In Ezekiel chapter 2, we see a clear pattern in how God worked with His prophet. It is simple to follow and it carries a deep lesson for anyone who wants to serve the Lord today.
First, God spoke to Ezekiel. “And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee” (Ezekiel 2:1). Before Ezekiel could serve, he had to hear the voice of God.
Second, God gave His Spirit to Ezekiel. “And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me” (Ezekiel 2:2). God never calls someone without also giving the power to stand and obey.
Third, God sent him to a people. “And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me” (Ezekiel 2:3). The work was not easy. God sent him to a people that did not want to listen.
Fourth, God told Ezekiel what to say. “And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious” (Ezekiel 2:4). Ezekiel’s job was not to win arguments, but to faithfully speak the words of God.
Then God gave Ezekiel four rules to follow:
A) Be not afraid. “And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words” (Ezekiel 2:6).
B) Be not dismayed. “…be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 2:6).
C) Speak My words. “And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear” (Ezekiel 2:7).
D) Be not rebellious. “But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee” (Ezekiel 2:8).
These are rules for every servant of God. We must listen to His voice, trust His Spirit, go where He sends us, and say what He commands. The results are in His hands, but the obedience is in ours.
