How is the Call of Ezekiel Relevant Today?

Sometimes, it’s a struggle to understand how parts of God’s word are relevant today. The call of Ezekiel is a bit like that. There are some strong lessons we can learn from Ezekiel’s call when we understand it in view of the context of God’s Word – particularly the function of the prophets and the prophetic.

Cathy Mü

And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. 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. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD.’ And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. 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. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house. Ezekiel 2:1-7 (ESV)

In chapter one, Ezekiel describes an overwhelming vision of messengers of God – glory and awe and majesty. This vision put Ezekiel to the ground on his face!
He then heard the word and the Spirit entered into him and put on back on his feet.

The Call

Ezekiel received a unique call to God’s people; not to foreigners but to rebels against the leadership of God.

He was to speak the words of God. They might listen but they probably would not listen. However, the response did not change the call.

He would be speaking the words of God. The authority was clear. And while the message may be rejected, the messenger wouldn’t be ignored because ‘they will know that a prophet has been among them.’

2 keys to the call (for Ezekiel and us)

Only speak the word of God. This can be hard because we want to add our own words. We also want our words to be comfortable and pleasing to people. Just as Ezekiel would need help so we will need help.

Do not be afraid. This is an oft repeated admonition in scripture. There is reason to fear. Rejection is painful. Confrontation can be dangerous. In spite of this, we are told to be unafraid.

What does this mean to us?

How will people know that a prophet has been among them?

Prophecy is a mark of being Spirit filled.

We see that in the Old Testament on several occasions: with Moses, the seventy elders (Numbers), Saul (1 Samuel).

The prophet Joel proclaimed the promise that God would give this gift of prophecy. It was a promise fulfilled at Pentecost.

When our hearts become receptive to the Spirit of God, we can hear God. When we speak what we hear, that is prophecy.

Prophetic speech is authoritative. The paradox of this authoritative speech is that it sometimes seems obscure. We know that it is true, profound and originates with God.

It can be spoken or demonstrated. Ezekiel performed many symbolic acts as part of his prophetic ministry. In fact, a to a certain degree a holy life is a demonstration of a prophetic life.

To live in the prophetic means we depend totally on God.

10 Keys

One – Depend on God for everything

We look to God for physical strength, like Ezekiel here and Daniel after he had seen the a vision. As we would expect we need God for spiritual life. We also depend on God for emotional health, much of which comes to us by way of encouragement. He also leads us into all truth and wisdom and understanding for our intellectual life.

Two – In life, it’s not us – but God

We don’t add our ‘spin’ or even our interpretation to the words of God. We minimize talk about ourselves and we never compromise our obedience to God in order to be comfortable.

Three – That means – we totally minimize self

Jesus said it: seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness. We must work hard to focus on doing the will of God.

Four – Always speak and do what God says

We don’t add our commentary or opinions. What we hear from him we speak and we don’t interpret or creatively apply it.

Five – This life requires much prayer

This means we spend time alone with God and are in continual conversation with God. It also means we have listening time with God.

Six – It requires much worship

We hear God in worship. The call often comes after a profound encounter with God. Five biblical examples:

Moses – the burning bush experience
Isaiah – vision of enthroned God and seraphim
Ezekiel – vision of God and four messengers
Paul (twice – Damascus road and Antioch worship)
John – on the Isle of Patmos – the Son of Man

Worship helps us enter God’s throne room, where we receive clarity about his will.

Seven – It requires much time in the Word

Our time reading the Bible helps us understand God and recognize how he works. As we read the Bible, we learn the language of God.

Eight – It requires us to be tenderhearted

We must be teachable, malleable – changeable and sensitive to correction (from God).

Nine – It requires that we not be discouraged, not be stopped, by rejection

Our call and gift are from him and our accountability is to him. We continue serve and work no matter what.

Ten – It requires that we rely on God (just like number one above)

To serve we need tenacity – we must be tenacious in obedience. We are always digging deep into God’s will and way.

When things get hard, we need perseverance.

God gives us encouragement and often provides that through prayer, worship and his simple presence in our lives.

He is the giver of strength and power. When we obey, he empowers. When we commit, he provides strength. And when we don’t give up, his resources never fail.

Finally, we rely on God for comfort and assurance. Things will get hard, he will comfort us. Resistance comes, he assures us that we are on the right track. He is a rock.

Your Turn

Everyone may not have the gift of prophecy. It is the one gift that the Bible urges us to pursue that has infinite possibilities. It is a gift that God uses to change the world – the New Testament church being the prime example!

Today, please, pray and prepare to encounter God. Worship him. Share this post with others to encourage them. Leave your comments and join our conversation on Facebook!