“Moreover He said to me: “Son of man receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse.” Ezekiel 3:10-11 (NKJV)
Arguably the most vivid and powerful vision found in scripture; Ezekiel’s call and commission as priest and prophet to the captive Israelites gives us some insight into the Father’s heart concerning His messengers. Previous to the above verses God commands Ezekiel to “eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel” (vs1); the order is clear; prepare yourself by taking His word into your heart. Having done so, then go, speak to His people all that His word declares, not depending upon their acceptance of the word, but regardless of whether or not they listen or receive it, speak His word. Like it or not, receive it or leave it as though it were for someone else; this word is a command for all who would preach God’s word, for every pastor and teacher who attempts to declare the gospel. We are to first receive, to hear His word personally and accept it as being from the Lord God; having then prepared ourselves we are to “go, get to the captives” and declare His word with authority, not depending upon their acceptance for our motivation.
Our captives today are not the exiled Israelites but those around us who are yet enslaved to sin; those who have not heard the gospel, and have not experienced its cleansing power. It is ours to go, to preach His word with the conviction of one who has been “astonished” as Ezekiel was by the hearing of His word; as one who has been made a “watchman” to the children of God, so are we who are called to preach His word. We must steer clear from preaching the “smooth things” that unbelievers long to hear (Isaiah 30:10). It is our duty to speak the truth, to preach the gospel, and only the gospel. As pastors, we are charged to be watchmen, those who will warn of an eminent day of accounting that is as inescapable as it is certain.
How else will they hear? Romans 10:14 Preachers! Prepare and go!
