Ez 33:7-9; Rom 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20
Ezekiel had two main concerns in his heart and mind.
First, he is concerned about his own devotion to God. He listens attentively to God’s word so that he can fulfill it diligently, “You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them I am.” There is first of all a relationship between God and the prophet, a relationship the prophet strives to maintain and deepen through listening attentively and acting appropriately.
He is also responsible for the fidelity of the people of Israel for God’s sake. God will hold him responsible for any wicked person who dies in the face of the prophet’s silence, “If you warn the wicked, trying to turn him from his way, and he refuses to turn from his way, he shall die for his guilt, but you shall save yourself” (Ez 33:7-9). The prophet’s salvation is tied to his fidelity to his mission, and his fidelity to His mission is tied to his fidelity to God.
It is not the prophet’s responsibility to make his message palatable to the people. It is not his job to make people accept or like him. He cannot…
