Ezekiel 2:1-5— Obstacles to ministry may occur with the rebelliousness of God’s people. Ezekiel receives the Spirit and is sent to preach to a rebellious people. In this passage, Ezekiel is commissioned to go to the exiles in Babylon to preach God’s Word. To do this he is empowered by the Spirit. The Lord warns him that the people may not listen to his preaching because they are a rebellious people. It is not important whether his preaching is accepted. At least, they will hear God’s Word and know a prophet was with them. Application to our day? How do you want people to respond to you? Would you rather be accepted or respected? What’s the difference? Which of the two is more difficult and why?
Ezekiel is sent to preach to a nation or rebels. This leads us to an understanding of sin. Sin is rebellion against God, wanting to be their own God. They rebel against the will of God in order to do what they please. By nature we are opposed to God. This rebellion results in unbelief and disobedience. Because of this, an individual’s basic need is to be reconciled so that he is a friend of God and delights to do his will.
When Ezekiel is sent to preach, he is not sent to speak about himself or give his opinions, insights, and advice. He is merely to speak God’s Word – “Thus saith the Lord God.” A true prophet is one who speaks not for himself but for God. Is this true today? When you listen to a sermon, do you hear God speaking to you? 1
Prayer in time of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory. Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 2
Sources:
Lift High the Cross copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
1. Lectionary Preaching Workbook, Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima OH
2. A Prayer in time of affliction and distress, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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