Year 6, Day 147: Ezekiel 21

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Discipleship Focus: Prophet

• Prophet: A prophet is one of the fivefold ministry categories that is used throughout the Bible and especially lifted up in Ephesians 4:11. The prophet is primarily concerned with whether or not the people are hearing the voice of God.  The prophet is also concerned about whether or not the people are responding to God’s voice.

In Ezekiel 21, god gives four messages of the sword to Ezekiel.  Judgement is coming.  It won’t be pretty.  It won’t be enjoyable.  It will be thorough.  The sword will sweep through the Hebrew people and leave little in its wake.

What does this have to do with the prophet?  Ezekiel is told to mourn this.  Human beings often enjoy the thrill of people getting caught.  Ever experience that smug feeling when you pass by a car whose driver is getting a ticket from a policeman?  Ever hear a student exalting over another student getting some kind of detention?  Ever feel a sense of satisfaction when someone gets what they deserve in your own eyes?

No.  the prophet of God does not enjoy the pain and consequences of others.  The prophet knows it is necessary.  The prophet knows that it will bring about good results.  But the prophet doesn’t take joy in this process.  The prophet mourns that such judgment had to happen in the first place.  This is what allows the prophet to minister in the midst of judgment.

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