Reflections on Ezekiel 2

Ezekiel 02 (Contemporary English Version)
1. The LORD said, "Ezekiel, son of man, I want you to stand up and listen."
   
2. After he said this, his Spirit took control of me and lifted me to my feet. Then the LORD said:
   
3. Ezekiel, I am sending you to the people of Israel. They are just like their ancestors who rebelled against me and refused to stop.
   
4. They are stubborn and hardheaded. But I, the LORD God, have chosen you to tell them what I say.
   
5. Those rebels may not even listen, but at least they will know that a prophet has come to them.
   
6. Don't be afraid of them or of anything they say. You may think you're in the middle of a thorn patch or a bunch of scorpions. But be brave
   
7. and preach my message to them, whether they choose to listen or not.
   
8. Ezekiel, don't rebel against me, as they have done. Instead, listen to everything I tell you. And now, Ezekiel, open your mouth and eat what I am going to give you.
   
9. Just then, I saw a hand stretched out toward me. And in it was a scroll.
   
10. The hand opened the scroll, and both sides of it were filled with words of sadness, mourning, and grief.
    
    

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    Chapter 1 described the vision Ezekiel had of God's majesty. Chapter 2 gives his commissioning telling to whom he is to go and the message he was to deliver. Before giving Ezekiel his assignment, the Lord had him stand up on his feet, then God's Spirit entered Ezekiel and helped him stand, providing Ezekiel a demonstration of how God will work with him, always making him able, with God's Spirit in him, to handle the assignments he is given. Ezekiel's assignment was to go "to the Israelites and to the rebellious nations who have rebelled against Me." (2:3) Why was he to go to these people? Because they had "transgressed against (God) to this day." They were "obstinate and hardhearted." (2:3-4)
    
    In going to these people Ezekiel was to deliver the Lord's message saying, "This is what the Lord GOD says." (2:4) Having delivered the Lord's message to the people, Ezekiel's responsibility was fulfilled. He was not responsible for how the people received the message. "Whether they listen or refuse to listen--for they are a rebellious house--they will know that a prophet has been among them." (2:5) God wanted the Israelites to have every chance to turn away from their sin and avoid judgment. This is how God relates to all people in all times. He is a loving and merciful God "who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:4)
    
    Having received his assignment or commission, Ezekiel was encouraged not to be afraid of the people or their words. They will be like "briers and thorns are beside you" and it will be as if "you live among scorpions." Fulfilling this commission will be both uncomfortable and dangerous, but Ezekiel should not be afraid. Though it is not stated, the implication is that God will protect him from harm. With this word of encouragement, Ezekiel was then handed a scroll with the message written on it that he was to deliver. The words on the scroll were "words of lamentation, mourning, and woe." (2:10)