Ezekiel's Call to Prophecy: The Divine Commission

Ezekiel 2 illustrates the solemn responsibility that comes with answering God's call. Despite the daunting task and hard-hearted audience, Ezekiel is expected to embody fearlessness and unswerving commitment. This chapter reminds us that delivering the truth is paramount, regardless of how it's received.

Verses 1-2: The Divine Call

God calls Ezekiel, referring to him as 'son of man,' and with His spirit, God raises Ezekiel up to his feet. God's spirit fills Ezekiel, preparing him for the task ahead.

Verses 3-5: The Hard-hearted Audience

God describes the people of Israel as a rebellious nation, steeped in transgression against Him. Despite this, God sends Ezekiel to deliver His message to them. Whether they listen or fail to do so, they shall know a prophet was among them.

Verses 6-7: The Fearless Prophet

God instructs Ezekiel not to be afraid of the Israelites, despite their belligerence and defiant words. Ezekiel is commanded to deliver God’s words, whether they listen or resist.

Verses 8-10: The Scroll of Lament

Ezekiel is told to open his mouth and eat what God gives him - a scroll filled with lament, mourning, and woe, symbolizing the message he has to carry to the people.

Ezekiel 2 represents a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Ezekiel as it outlines his divine calling and mission from God. The chapter reveals Ezekiel's commission to deliver God’s stern message to the rebellious children of Israel, offering insights into the character of God, the nature of prophecy, and the human propensity for rebellion.

Divine Calling
Responsibility
Rebellion
Prophecy
Fearlessness
God’s sovereignty
Human obstinacyEzekiel's divine calling
God's commands to Ezekiel
God's message about the rebelliousness of IsraelGod
Ezekiel
The Children of IsraelThe land of the exiles, by the River Kebar

1. How does Ezekiel 2 challenge your understanding of obedience to God?

2. How can Ezekiel's commission be applied to the concept of personal responsibility in your life?

3. Reflecting on God's description of Israel, how do you see rebellion manifesting in society today?

4. How do you respond when faced with delivering difficult truths to resistant individuals? Can you draw parallels to Ezekiel's mission?

5. God commanded Ezekiel not to be afraid despite resistance. How can we cultivate such fearlessness in our lives?

6. What does the symbol of the scroll with lament and woe signify? How does this symbolism resonate with you?

7. Can you identify times in your life when you felt God's spirit "stand you up," just like Ezekiel?

8. In what ways are we sometimes like the rebellious house of Israel?

9. What does it mean to you that "they will know a prophet has been among them," even if they do not heed the prophet's words?

10. How can we ensure we're open to God's messages, unlike the rebellious Israelites?

11. How do you balance the responsibility to speak truth to those resistant to it with the need to maintain relationships and peace?

12. In what ways does Ezekiel's call inspire you to answer your own personal 'callings' in life?

13. In your current context, what might "eating the scroll" look like?

14. If you were in Ezekiel's position, how would you feel upon receiving such a challenging commission from God?

15. What strategies can we employ when we are faced with delivering unpalatable truths?

16. How do you feel about the concept of divine calling? Do you feel called to something particular in your life?

17. How do you perceive God's character based on His dialogue with Ezekiel in this chapter?

18. What steps can we take to ensure we are not "rebellious" in our spiritual journey?

19. How does God equipping Ezekiel in his calling speak to God's provision in your life's challenges?

20. How does this chapter reflect on the importance of perseverance despite the hardness of others' hearts?