I recently completed a lengthy study in the Book of Ezekiel. As I have stated before, often when I complete my studies in particular books of the Bible, I feel positive of course, but a sense of, “I am going to miss that book.” Ezekiel is one that I will miss. As I said to my wife this morning after I finished Ezekiel, I am excited to begin my study in Daniel. As I looked back at my Daniel study notes from last year, I am excited to see what God’s Word has for me in Daniel. But before heading into Daniel I wanted to share some thoughts on the Book of Ezekiel. These are taken from my notes in my journal, from sticky notes stuck inside my journal as things to remember, and from copious highlights and margin notes in a number of my Bibles. The Book of Ezekiel strengthens those whom God has called to serve faithfully and fearlessly.
I have always noted as I study in Ezekiel that his name is translated to mean, “God will strengthen.” What did Ezekiel need to be strengthened for? After all he was a prophet of the Lord who saw the mighty work of God and was swept up into His presence to see these works. My first observation on that statement is that as a prophet his call was to Judean exiles who were in Babylon. What we cannot forget about this is that if his call was to the exiles in Babylon than he to was in exile. He was taken captive in about 597 B.C. alongside the king and thousands of others. We do know that Ezekiel was married but he faced the death of his wife as we read in Ezekiel 24:16. “Son of man, behold, I am about to take from you the desire of your eyes with a blow; but you shall not mourn and you shall not weep and your tears shall not come.” As we continue to read, we see, “So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And in the morning, I did as I was commanded” (Ezekiel 24:18). At this point allow me to share some of my more personal notes that I wrote. “Lord as I read this, I know you have called me, how would I react if you called me in this way?” I do not know the answer to that question, but some of my further thoughts which I wrote were about my wife. As anyone who has been called into ministry knows, our spouse is the one person who knows the emotions. A pastor’s wife often cannot know the specifics, but often she is the one there to hear the feelings and pray for her husband’s strength to return to serve as God has called. God will strengthen all who are called to serve Him, and often it is the wife whom He uses.
Let us continue for a moment to look at Ezekiel. Consider the call from God that he ultimately answered. Ezekiel 3:22-27 does not paint the picture of a call that is filled with glamour, worldly recognition, nor ease. Ezekiel accepted the call and went forth to proclaim God’s Word. Ezekiel, the man who initially resisted God’s call, was captured by the Holy Spirit and served God faithfully and fearlessly. How does his response compare to mine?