Ezekiel 1-3, Job 1, John 7:37-44, 2 Peter 1:1-11 Ezekiel 1-3: If Jeremiah’s call is not one to be desired for its own sake, Ezekiel has perhaps an even tougher mandate. He is among the “exiles” (1:1), and in preparation for the tough calling that he is to receive as God’s mouthpiece to these “rebellious” people, Ezekiel sees “visions of God” (1:1). The vision of chapter 1 culminates and expresses the “glory of the LORD” (1:28). Ezekiel is blown away by God’s glory, and hears the voice of one speaking. Such a high vision of God is necessary if Ezekiel is to be faithful to speak God’s word—even if the people of Israel pay that word no attention, and do not approve him for speaking it. It is quite possible they will not hear God’s word spoken through him. “Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them” (2:5). Ezekiel is to “not be afraid of them” (2:6). Indeed, God has “made your face as hard as their faces, and your forehead as hard as their foreheads” (3:8). He’s toughened up by God so he can deliver God’s message to this rebellious people. God specifically warns him then that he must faithfully deliver God’s word, whether they heed it or not; if he does not deliver God’s word then, and a “wicked person” dies for “his iniquity,” then “his blood I will require at your hand” (3:18). The value and truth of God’s word is not assessed by its acceptability. We who are called to witness to Christ and the gospel, we Christians, are to do so—with winsomeness and love—faithfully. We are to be salt and light and not lose our saltiness or bury our light. We are also not to be recalcitrant and problematic, but heed God’s word when we read it and hear it explained to us. Where does the courage and strength come from to obey, trust, speak God’s word? A vision of the glory of God. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.]]>