Ezekiel 2:1-5 (NRSV)
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Chapter 2He said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you. Verse 2And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. Verse 3He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. Verse 4The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, "Thus says the Lord God." Verse 5Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.
Devotion
Ezekiel is lying on the ground. He has just seen the glory of God. He is in Babylon because his country has been conquered by the Babylonians and the chosen people, the Israelites, have been carried into captivity. It would appear that God has abandoned them. Instead, God has traveled with them and speaks to Ezekiel. “Stand up on your feet,” God said. “I am sending you to be a prophet to these rebellious people.
Prophets are not simply fortunetellers. Prophets are people who speak the truth. You may speak truth to your children, parents, a co-worker, or your spouse. People often don’t want to hear the truth. They might become angry and refuse to hear you. Still, it is important that you speak because you might bring someone out of captivity. God speaks to people through other people. That’s how God is heard. Prophets are God’s voice.
Prayer
Come to me, O God, when I am broken and conquered by my failure to hear your voice. Call me into the presence of your truth and give me strength to speak truth to others. Remind me that you speak through me even when I feel hopeless and helpless. In the name of Jesus who is truth. Amen.