How Jehovah Helps Us Carry Out Our Ministry - EZEKIEL -EMPOWERED BY GOD'S SPIRIT

 Ezekiel saw  how powerful God's spirit is.  In vision, he witnessed holy spirit at work on the mighty spirit creatures and on the gigantic wheels of a celestial chariot. (Ezekiel 1:20, 21) What was Ezekiel's reaction?  He recorded  what happened.  "When I saw it, I fell facedown." Overcome with awe, Ezekiel dropped to the ground. (Ezekiel 1:28)  Later, whenever Ezekiel reflected on that impressive vision, it must have strengthened his conviction that with the help of God's spirit, he could accomplish his ministry.

Jehovah commanded Ezekiel:  "Son of man, stand up on  your feet that I may speak with  you." That command along with God's spirit gave Ezekiel the strength that he needed to get up from the ground.  Ezekiel wrote: "Spirit came into me and made me stand on my feet. (Ezekiel 2:1, 2)  Later and throughout his ministry, Ezekiel was guided by God's "hand"-that is God's holy spirit.  (Ezekiel 3:22; 8:1; 33:22; 37:1; 40:1) God's spirit strengthened Ezekiel for the task he receive-that of preaching to the "hardheaded and hardhearted" people  in his territory. (Ezekiel 3:7)Jehovah told Ezekiel: "I have made your face exactly as hard as their faces and your forehead as hard as their foreheads. I have made your forehead like a diamond, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of the or be terrified by their faces." (Ezekiel 3:8, 9) In effect, Jehovah told Ezekiel: 'Do not let the people's stubbornness discourage you. I will fortify you.'

Thereafter, God's spirit carried Ezekiel along his preaching territory.  "The hand of Jehovah rested strongly on me," wrote Ezekiel.  It took the prophet a week to absorb the message that he had to deliver and to make it his own. (Ezekiel  3:14, 15)  Then Jehovah directed him to a valley plain where "spirit entered into [him]." (Ezekiel 3:23, 24) Ezekiel was ready to begin his ministry.

Next time: How Jehovah Helps Us Carry Out Our Ministry - EMPOWERED BY GOD'S HOLY SPIRIT - TODAY

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