HARDER THAN FLINT -- Monday:
"As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house." (Ezekiel 3:9)
The Lord called Ezekiel to a most difficult ministry. He was to speak to the house of Israel with the words God gave him. He was "not sent to a people of a strange speech and of a hard language, but to the house of Israel." Indeed, God told him, he was not sent to "many people of a strange speech and of a hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee" (Ezek 3:5-6). Instead, this mighty prophet was sent to hard-hearted Israel.
Perhaps he would be the one through whom a mighty change in them would be wrought. That was certainly a noble and precious thought, but Ezekiel was not permitted to even think in this manner. Rather, the Lord told him, "But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted" (3:7). The people would treat Ezekiel just like they treated God–they would not listen to him. This great prophet was sent to preach to a people described as "impudent and hardhearted"–insolent, disrespectful, and insensitive to the God of heaven.
Earlier, God had told Ezekiel the people to whom he was sent were "most rebellious." Still, the prophet had to ingest what God told him, not recoiling at the thought of speaking it out. "But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee" (2:7-8). If you are ever prone to think your ministry is difficult, ponder the mission of Ezekiel. It will promote thanksgiving in you.
How would Ezekiel fulfill his ministry without being overtaken with discouragement, or even fear? He was not allowed to entertain any thought that maybe his message would be gladly received. It would not, and he knew it ahead of time. How, then, could he do it?
Our text holds the answer. God would make his forehead as a tough and impenetrable stone, "harder than flint." He would be given a sort of holy stubbornness that would not yield to the pressure of the rejecting Israelites. Like the Savior, he would not "fail or be discouraged" (Isa 42:4). Ezekiel would not have to wage this battle in his own strength. He would not have to face an unyielding people in the energy of nature. Instead, God would make him more stubborn than the people to whom he ministered–but it would be a godly stubbornness. The prophet would not cease to declare God's Word, even though those who heard it refused to hearken to it.
A kindred prophet, Jeremiah, received a similar promise, though stated in a different manner. "And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee . . . And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brazen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee" (Jer 1:19; 15:20). If you have ever experienced opposition in doing the work of the Lord, these are most comforting words.
Why is it necessary for the Lord to speak in this manner? Why must His servants often be made hard, and able to endure the hatred and rejection of men while continuing to preach His word? There are no doubt many reasons for this circumstance, but some are more obvious than others.
First, when we expect grand results from our labors, we are the more easily discouraged when they do not come. Too, when rejected, some are tempted to modify the message so that more favorable results may be realized. Others, because of the hatred leveled at them, are brought to despair, and cease to proclaim the word at all. Laborers with God need to be strong against such inclinations.
Also, it is necessary that the Word be spoken to those who are determined to reject it. Their rejection will justify God, proving they are insolent and deserve condemnation. It was this very point that Paul made to some Jews who were infuriated by the Gospel he preached. Becoming bold, Paul and Barnabas said, "It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles" (Acts 13:46). Their foreheads had been made like flinty rock! They did not sit in the corner and cry in despair, but focused their attention on others. Although Ezekiel did not enjoy the same alternative when he lived, those in Christ still profit from his words. Even though Israel rejected them, we have received them.
PRAYER POINT : Father, in Jesus' name, give me the ability to remain faithful in the face of aggressive opposition.