A Tough Call

Having seen the vision of "the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord," in Ezekiel 2-3:15 Ezekiel is called by the Lord to be his prophet and speak his words to the "rebellious house" of Israel with him in Babylon. He is told they will not be willing to listen to him because they are not willing to listen to the Lord - their heads are hard, and their hearts are stubborn. Yet, in keeping with his name, the Lord 'hardens' Ezekiel's own head - preparing and equipping him for the task ahead. Ezekiel was overwhelmed with the entire situation. Yet, as we will see, he was filled with the Spirit and was obedient and faithful to the Lord's call.
The Lord is always speaking, whether his word is received or not. It may be words of lamentation and woe, or of promise and joy, but they can still be sweet to us, as they were for Ezekiel, for his word is life to us - his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. We live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.