A Hard Message

“The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says.’ And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. 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.” Ezekiel 2:4-6

The messages that God gave prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel were not popular with kings or common people. No one wanted to hear what God really thought of them, but they spoke anyway. Because of his faithfulness to God, Jeremiah was imprisoned numerous times and even thrown into a cistern and left to die.

Aren’t we just like the stubborn and rebellious people of Israel? We don’t like it when we hear a message that brings real conviction—that requires us to stop doing what we’re doing and turn back to God. It will take real courage to be God’s spokesperson in this world today—the message will offend most. But God says the message must be delivered and, whether they listen or not, they will know that God has spoken.