Ezekiel Teaches Seven Surprising Life Lessons

It’s good to find lessons in a difficult read!

How hard is Ezekiel for you to read? It’s among the most challenging books I ever read. Even though it proves difficult, every time I read and study Ezekiel my appreciation for it grows. Here are seven lessons from my latest study of this important book.

A Hard Call for Ezekiel

Ezekiel received a very hard call from God. Here it is.

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)

Sometimes God calls us into a difficult situation. Whatever happens, we must be devoted to the word of God. We are always called to this devotion regardless of circumstance or opposition. Our devotion to the word of God then marks our lives and becomes a testimony to the faithfulness of God and his word. It also marks our lives as distinct.

God Equips us for the call

Even in the most difficult of circumstances, God equips us to handle the responsibility that he has given us.

But the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, for they are not willing to listen to me: because all the house of Israel have a hard forehead and a stubborn heart. Behold, I have made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.”

Ezekiel 3:7–9 (ESV)

Ezekiel was called to a hopeless mission. He was given a stubborn heart so he could be an unrelenting herald of truth. When we are called, we receive everything we need to complete that call.

God’s Word is Consistent

God sent Ezekiel and Jeremiah the same message about Jerusalem. While Ezekiel declared God’s word to the exiles, Jeremiah declared the same message to the people in Jerusalem. There is a consistency in what God declares for his people. God is a God of order. He will never contradict himself. Every word that is given to his servants to declare is consistent with the scripture. When the message contradicts the known word of God, we can be sure that it is not from God.

God’s Perspective on the Punishment of the Wicked

Does God want people to suffer? Listen to what he said.

Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?

Ezekiel 18:23 (ESV)

Here is what we need to understand about the consequences of sin and rebellion. It is God’s will that people would repent and turn to God. However, God’s integrity is displayed when the unrepentant are punished. He said it would happen. He has warned us and he will not violate his integrity.

The Power of Intercession

One of the ways God works is through the prayers of dedicated intercessors. He states quite clearly how much an intercessor means to the people.

And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none.

Ezekiel 22:30 (ESV)

It seems so improbable that one man who is devoted to prayer could keep the judgment of God at bay but that is exactly what God says here! Sadly, we lack intercessors today.

An intercessor is not concerned with having his way or his traditions but only crying out to God for his people. What if we all would pray that God’s will would be done and that people would truly seek his face, not their own will and way?

Responsibility to Declare

When Jesus commissioned us to make disciples, he gave us the responsibility to teach everything he had taught. Jesus had some strong words of warning along with tremendous promises of eternal, abundant life.

In the narrower context of Ezekiel, we see a strong commission to declare the whole counsel of God, particularly warnings to repent or face harsh judgment and punishment.

So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me.

Ezekiel 33:7 (ESV)

He also gave Ezekiel some consequences. As long as he issued the warning, those who did not repent would be punished. However, if he failed to sound the alarm, those who did not repent would still be punished and he would be accountable for their lack of repentance.

God’s Great Grace

Even in the midst of exile, judgment and punishment, we see the grace of God.

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Ezekiel 36:25–28 (ESV)

His promise is extended to a stubborn and rebellious people. And we know that he made good on his promise. He has poured out his Spirit for us so we can enjoy an intimacy and fellowship with him that is boundless!

Your Turn – Your Personal Ezekiel Lessons

I want to challenge you to read Ezekiel and highlight some lessons for your life.

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