ACCEPTING
OUR MISSION
The Book of Ezekiel
is perhaps one of the most complete messages of God’s eternal plan
and purpose. Within its pages lies a portrait of God that reflects
His heart towards mankind, His elect, and those who would continue
to harden their hearts towards His Divine commandments. In the 33rd
Chapter we read of Ezekiel’s commission given to him by God.
The Scripture says: “So you, son of man: I have made you a
watchman for the house of Israel: therefore you shall hear a word
from My mouth and warn them for Me.” (Ezekiel 33:7)
There would be absolutely no doubt or confusion in anyone’s
mind what the will of God was and what His response would be if they
would not listen. Ezekiel’s work was to watch over the Lord’s
house and preach to them God’s holy Word.
What a burden Ezekiel must have felt, especially since God held him
accountable for making sure the truth was proclaimed. The Lord said:
When I say to the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die!
and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, …his blood I
will require at your hand.” (Ezekiel 33:8) The only
release from full accountability was when souls were warned and they
refused to turn. Only then would Ezekiel be delivered from guilt. I
don’t know about you, but these passages provide some motivation
for my faithfulness in sowing the seed for Christ today. We have been
enlisted as God’s Ambassador’s to reconcile men back to Him.
In
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he states: “Now
then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading
through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to
God” (2 Corinthians 5:20) The Apostle Peter
encouraged the Brethren of his day by writing them that they should
be “…mindful of the words which were spoken before by the
holy prophets.” (2 Peter 3:2 -18). Why? Because in
forgetting our mission we selfishly dethrone God and neglect our
calling. Rather, let’s accept our mission as did Ezekiel!