America Reads the Bible | Jonathan Cahn Reads Ezekiel

God’s Call to the Prophet: A Message to a Rebellious Nation

God spoke, saying, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you.” As He spoke, the Spirit entered into me, lifted me up, and enabled me to hear His voice clearly.

He said, “I am sending you to the people of Israel a rebellious nation that has turned against Me. Both they and their ancestors have continued in rebellion to this very day. They are stubborn, hard-hearted, and resistant. You must go to them and declare: ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ Whether they listen or refuse to listen, they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Do not be afraid of them or their words, even though you are surrounded by hostility, like briars, thorns, and scorpions. Do not fear their expressions or their resistance, for they are a rebellious people. Speak My words to them faithfully, whether they accept them or reject them.

But you, son of man, must not become rebellious like them. Open your mouth and receive what I give you.”

The Scroll: A Message of Judgment and Truth

Then I saw a hand reaching out to me, holding a scroll. It was unrolled before me, written on both sides with words of lamentation, mourning, and judgment.

God said, “Eat what is before you. Consume this scroll, then go and speak to the house of Israel.”

So I opened my mouth, and He gave me the scroll to eat. He said, “Fill yourself with this message.” When I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

Then He commanded me, “Go now to the people of Israel and speak My words to them. You are not being sent to people of a foreign language, but to your own people. Yet they will not listen to you, because they refuse to listen to Me. They are hardened and stubborn.

But I have made you strong your resolve firm against their resistance. Like flint harder than stone, you will not be shaken. Do not fear them or be discouraged by them, even though they are rebellious.

Take all My words into your heart. Listen carefully, then go to your people in exile and declare to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says,’ whether they listen or not.”

The Vision and the Burden of the Call

Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a powerful sound a rushing noise declaring, “Blessed be the glory of the Lord from His place.” I also heard the wings of living creatures and the rumbling of wheels, like a mighty movement.

The Spirit carried me away, and I went in deep anguish, yet the hand of the Lord was strong upon me.

I came to the exiles living by the Kebar River and sat among them in silence for seven days, overwhelmed.

The Watchman’s Responsibility

After seven days, the word of the Lord came to me:

“Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Listen to My words and give them warning from Me.

If I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them to turn from their ways, they will die in their sin and I will hold you accountable. But if you warn them and they refuse to repent, they will die in their sin, but you will have saved yourself.

Likewise, if a righteous person turns to sin and you do not warn them, they will die in their sin, and their past righteousness will not be remembered and you will be held responsible. But if you warn them and they do not sin, they will live, and you will have delivered your soul.”

Set Apart for God’s Timing

Then the hand of the Lord came upon me again. He said, “Go out into the plain, and I will speak with you there.”

I went, and I saw the glory of the Lord, just as I had seen before. I fell facedown.

The Spirit lifted me up and said, “Go into your house and remain there. You will be bound and unable to go out among the people. I will make you silent you will not be able to rebuke them, for they are rebellious.

But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth. Then you will say: ‘This is what the Lord God says: Whoever will listen, let them listen; whoever refuses, let them refuse.’”

Key Spiritual Insight

This passage reveals a powerful truth: God calls His messengers to speak truth faithfully regardless of how people respond. The responsibility is not in controlling the outcome, but in delivering the message with courage, obedience, and integrity.