize that I need to be obedient even if the results are not what I had hoped. I need to do what you have called me too, and not worry about what you have called other to. Give me strength to follow through on the things I believe you have called me to take on.

 

[Note: Ezek 1:22-28 is found in https://rationalstudy.blogspot.com/2023/06/ezekiel-11-28-vision.html ]