Called by God: Ezekiel
The United Nations employs 142 interpreters to translate six official languages: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; and Spanish. The role of the interpreters is to facilitate communication between the speaker and listeners. The role of a prophet is similar – accurately communicate God’s messages to others.
Background
Ezekiel was born into an upper-class family of the priesthood. When he was 25 years old, the Babylonians sacked Jerusalem and Ezekiel was exiled to Babylon. Five years later, at age 30, God called him as a prophet and he served in this position for over 20 years.
Calling
Ezekiel fell facedown when God appeared to him in an extraordinary vision. God told Ezekiel to stand up and He would speak to him, and the Spirit helped him to his feet. Then God issued the calling:
“Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites … You must speak My words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious … they will know that a prophet has been among them … I am sending you …” 1
| GO | Command | I am sending you |
| TO | To benefit others | To the Israelites |
| DO | Take action | Speak My words to them |
| SO | God’s plan | They will know a prophet has been among them |
| LO | God’s Presence | I am sending you |
Just in case Ezekiel missed the importance of his task, God repeated the calling twice more.
- “… Go now to the people of Israel and speak my words to them.” 2
- “Go now to your people in exile and speak to them.” 3
He also told Ezekiel not to be afraid of the people or their reaction. His task was to communicate God’s messages whether they listened or not. In fact, God told Ezekiel the people would not listen to him just as they had not listed to God. 4
Response
The Spirit lifted Ezekiel and took him away from the vision. The prophet wrote, “I didn’t want to go. But God had me in his grip. I arrived among the exiles who lived near the Kebar River at Tel Aviv. I came to where they were living and sat there for seven days, appalled.” 5 However, eventually Jeremiah obeyed the Lord and assumed the task God had assigned him.
Meaning
- Your calling may be given directly by God.
- Your calling may involve a “sending” by God and a “speaking” for God.
- Your call must be faithfully fulfilled regardless of the results.
- Your calling may contain specific directions and instructions.
- You may be afraid, but God will assure you “Do not fear.”
- You may be told in advance that your task will be difficult.
Summary
Your calling may be difficult or impossible, and it may produce little or no results. But God calls you to obedience and faithfulness; the results are His concern. You may be afraid, but be faithful despite your fear. The power of the Holy Spirit is essential to fulfilling your calling.
Prayer
“Lord, This Christian life is such a great adventure. It is incredible to think You would choose me to accomplish some task for You. Thank You. Amen.”
1. Ezekiel 2:3-5
2. Ezekiel 3:4
3. Ezekiel 3:10
4. Ezekiel 3:7
5. Ezekiel 3-15-15
© 2013 Designed to Serve®
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
