We already looked at Ezekiel 3:1-4....this study will briefly cover the rest of the chapter.
Verses 4-11 find God strengthening Ezekiel for his tasks...preparing him to set his face to do His will. There are many times in our lives that we will need to do just this. Focus on the goal...set our face, our body and our mind to do His will and then as Ezekiel was we will be strengthened and lifted by the Spirit and enabled to do those things He has called us to do.
Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: "Blessed is the glory of the LORD from His place!" I also heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels beside them, and a great thunderous noise. So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib, who dwelt by the River Chebar; and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.--Ezekiel 3:12-15
The Spirit brought Ezekiel to the captives who dwelt by the River Chebar and Ezekiel sat with the people before he spoke to them God's word. He identified with their pain and sat where they sat and waited patiently for the word of the Lord. He did not speak to them his words but God's. It is so important that we understand and empathize with the people God places in our lives to minister to. Understanding is essential to compassion. The only way to get understanding is to sit in the place of those whom God has called you to minister. As you do this, your attitude will change and the compassion and love you feel for them will be reflected in the things you say.
God goes on in this chapter to make Ezekiel His watchman over the people. Ezekiel would hear a word or a warning from the Lord and speak it to the house of Israel. This was a serious thing...but God would open and close his mouth and also give him the words he was to speak. He who hears, God says, let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse. Ezekiel's job was to speak...results were up to God. Acts 20:26-27 speaks to the same thing.
Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
Love
Mom
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