He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them.”
Ezekiel 2:3-5 NIV
In Ezekiel chapter two, we find a powerful directive from God to the prophet Ezekiel. “Son of man,” he says, “I am sending you to the Israelites—a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me.” This passage sets a tone for the challenging task ahead, one that requires steadfastness and unwavering commitment.
God continues by describing the people He was sending Ezekiel to as obstinate and stubborn. Yet despite their resistance, God instructs him: “Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.'” The critical point here is that regardless of whether these people listen or not, they will know that a prophet has been among them.
This verse holds profound implications for our own spiritual journeys and missions as believers. It reminds us that our primary role is not to measure success by the immediate responses we receive. Rather, we must ensure that we bring people in contact with God’s presence and power in our lives. As God called Ezekiel to speak truth regardless of reception, we too, must share God’s message with integrity and faithfulness.
The essence of this divine instruction lies in the idea that our work as servants of God is not about gathering results or seeking validation from others. Rather, it is about fulfilling our calling wholeheartedly, knowing that even if people do not hear us now, they will eventually recognise the work we have done for God. This perspective can be both reassuring and liberating, freeing us from the pressures of human approval.
Moreover, this understanding aligns with a powerful truth found in Scripture: “There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7) This verse highlights the importance of our role as God’s messengers. God does not measure our success by immediate conversions or recognitions but by faithfulness and trust in His ultimate plan.
These truths remind us that our joy should stem from knowing we have fulfilled our divine calling rather than from the reactions we receive from others. Our responsibility is to speak the Word of God with courage and conviction. We must not focus on seeking human approval but divine purpose.
In conclusion, as modern-day prophets, we must embrace prophet Ezekiel’s example. We are to communicate God’s message fearlessly and faithfully. We must realise that our work leaves an eternal imprint on people’s hearts, regardless of their immediate responses. This is a profound reminder for all believers: your success lies in doing exactly what God calls you to do. Let us be vessels of His grace, leaving marks of truth and love wherever we go.