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
These verses tell of the commissioning of Ezekiel as God's prophet in Babylon during the time Israel's king and leaders were held captive there. God addressed Ezekiel as 'son of man.' This was a reminder that he and Israel were mere mortals (in contrast with the 'Glory of God' seen in chapter one).
God's call to Ezekiel was to preach to the people of Israel who had rebelled against God for generations. He was sent to expose them as obstinate and stubborn. They believed that the promises of God were guaranteed to them with no regard to their transgressions.
Whether we are preachers or hearers, we must listen carefully and prayerfully for God's word, not simply for an echo of our own word. And we must be open to a critique of our word (understanding) and of God's will for our lives.
Prayer
Lord God, heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for giving us all we need for our lives. We thank you most for your Word, Jesus Christ. Help us never to take you and your promises in him for granted. Amen.