God talks to Ezekiel
1The LORD [1] said, “Human, [2] get up. I want to talk to you.”2At the sound of his voice, his Spirit came into me and helped me up. Then I heard the voice continue. 3He said, “Human, I’m giving you a job to do, a mission to the people of Israel—that nation of spiritual traitors who have turned against me. They and their ancestors have sinned against me from generations past to present. 4Today’s generation is foolish and head-stuck stubborn. I’m sending you to deliver my messages to them. Tell them, ‘This is a message from the Lord God.’ 5Whether they listen to you or not, this nation of spiritual rebels will know I gave them a prophet.
God: Don’t be afraid of a hostile crowd
6Human, don’t be afraid of these people. Not their threats. Not their angry, squirrely faces. Not the pain [3] they put you through. So don’t be intimidated by how they look or what they say. Don’t be shocked. Just keep in mind that you’ll be talking to people who have turned against me. 7You’re going to tell them whatever I tell you to tell them. Whether they listen or not, keep talking. For these are people who have turned their backs on me.8Now, human, here’s a message for you: Don’t disobey me like those rebels do. Open your mouth. I’ve got something you need to eat.” 9I saw a hand reaching out to give me a scroll. I could see some writing on the scroll.
10He spread open the scroll and I could see writing on the front and back. These were sad words of sorrow, weeping, and deep grief.
