A Prophet Among Exiles

GOLDEN TEXT: “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel.”—Ezekiel 3:17

EZKIEL 1:1-3—In these opening verses of the Book of Ezekiel, we are told of the time and manner in which the Lord chose this ardent servant to represent him as a watchman over Israel and a prophet to his people. Ezekiel was already serving as a priest, and it was doubtless because of his faithfulness in this lesser service that God honored him with greater opportunities. In any case, we have in Ezekiel an example of what the Psalmist had previously declared, that true promotion in divine service comes only from the Lord, that he “putteth down one, and setteth up another.”—Psalm 75:6,7

God’s dealing with Ezekiel in preparing him to be a prophet and a watchman was outstanding, although in principle it was the same as in the case of all who are called to be ambassadors of the Most High. “The heavens were opened,” says Ezekiel, “and I saw visions of God.” In Matthew 3:16, we read that the “heavens were opened” to Jesus, and while the account does not state that he saw visions of God, Matthew 3:17 informs us that there was a voice out of heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Ezekiel’s experience, then, was very similar to that of Jesus. The heavens were opened to both of them, and in the case of both this made them realize that they were in very close touch with their God. Ezekiel saw visions of God, which revealed his majesty and glory. Jesus did not need this particular experience, as he already knew of his Heavenly Father’s glory, and he knew that he had come into the world to do his Father’s work. At Jordan he had presented himself in consecration to God, and from the opened heavens he received the blessed assurance of his Father’s smile.

But Ezekiel, unlike Jesus, was not so thoroughly acquainted with the marvelous glory and majesty of Jehovah, yet such knowledge is an essential background of acceptable service to God. We are not to suppose that it is ever necessary for God to use servants whom he cannot enlighten with an adequate knowledge of himself and of his plans. It was essential for Ezekiel to know the God whom he was to serve in such a special capacity, so the “visions” were given to him for that purpose—the open heavens symbolize the revealing of truths pertaining to God and to his plans.

EZEKIEL 3:11—In this text is the definite commission given to Ezekiel to “go” and “tell” the children of Israel the message the Lord had given to him. “Thus saith the Lord,” was to be the introduction to his message. It is important that all who speak in the name of the Lord give him the credit for their message. But to do this, the message must indeed be from the Lord’s Word. God has not authorized anyone to preach that which is not in his Word.

And Ezekiel was to present the message whether or not the Israelites were willing to receive it—“Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.” Here, too, is an important principle for us to keep in mind. It is a great mistake to suppose that the Lord wants us to refrain from bearing witness to the truth simply because very few are willing to accept it.

EZEKIEL 3:17-21—“I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel,” the Lord said to Ezekiel, “therefore hear the word of my mouth, and give them warning from me.” This passage emphasizes the great responsibility that rests upon those who are used of the Lord as message bearers to his people. Ezekiel was to be held responsible for the wrong course of those who erred should he fail to warn them.

There is no less responsibility resting upon those whom the Lord has set in the body of Christ to be teachers of his people. Wolves in sheep’s clothing are ever trying to enter in among the flock, and it is the business of the elders to keep a watch over the flock and to do what they can to protect them from harm. If harm comes to any of the Lord’s little ones despite our best efforts to protect them, then the responsibility is not ours. But if we take the position that we have no responsibility in the matter of protecting the Lord’s people against false doctrines and other evils, then we are responsible if they are led astray. This is the import to us of the instructions given to Ezekiel.

EZEKIEL 4:1-3—In this passage there is outlined to Ezekiel a method by which he might give the Israelites a very vivid realization of the coming doom upon Jerusalem. In miniature he was to portray the city in a state of siege. This was to be a “sign” to the house of Israel, a sign of what was to befall them in reality. It was not a pleasant message the prophet was to deliver, and the remainder of the chapter reveals that there were to be many hardships involved in his carrying out of the divine commission.

QUESTIONS:

What relationship did Ezekiel’s visions of God bear toward his subsequent service as a prophet and watchman?

Are we to determine the Lord’s will in the matter of witness work on the basis of the results obtained?

Does the Lord always provide methods of service which are pleasant to the flesh?

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