The vision of God’s glory in the previous chapter caused Ezekiel to fall on his face in worship (1:28). But the vision was meant to propel him into service. “Son of man, stand on your feet,” God says. Ezekiel is about to be introduced to his life’s vocation; the LORD has work for him to do! (2:1). Commentators differ on the precise meaning of the title, “Son of man.” Used more than ninety times in Ezekiel, it will later become Jesus’ favorite way of referring to Himself. For Jesus, the title highlights both His humanity and His exalted role as divine King. But for Ezekiel, “Son of man” identifies him as a creature before the supreme Creator. He is Adam’s son, with a role that is both humbling and dignifying, for he is to be a servant of Almighty God. As “Son of Adam,” Ezekiel also receives an infusion of God’s life-giving Spirit (cf Genesis 2:7), which will enable him to obey all of God’s instructions. The prophet is not to depend on his natural abilities to carry out this mission, for without the Spirit’s help, he is powerless to even rise to his feet (v 2). Ezekiel’s task will not be an easy one. He is being sent to a people who are rebellious, obstinate, and stubborn. Far from being teachable, they will be unwilling to listen to God’s messenger. Like their forefathers, this generation of Israelites had continually rejected God’s ways, and this is why they now find themselves in exile (v 3-4). Ezekiel’s contemporaries had shown no interest in the Word of God—at least, not if it challenged their own beliefs and practices. But the prophet must not back down. God doesn’t yet tell him the content of the message he’ll be called to deliver. And Ezekiel is not promised that a spiritual revival will break out under his preaching. He is simply told that he must courageously speak God’s words to them, whether they listen or not. They may not repent of their sins, but when the predicted disaster comes to pass, “they will know that a prophet has been among them” (v 5-7). By practicing what he preaches, the prophet himself will provide an alternate model of behavior. He must humbly submit to the word he proclaims, knowing in advance that his message will sound like a funeral dirge (v 8-10). Those who speak for God always face pressure to distort the clear teaching of His Word, or to skip certain parts, making the message more acceptable to the culture. God is aware of the temptation. But He demands faithfulness. Filled with His Spirit, may we all have godly courage that drives out fear. For further meditation: