Ezekiel 2:1-5 - And he said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.” And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. And he said to me, “Son of man, 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 to this very day. The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them.

In this bible reading from Ezekiel 2, God calls Ezekiel to be a prophet to the rebellious people of Israel. The Spirit enters Ezekiel and sets him on his feet, empowering him for the difficult task ahead. God tells Ezekiel that he is sending him to a people who have rebelled against God and their ancestors have transgressed against God to this day. Ezekiel is told to deliver a message from God to the people, telling them 'Thus says the Lord God.' Even though the people are rebellious, through Ezekiel delivering God's message, they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Being called to deliver messages from God can be an intimidating task, as Ezekiel found himself being called to do. God knew that the people had rebelled and would be stubborn, yet still called Ezekiel to go and speak to them. This shows that even when people refuse to listen or obey God, he still desires to reach out to them and give them a chance to repent and turn back to him. Ezekiel's task highlights how prophets are called to faithfully deliver the truth from God, even to stubborn ears. While the message may not always be received positively, the prophet finds strength and purpose in being obedient to God's call on their life. In being faithful messengers, prophets allow God the opportunity to work in people's hearts through his Word. Though the response cannot be guaranteed, taking the message to the people is what God has asked of his servants.

God, thank you for faithful prophets like Ezekiel who were willing to deliver your messages, even to rebellious people. Give me courage to share your truth with others when you lead me to, and help me do so in a way that honors you. Help me have confidence that you can use your Word to impact lives, even if the initial response is not receptive. May I seek to be obedient to your calling on my life, trusting that you are at work bringing people to yourself in your perfect timing. Amen.