The Lord Chooses Ezekiel

1The Lord+ said, “Ezekiel, son of man,+ I want you to stand up and listen.” 2After he said this, his Spirit took control of me and lifted me to my feet. Then the Lord said:

3Ezekiel, I am sending you to the people of Israel. They are just like their ancestors who rebelled against me and refused to stop. 4They are stubborn and hardheaded. But I, the Lord God, have chosen you to tell them what I say. 5Those rebels may not even listen, but at least they will know that a prophet has come to them.

6Don't be afraid of them or of anything they say. You may think you're in the middle of a thorn patch or a bunch of scorpions. But be brave 7and preach my message to them, whether they choose to listen or not. 8Ezekiel, don't rebel against me, as they have done. Instead, listen to everything I tell you.

And now, Ezekiel, open your mouth and eat what I am going to give you.

9 Just then, I saw a hand stretched out toward me. And in it was a scroll.+ 10The hand opened the scroll, and both sides of it were filled with words of sadness, mourning, and grief.