Reaching the Rebellious

They were a tough crowd. Rebellious, obstinate and stubborn — the kind of people you want to give up on. Yet God called Ezekiel to reach out to them. “But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious,” he told Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:7, NASB). He encouraged Ezekiel to not “fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house (2:6).”

Throughout Ezekiel 2 I am amazed at how often God mentioned the rebellious nature of the Israelites. Yet he continued to reach out to them to encourage them to repent — warning them of impending disaster. His love for them did not stop even though they rejected him. It reminds of 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Like Ezekiel, we are called to bring the message of redemption through Jesus to people who can be stubborn and reject the gospel. He encourages us not to fear them or their words. But Ezekiel 2:8 also reminds us, “do not be rebellious like that rebellious house.” Our obedience to God is an act of worship to Him. It demonstrates our devotion to Him.

Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. – 1 Samuel 15:22