Ezekiel 2:1-10
Q.1. What kind of reception would Ezekiel get from God’s people? Should we expect the response to be any better today? – (Ezk.2:1-7)
God addressed Ezekiel as ‘Son of man’. He emphasize his humanity over seventy times throughout this Book. He was called to be a prophet at the beginning of his time in Babylon and was filled with the Spirit for his prophetic role (Ezk.2:1-2). God certainly did not mislead Ezekiel, when He warned him – 3 … Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. 4 I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ 5 As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them (Ezk.2:3-5). He was instructed further to not compromise, and – … neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house (Ezk.2:6). There was much similarity between his call and that of Jeremiah’s (c.f. Jer.1:8, 17-19). Both Jesus and His apostles warned us of opposition in the Last Days (Mk.13:9-13; 2 Tim.3:1; 2 Pet.3:1-3; Jude 1:17-19).
Q.2. Why would Ezekiel be tempted to rebel against his call? Why did he have to eat the scroll? – (Ezk.2:7-10)
God warned Ezekiel not to follow the example of the rebellious nation (Ezk.2:7-8). You can understand his reluctance, since the messages on the scroll that he was to deliver – were written with lamentations, mourning and woe (Ezk.2:10). God told him – 8 … Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you. 9 Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. 10 When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back, and written on it were lamentations, mourning and woe (Ezk.2:8-10). It required both sides of the scroll to document Israel’s sins, and God’s judgments against His people. Ezekiel had to eat and make that message his own passion. There are times when it can be hard to be God’s spokesperson.