The Messenger

The Messenger

Ezekiel 3:1-11 (NIV)

1And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel.” 2So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.

3Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

4He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them. 5You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and difficult language, but to the house of Israel— 6not to many peoples of obscure speech and difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7But the house of Israel is not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for the whole house of Israel is hardened and obstinate. 8But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. 9I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house.”

10And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. 11Go now to your countrymen in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.”

Theme:

I.        Introduction:

II.      Sent With A Message: A Communication of God

A.      A Message Given By God

B.      A Message Internalized By The Messenger

III.   Sent To A People: A Cause of Frustration

A.      Selectively Deaf: Not Willing To Listen

B.      Stubbornly Disobedient: Not Willing To Obey

IV.    Sent With Compulsion: A Consciousness of Mission

A.      With Determination

B.      Without Compromise

V.      Conclusion: