Listen or not, here I come

God commissioned Ezekiel to what seemed to be a futile ministry. He told Ezekiel to preach to Israel whether they listened or not (Ezk 1:5,7,11). He also told him that they would not listen (Ezk 1:7). He gave him a negative message, “dirges, sorrow and doom.” He told them that they would not respond, but when the words were fulfilled they would know there was a prophet among them (Ezk 1:5). The “good news” has an edge to it. Jesus said He came to bring a sword (Mat 10:34). Because people have tendency toward sin, the message will almost always be corrective. People want a positive message. They want their “ears tickled” (2Ti 4:3). But the preacher answers to God, not the people. His responsibility is to declare the “whole counsel of God” (Act 20:27).