Ezekiel 3

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Ezekiel’s Commission

Where was Tel-abib (v 15) located? Who were the captives mentioned in this verse? Where had they come from?
What caused Ezekiel to be angry as the Spirit lifted him up in the vision (v 14)?
God commissioned Ezekiel to be a ________________ (v 17). In this role, what was Ezekiel’s primary responsibility?
Under what circumstances would God hold Ezekiel accountable as a watchman?
What were the specific instructions that the Lord gave to Ezekiel in verses 25-27 regarding his responsibilities to the house of Israel?

Tel-abib was located in Babylon where the Jewish captives from Jerusalem lived beside the river (or canal) Chebar. Ezekiel was among the captives who had been brought to Babylon in 597 BC.
Ezekiel was not angry because he was reluctant to do the job God had called him to, but rather because of the sinful condition of God’s people.
God commissioned Ezekiel to be a watchman for the house of Israel. Ezekiel had the serious responsibility of warning the people of Israel of God’s coming judgment because of their sins.
If Ezekiel did not warn the wicked among the people of Israel, they would die and he would be held accountable. If Ezekiel did not warn the righteous people who turned away from their righteous ways, they would die and he would be held accountable. If Ezekiel did warn the wicked people and if he did warn the righteous people who had turned from their righteous ways, then he would have fulfilled his responsibilities and would not be held accountable. (See verses 18-21.)
Ezekiel received directions of restriction at this time (vs 25-27). He was not to freely circulate among the people and preach, but was to go out and proclaim the Word of the Lord only where and when the Lord directed him.

Discuss the barriers to effective evangelism today. How can cultural barriers be overcome? How can the barriers of hardened and rebellious hearts be overcome? Consider resources available to help overcome these barriers.

Have you shared the gospel message with people who refused to hear it? Have you become discouraged and stopped sharing the good news? Remember, Ezekiel was told by God that some would refuse to hear, but he was to continue to share the Word of the Lord at His time and place, as there would be some who would hear. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them a warning from Me. When I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ He who hears, let him hear, and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house.” Ezekiel 3:17, 27