Compare Ezekiel's calling with other prophets; what similarities do you find? Ezekiel’s Calling in Brief (Ezekiel 1:3) • “the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest… and the hand of the LORD was upon him there.” • A real, historical moment recorded exactly as it happened. • God initiates; Ezekiel receives. Parallels and Shared Themes with Other Prophets Divine Initiative: “The word of the LORD came…” • Jeremiah 1:4 – 5: “The word of the LORD came to me…” • Jonah 1:1 – 2; Amos 7:15; Hosea 1:1. • God always speaks first; the prophet listens. Visible or Audible Encounter with God’s Glory • Isaiah 6:1 – 4 – throne vision; seraphim cry “Holy, holy, holy.” • Exodus 3:2 – 4 – burning bush for Moses. • 1 Samuel 3:10 – the LORD stands near Samuel and calls his name. • Ezekiel sees the four living creatures and the throne (1:4 – 28). The Hand/Spirit of the LORD Empowering • Ezekiel 1:3 – “the hand of the LORD was upon him.” • 1 Kings 18:46 – “The hand of the LORD came upon Elijah.” • Jeremiah 1:9 – “the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth…” Commission to Speak to a Rebellious People • Ezekiel 2:3 – “to a nation of rebels.” • Isaiah 6:9 – 10 – hardened hearts. • Jeremiah 1:16 – 19 – Judah’s idolatry; “they will fight against you.” • Amos 7:15 – “Go, prophesy to My people Israel.” Assurance of God’s Presence and Protection • Ezekiel 3:8 – 9 – “I have made your forehead like flint.” • Jeremiah 1:8 – “I am with you to deliver you.” • Moses in Exodus 3:12 – “I will surely be with you.” Prophet’s Humble (and Often Hesitant) Response • Ezekiel 3:14 – 15 – “I went in bitterness and in the heat of my spirit.” • Isaiah 6:5 – “Woe to me! for I am ruined!” • Jeremiah 1:6 – “Ah, Lord GOD! I do not know how to speak.” • Moses Exodus 4:10 – “I am slow of speech and tongue.” Mission Rooted in God’s Sovereign Choice • Ezekiel 1:3 – called while exiled in Babylon; God’s reach crosses borders. • Amos 7:14 – 15 – from shepherd to prophet by divine appointment. • Jeremiah 1:5 – chosen before birth. Key Takeaways • Every true prophetic call begins with God’s literal, authoritative word. • Vision or voice is followed by empowerment, commission, and assurance. • Prophets often feel inadequate, yet obedience flows from God’s enabling hand. |
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