READING: Ezekiel 2-3
“Speak my words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen.”
Ezekiel 2:7
Today is the Lord’s Day, a day when people around the world will gather to worship God. Leading them will be pastors who have recognized and followed a call to preach the Word. There is great joy in proclaiming that Word, and those of us called to this work can hardly imagine not doing it. On the other hand, the work can be painful when it requires announcing words of judgment and condemnation.
Ezekiel learned early that his work would not be easy. He was to speak God’s word, regardless of whether or not the people listened:
- “The descendants are obstinate and hardhearted. I am sending you to them, and you must say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ Whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.” (Ezek. 2:4-5)
- “Speak my words to them whether they listen or refuse to listen, for they are rebellious.” (Ezek. 2:7)
- “But the house of Israel will not want to listen to you because they do not want to listen to me. For the whole house of Israel is hardheaded and hardhearted.” (Ezek. 3:7)
- “Go to your people, the exiles, and speak to them. Tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says,’ whether they listen or refuse to listen.” (Ezek. 3:11)
- “But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you will say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ Let the one who listens, listen, and let the one who refuses, refuse—for they are a rebellious house.” (Ezek. 3:27)
Thus, the measurement of Ezekiel’s “success” would not be whether the people listened to him; he knew from the beginning they had been an obstinate people. Rather, his “success” would be his obedience to speak exactly what God told him to speak. Even if the people didn’t listen, they would know that “a prophet has been among them” (Ezek. 2:5).
As a preacher, I needed these words today. My job is to preach the Word, even if nobody listens.
ACTION STEPS:
- Pray for your pastor today. Standing before God’s people to speak truth is not easy.
- Speak God’s truths to someone today.
PRAYER: “Lord, I don’t want to speak one word today without your leading. Help me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 41-44