Ezekiel

Ezekiel 2:1-2

The Lord refers to Ezekiel as 'son of man'; the Hebrew 'ben adam' could have been translated to 'son of Adam'.  It is essentially the wider category of humanity.  It is used 93 times in Ezekiel as God directs this prophet.  What an absolutely intimidating setting.  This would bring the understanding of the fear of God to a new level.  When the Lord spoke to him, he experienced a change; the Spirit entered him, lifted him up to hear the calling God placed on his life. 

Ezekiel was being sent to the Israelites in the midst of a rebellion that had been ongoing for some time.  The Lord make it clear they are obstinate and stubborn and when the message was brought, they may or may not listen.  As a prophet, the responsibility of Ezekiel was to bring the word of the Lord to the people.  He would be God's mouthpiece, speaking as the Lord willed.  The responsibility then of hearing that message would be upon the people because they will know a prophet is among them.  How will they know this?  By the hearing of the Word of the Lord.  The words of the one who created us touching something deep inside us.  The truth of it cuts though all fog of man's words, perceptions, emotions and feelings. 

Part of speaking God's word was to exclude fear.  Our nature is to be liked, accepted and affirmed by those around us.  Little or none of this would accompany the prophet.  His affirmation was from the Almighty.  He would protect him, empower him and guard him from the hatred the Word would bring on him.  Three times the Lord said not to be afraid.  So as a man bearing God's word he was disregard fear:

• When people turned against him and hurled hurtful words or threats.
• When he found himself in difficult places and felt threatened.
• And again, He emphasizes, by what they say or the discouragement they bring.

The charge is more emphatic in verse 7, he 'must' speak the words to them.  And with that charge was to be careful to listen to the Lord.  After seeing the vision of the throne, I imagine careful listening got a whole lot easier.  He was speak whether they listen or not, listen whether they listen or not and be careful not to become like them. 

To open his mouth and eat was to set himself apart from the rebellious people.  To eat was to obey, regardless of taste or appearance.  To 'eat' was to hear God's word and obey regardless of whether man agrees or understands why.  Israel was rebellious, no longer agreeing with God.

A scroll was presented with words on both sides.  Why both sides?  The seven-sealed book in Revelation 5 is the only other place a two-sided scroll appears.  The two sides of written word leaves no room for Ezekiel to add his word to it.  To eat it was to take God's word into him, into his life and being.  Do we consume God's word?  Take it in and make it part of our being?  We seem to be in a land starving for the word; some snack only occasionally.  Most of mankind likes only the sweet parts and disregards the rest as bitter.  Truth is a bitter word to sinful man who wants to be god of his own life.

©2019 Doug Ford