092. I. The Supreme Need Of Prophetic Ministration

I THE SUPREME NEED OF PROPHETIC MINISTRATION

It has already been noted that the prophet Ezekiel, like a pastor of to-day, was deeply interested in the fortunes of the people amid whom he lived. A sufficient evidence of this is his declaration of the responsibility which he felt as a watchman for Israel (3), and the evident bearing of his predictions regarding Jerusalem and of his unsparing criticisms of his nation upon the action and sentiments of his immediate neighbors in Babylonia. When the downfall of their beloved city and temple became an acknowledged fact, it was natural that he should zealously devote himself to his disheartened countrymen, who had hitherto paid little heed to his words of warning. In spite of what he had repeatedly said, they were unprepared for the crushing news. Some among them attributed their misfortunes to Jehovah’s neglect or weakness, and were tempted to renounce their allegiance to him and become like the heathen around them. Others, while seeing in these calamities the judgments of Jehovah for their sins, were overwhelmed by a sense of their guilt (Lamentations 1:12) and became almost hopeless respecting the future (Ezekiel 24:23). They could only realize that the city was in ruins, the royal house dishonored, the nation uprooted, the people dispersed, and the old home-land either a desolation or in possession of their hated neighbors, who were maliciously exulting over their downfall. Beyond these shocking realities they were not able to see. The prophet, however, found in this condition of affairs the opportunity for which he had been waiting. His work of sustaining, comforting, and upbuilding could now begin—the era of promises rather than threats and of the inculcation of hopefulness instead of fear. He turns the attention of his hearers to the rich possibilities for Israel in the future, at least for an Israel repentant, loyal, and earnest.

One marked result of the confirmation of all that Ezekiel had proclaimed for six long years was his re-establishment as a popular preacher (Ezekiel 33:30-32). He was always sure of an audience, and became at once an acknowledged leader in the community. He himself recognized the superficial character of his popularity, and did not expect that his teachings would effect an immediate change of heart. Chapters 33 to 39 doubtless represent the sermons of the next decade, during which the prophet was a faithful friend and helper to his people. In these chapters the true bent of Ezekiel’s mind is revealed. Prominence is given the positive, constructive side of his thinking. The years between 586 and 570 B.C. must have been the happiest of his life, since it was pre-eminently the glory of a prophet to snatch a despondent people from suicidal lethargy and direct them, repentant, into a vitalized, earnest career of service.