Wednesday 08 February 2023
- Bible Book:
- Ezekiel
He said to me: 'Mortal, eat this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.' Then I ate it; and in my mouth it was as sweet as honey.' (v. 3)
Background
The narrative about Ezekiel’s call draws to its close. He is instructed to eat the scroll covered on both sides in words of lamentation given to him at the end of chapter 2. This is his first test of obedience. Whereas his people have rebelled, Ezekiel follows the command of God. However, the action has deeper meaning. It was to symbolise to those who heard or read Ezekiel’s words, that what he says actually comes from God’s word within him.
God repeats the allegations about the house of Israel rebelling against God, and goes as far as to claim that if Ezekiel had gone to a nation that didn’t speak his language, they would make more of an effort to understand his message. His audience have no excuse in God’s eyes for not following. It is only down to their hard hearts and foreheads that they do not receive the message from God. To encourage Ezekiel, God will make him as stubborn as they are (see yesterday’s note about his name), and Ezekiel’s call is to obedience to God – it is not judged by the results.
Ezekiel has one final awe-inspiring moment in the vision with the sound of the living creatures’ wings beating together, before he found himself returned to the River Chebar (v. 15). It is perhaps of interest to note his emotions. Ezekiel doesn’t object to his call. Yet, though the scroll left the taste of honey in his mouth, he returned bitter in the heat of his spirit (v.14).
The word ‘heat’ is used elsewhere in Scripture to speak of God’s anger. Was Ezekiel’s bitterness and heat due to the disobedient people he had to return to, God’s call, or even the encounter with the Almighty? Was he bitter because he had to return and couldn’t stay there? If you read to verse 15, Ezekiel is sitting for seven days among the exiles stunned, which could even be translated as traumatised. It isn’t exactly the most promising of beginnings, but it may be a realistic experience for many who are called.
To Ponder:
- How do you feel about God in this passage? Is it your experience of God?
- How can we engage with people who see things very differently from us, without it feeling like it is 'one hard forehead' against another?
- What do you think about Ezekiel’s response to this vision? Does it chime at all with your experience?
Prayer
God most high, may we taste the sweetness of your word within us, and have the courage to follow where you call us. Amen.