We might sometimes read the book of Ezekiel and think that the prophet was given an unfair mission. God called him and told him that he was being sent to “a rebellious nation” (2:3), who was “obstinate,” “hard-hearted” and “stubborn” (2:4; 3:7). Does it seem “fair” for God to send him to such a people? But, God gives him the message to preach to this “rebellious” (used 16 times) people: “Thus says the Lord God” (2:4). That phrase, “Thus says the Lord,” is found 127 times in this book (out of the 419 total times in the Bible).
The reality is that God has given us the same mission. He has not sent us to a world full of people eager to hear the gospel! He has sent us to people who are rebellious and stubborn against God (like we used to be). And, the only thing that can make a difference in their lives is for us to tell them, “Thus says the Lord God.” Will you be God’s Ezekiel today and speak for Him? He gives us the Bible with every word we need to speak!