I Went in Bitterness (Ezekiel 3:14)

2022-07-18

There are things we do not want to do. Sometimes we do not feel like it. Other times we are even angry and resentful at the things we must do. Children (and others!) often do not want to do something because it is not entertaining. There are some things we do because we must.

So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me. (Ezekiel 3:14)

Ezekiel was sent to his own stubborn countrymen. He had to warn them of judgment, whether they wanted to hear the Word of the Lord or not.

Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. (Ezekiel 3:17-18)

Our reluctant watchman was to preach whether he wanted to or not, because not only were others going to be held accountable before the Lord, the prophet himself was also going to be held accountable.

And every Christian is held accountable, because the world is terminally ill, and we have the miraculous panacea: Jesus Christ crucified for our sins and risen to life again.

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. (1 Corinthians 9:16-17)