And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. Ezekiel 2:6
Ezekiel, son of a priest, young, vibrant, married….looking forward to a great future, and then he falls victim to corrupt political machinations beyond his control. He was among 10,000 young scholars, statesmen, soldiers and craftsmen taken from Judah into exile in Babylon.
Through a vision, Ezekiel sees God in perfect harmony and control, judging the people of Judah for their sins. Ezekiel hears God’s call to prophesy and warn the rebellious to turn away from pagan idolatry and worship and obey the One True God.
To relinquish total autonomy to God, as Ezekiel did, is a very daunting idea, but it is the only way to the center of God’s will. Just as Ezekiel was told, so are we, “Do not be afraid!” God said it three times! He meant it then, He means it now. Follow God, obey Him and lead others in paths of righteousness.
Love,
Gretchen