Observation: In the first three chapters of Ezekiel, the Lord appears to Ezekiel and tells him what he is to do, but it is refined each time. First, the Lord tells him he is going as a prophet to the exiles of Israel, and will say what the Lord commands him to say. The Lord gives him a scroll to eat, but no words to say (2:3-3:11). The Lord returns a week later and tells Ezekiel his words will be a watchman; He will tell Ezekiel warnings about what the people are doing, and Ezekiel must give those warnings without fail. He will be held accountable if he fails to warn others, but will be blameless if he gives the warnings and they are ignored (3:17-21). The Lord then sends Ezekiel to a new place, where he makes him mute ... Ezekiel cannot speak at all, unless and until the Lord gives him the specific words to say, then he will be able to speak (3:22-27).
In every encounter, the Lord changes the conditions of the calling. The call becomes more and more specific, with added parameters. At first, it is simply that Ezekiel will be a prophet. Later, he is told what the nature and purpose of his prophesy will be, and rules about his complicity with the calling. Finally, he is given added restrictions about his non-prophetic actions and words. At each step, therefore, the call becomes more focused, and in the end Ezekiel's prophetic calling is narrowed down to a specific topic, without any physical ability for him to even try to speak on anything else.
Application: The Lord gives his universal Church a broad mission - to make disciples - and then gives individual congregations variations in their heart about how to do this, and also gives individuals the skills and abilities to do specific elements of that call. That is one example of how the Lord refines the mission parameters, however I believe the example of Ezekiel makes this more personal.
Certainly most of us are not called through such a grand experience as Ezekiel had. That said, when we receive a call on our lives, it will probably be fine-tuned. That tuning may include ... specific location, targeted people-groups, explicit/limited message, and even objective outcomes. That tuning itself may be revealed over time. Ezekiel received a mission, but was wise enough to wait to act until the Lord gave him words and further instructions.
I am not sure I have received my mission yet. Then again, while I have a heart for evangelism, I do know that my understanding of my strengths and engagement in evangelism has been refined over time, as I have become an administrator/organizer of outreach events, targeted specifically to our local community, and often involving larger public holidays that are celebrated by non-believers. Has all this represented both my call, and a refinement of my mission?
Prayer: Lord, you know we would all love to receive a call and mission as clearly as some 'bible heroes' did. That said, your guidance when you give us a call, and your Spirit to give us the ability to perform that call, is such a great way to experience you. May I be worthy of serving you as we head into another Christmas season, and may I remain strong in body and spirit to do so well, in your name. Amen.
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