Word to the Prophets

When we hear the word "prophet" today, we tend to think of either the Jewish history or the Mormon church (but they also call their 18-20 year old missionaries "elders"). But to be a modern-day prophet, means that you bring forth the Word of God and share His message. It's much different, because God has already revealed His Son and His Word, therefore, we no longer in need of any modern-day revelation, because God has spoken.
So, as I was reading in Ezekiel 2 this morning, I read of the "feel good" language that God used with His prophets. So many times when we hear of missions and projects or places we can go, people make it out to be this wonderfully euphoric experience and that we are going to feel so wonderful, and we are going to be the Indiana Jones of the missions world.
When I was at Bible school, many missionaries would come and talk about how amazing the work is in terms of people being so open to Jesus; and the people and how the people have fallen so in love with them as missionaries, and they accept them and so on. Praise the Lord for where He sends them, because I have not had that experience here. People here get angry about Jesus and His claims and they don't want to hear you or see you. And as I read about who God was sending Ezekiel to go and speak with, I understand clearer that it is not our passion for the people that gets us to go somewhere or do something; no, just the opposite. It is our passion for God and for His plan and purpose that gets us to go WHEREVER or do WHATEVER He asks.
Ezekiel 2:3-8
"Then He said to me, 'Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. I am sending you to them who are stubborn and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God.' As for them, whether they listen or not - for they are a rebellious house - they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions; neither fear their words nor be dismayed at their presence, for they are a rebellious house. But you shall speak My words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious. Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving to you."
The prophets didn't see it as optional to speak that which God gave to them. They went and did as God commanded them to - despite however wild they were - and when they didn't, there was a clear discipline, as seen in Scripture (i.e. Jonah) to help get them back to where God wants them.
Jesus gave the same kind of language to us - His followers. He said that the way of following Him would not be easy and that we should count the cost before following Him, because He commands us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.
I have sung the chorus "Wherever He leads I'll go" with many people, and every time I sing it, I ask myself "Will I go wherever?" And I say to God, that by His grace and mercy and according to His will, as He asked Isaiah, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?"; I answer "Here I am - send me". In answering as this, I understand that He must completely lead every aspect and give me the grace that is necessary because I am but a weak youth - but I don't trust in horses and chariots like the Egyptians - no, we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
As Montreal offers a rebellious and stubborn people, I know that this is where God has me for now, and possibly long-term, as He wills. Wherever you find yourself in the grand scheme of things, remember what God said to His prophets - that whether they listen or not, you just keep on telling what I tell you to and do what I command of you. Keep sharing and sharing and sharing - for we aim not to please men, but our Lord God, who is raising us up to be holy people.

Jesus for today, and by His grace, tomorrow. Live here and now, and trust tomorrow to the Lord. Our hope is in Him, the One who has purchased our salvation.
Don't be rebellious against God!
Begin Again.

Freed.
Dwight