1. Evangelism: mission impossible?
“Most people don’t care; just want to be left alone”
“Some who care are biased”
“Others are downright hostile”
Don’t be discouraged; you’re not the only one

2. Babylonian sieges 606 BC, Dn.1:1-3 597 BC, Ezk.1:1-3 586 BC, Jeremiah
Destroyed Jerusalem, temple; took captives (except sick & elderly)

3. I. Ezekiel’s Mission

4. Ezk.1, God gets his attention
Bush,
Ex.3
Questions,
Job 38-42
Past
Calling,
Is.6
Miracle,
Lk.5:8
Universe, Ps.19
Word, Ps.19
Present
Deliverance,
1 T.1:13-17
Prayer, Ja.5

5. Ezk.1, God gets his attention Ezk.2-3, God gives him assignment
Meal: Word (eat it), 2:8-3:3 (Mt.4:4)
Mission1: Word (explain it), 3:4-11
Misery: Wayward people, 3:6-7
Might: Wonder of Lord, 3:12-15
Mission2: Watchman, 3:16-27

6. II. Lessons From Ezekiel’s Mission
I. Ezekiel’s Mission
II. Lessons From Ezekiel’s Mission

7. 1. God impressed him with His divine glory
What would sustain him? Constant awareness of . . .
Glory
Power
God
Majesty
Sovereignty
2 Co.3:18

8. 2. God called Ezekiel in difficult circumstances (1:1-3)
Did not shield him from harsh & dangerous conditions of the time
Enemy rule. No Temple
Saul, Ac.9:13-16

9. 3. God blessed disobedient people with a prophet (2:5)
He urged their repentance – a blessing!
2 Co.2:12-16, a favor!

10. 4. God called Ezekiel to obey Him (2:6-7)
Ph.2:15; 3:18-19
Ezekiel, like Jeremiah, was alone (w/o earthly support). Mt.26
2 Pt.1:1

11. 5. God called Ezekiel to faithfulness, not “success” (3:5-7)
What would “Church Growth” experts think of Ezekiel?
Temptation to compromise
Some even “find” support in Scripture: Ac.17–1 Co.2:1-5

12. Ac.14 = Ac.17
In both, Paul adapted message to Gentile audience (Ro.1; 2:14-15)
Ac.17 hits Athenian pride as hard as 1 Corinthians hits Corinthian pride
Ac.17:28 quotes Aratus
1 Co.15:33 quotes Menander

13. 6. God called on Ezekiel to obey despite difficult audience (3:8-9)
If you find yourself in a difficult place of service, you’re in good company. Hb.12:1-4
Indifferent
Rebellious
Hard-hearted

14. 7. God gave Ezekiel only two weapons (3:10-11)
Prayer; preaching. They were enough
Not much has changed in 2600 years. 2 Co.10:3-5