Ezekiel's Call

"... and whether they listen or fail to listen-for they are a rebellious house- they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you" - Ezekiel 3:22

Wow. God is very straight forward with Ezekiel. He will be persecuted. It will be hard. They will fight him. They will rebel against him. But Ezekiel is to not rebel like them, but listen to what God has told him, and follow His plan.

Why is it that we think our lives our so different? Why do I think that my calling isn't the exact same as Ezekiel's? Why is it okay for me to be scared of rejection, to be afraid of how people will react? Oh yeah, it's not.

We are called just like Ezekiel, to not be afraid of those we are ministering to. We are to boldly proclaim the Gospel. It's so easy for us to talk about Christ in church, and with our "Christian" friends. But why do we let it stop there? If God is with us, which He is, then what could happen if you are spreading His Word? You are given a bit of resentment? You are temporarily persecuted? Great -- that means they heard you and you stirred them to think. And suffering resentment and persecution for the Gospel -- that isn't really suffering at all, but rather fulfilling the very means as to why we are here in the first place.

So, like God's charge to Ezekiel, I am going to be unashamed to proclaim the Gospel. God is for me, I know that. Why would I be scared to share His Word that so that others can join in the family of God?

Ezekiel was called by God to live a bold life for Him, we have the same calling. Be bold.