Year 6, Day 159: Ezekiel 33

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.

I’m not sure that there is a more iconic chapter in the Bible than this one about what it means to be a prophet.  Prophets care about whether people hear the word of the Lord.  They care about whether the people respond to the word.  They care about the relationship between the Lord and His people.

So what is it that God says in this chapter?  Ezekiel is to be a watchman.  Ezekiel is to tell people about what the Lord desires.  Ezekiel is to warn the people about the coming plans of the Lord and the destruction of Judah.  Ezekiel is called to be a prophet in the best sense of the word.

Then, the Lord comes to Ezekiel and explains the burden to him.  If Ezekiel does what God asks and gives the message to the people, He will not be held liable if they reject the message.  But if Ezekiel hears the message and says nothing, then he will be liable for their rejection. 

I’m not sure that there is a clearer explanation of the expectations and consequences of the life of a prophet anywhere in God’s Word.  This is what it means to be a prophet.  Speak, and people have the ability to turn to God.  Don’t speak, and the prophet is held accountable for the inability for the people to hear that they should turn to God.

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