“He said, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.‘ The Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me… ‘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… The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say, “Thus says the Lord God.” Whether they hear or refuse to hear… they will know that a prophet has been among them… Be not afraid of them, nor of their words.., nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. You shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse…
“’But… Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.‘ And when I looked, a hand was stretched out to me, and a scroll of a book was in it… It had writing on the front and back, and there were written words of lamentation and mourning and woe.
“He said,.. ‘Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.‘ So I opened my mouth, and he gave me this scroll to eat. And he said to me,.. ‘Fill your stomach with it.’ Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.
“And he said, ‘Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them.'” Ezekiel 2:1-3:4
The priest and prophet Ezekiel, exile to Babylon, had just seen a remarkable vision of a likeness of the Lord and humbly fallen on his face in worship. Interrupting his awe-filled wonder, the Lord spoke, telling him to stand and issuing a command. He was, by God’s spirit, to speak God’s word to impudent, stubborn, sinning rebels who were His nation of people. He was to obey, relaying God’s messages regardless of their disinterest or willful refusal to listen. The Lord would give words, the Lord would be Ezekiel’s Master. (Ezekiel 1:1-3,26-28)
Every call issued by God is distinct and backed by His omniscience and enabling. Since a calling is to accomplish His work, He orders it be carried out in His strength with His supply. His is the message, management, and accountability. We’re never to be fearful of remonstrance or dissuaded by resistance, rather, should aim to please the Issuer. (Romans 11:29; Philippians 1:6; 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Purpose is never negated in exile. In fact, it might be more pronounced. The Lord orders circumstances to fulfill His will, and wherever we are, He has kingdom work for us to do. Are we in a place foreign to familiarity and comfort? Suffering difficult health or spiritual drought? Facing a challenging economic or work status? Whatever our particular conditions, we answer to the Lord, and are to carry His life giving word.
Are there people and situations whose reaction or rejection we fear ? To whom do we look for approval? Are we serving the world or the Lord? If we listen to and answer to God, we can be certain that our treasure, security, and full provision is with Him. God’s call may carry rejection and hardship, but it will always carry His sufficiency.
Lord, keep me on my face before Your majesty, and in steady obedience to Your calling and word.
As the rain and snow 