The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 1 — Section 79

II. THE SUBSTANCE OF THE MESSAGE. "Speak with my words." 'l'he first task the prophet had to 11erform was with himself. It was a necessity that ho should repress an<l subject self. He must overbear his timidity. Ho must mortify his pride, He must forego personal tastes and predilections. This done, his task was simple. He was to be spokesman for God. He was released from tho perplexity of inventing s~1asive arguments or selecting. fitting words. ~11 the material for reproof, expostula- t1on, connsel, appeal, was furmshed by God himself, On every occasion the prophet was required to speak in the name of the Sovereign, and to use this formula "Thus saith Jehovah." ' III. THE RESISTA~CE ANTICIPATED, At first sight, it would seem as if the prophet's mission were an easy one. To convey a further disclosure of God's will to his own people would surely be a most welcome thing. If they had accorded to Moses almost reverential honour, will they not display a similar disposition to another prophet? Moreover, the people were now in the extremity of trouble-in the depths of affliction: would they not the more readily hear a message from their God? A singular doom was awaiting such bright hopes. Surface prospects were indeed favourable, but the most formidable opposition was thinly veiled. No foe on earth is so terrible to face as a depraved human will. As metals, that have been repeatedly heated and cooled cannot easily be made ductile; so, under much gracious treatment, the heart of Israei had become hopelessly hardened. It is an unalterable law of Heaven, that kindness abused becomes the heaviest curse. Yet no measure of opposition was to deter the prophet in fulfilling his duty, or he, too, would experience the curse of disobedience, 'l'houg:h he was forewarned how resistant would be his auditors, his commission was unmodified, his task unchanged. If no advantage should accrue to the hou~e of Israel, large advantage would accrue to the prophet, as the result of his fidelity-large ad,•autage would result to later generations. Difficulty is not the measur~ of duty. Service for God bears fruit in unexpected directions. IV. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT IS PROVIDED DY GoD. In our warfare for God we may find encouragement in the superior resources of our Master against all assailants. 'l'ruth is mightier than error all the world over. Righteousness is mightier than wickedness. We have an ally in the conscience of our foe, if all his passions be against us. Best encouragement of all, God's strength is mightier, more durable, than the might of e.llied humanity. The conflict may be long, but final conquest is sure. Special equip- ment, too, is provided for special difficulties, "To the froward God will show himself froward." If his enemies show a brazen face, God will give his servants a forehead of steel. If they wail thernsel ves with flints, God will provide his defenders with breast- plates of adamant. '' My g-race is sufficient for thee;" "As thy day thy strength." V. THE TRUE PROPHET IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF GoD's UNIVERSAL ARMY. He does not labour alone, nor contend alone. The Spirit of God is upon him-fortifies him on every side. Angels rejoice in the appointment of human amb~ssadors. 'l'he great forces of the universe work along with the servant of God. The living creatures co-operate with God's soldiery. As we go forth to the battle with sin, we may hear behind us the rustling of the heavenly wings, and the music of the heavenly wheels, and the chorus of sympathizing saints, "Be ye faithful unto death." 'l'he battle is not ours, but God's. The cause with which we are identified is most honourable. Our Master is the King of heaven. We act in alliance with the noblest spirits in the universe. Complete triumph is predestined.-D. Vcrs. 15-21.-Responsibility. It is a serious thing to be responsible for our own conduct; it is (if possible) yet more serious to have responsibility fo1· others. The two things are inseparably intertwined. I. RESPONSIBILITY SPRINGS FROM NATURAL RELATIONSHIP. Relationships are of all kinds-near and remote. No man is completely detached from others. His life penetrates other lives. A father is responsible for his children. Brothers are respon- sible for sisters and vice versa. It was not until the demon of murderous hate had strangled the n;tural instinct of brotherhood, that the sullen miscreant asked, "Am I my brother's keeper?" II. RESPONSIBILITY SPRINGS FROM OFFICIAL POSITION. The eternal God had exalted Ezekiel to a positipn of honour in his kingdom; and high rank is another name for mr. m.1-27.] THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. 65