Daily Devotions
Ezekiel
"Therefore prophesy against them"
Text: Ezekiel 11:4
THE PREACHING MINISTRY OF A PROPHET
The prophetic ministry had many aspects. One was to receive prophecies from God. Another aspect was to pray for people. A third aspect was that of preaching to the people, albeit prophetically!
“‘Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, O son of man!’
Then the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me, and said to me,
‘Speak! ‘Thus says the Lord: ‘
Thus you have said, O house of Israel;
for I know the things that come into your mind.”'”
Ezekiel 11:4-5
1. Prophesy against them.
a) This was commanded by the LORD.
b) Ezekiel was to preach to the nation.
2. Means of Preaching.
a) It may involve being there in Jerusalem.
b) It may also involve writing out the messages and sending them to Jerusalem.
c) It may also involve someone being sent to speak on behalf of the prophet.
3. The prophetic message.
a) The word of the LORD was meant to be proclaimed.
b) A hidden word would yield no results.
4. Confronting the 25 leaders.
a) Ezekiel’s prophetic word:
i) It was directed against the 25 leaders (princes).
ii) It would take courage to speak to the leaders.
iii) But it had to be done.
b) “Thus you have said”
i) Ezekiel has to be aware of what had been said.
ii) The princes were capable of being disingenuous in their speeches.
iii) Ezekiel has to be sharp and discerning when he confronts them.
c) The LORD would reveal to Ezekiel.
i) Their hidden thoughts.
ii) Their crafty words and designs.
iii) Understanding the enemies would be an important asset to have when prophesying against them.