A Speakers Worst Nightmare - Why Most People Fear Public Speaking! - Ezekiel 7-12

A Speakers Worst Nightmare - Why Most People Fear Public Speaking!

Ezekiel 12:1-2
The word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see, but see not, who have ears to hear, but hear not, for they are a rebellious house.

Imagine being asked (or told) to speak to an audience on a very important subject (perhaps the most important subject ever) and the audience has ears to hear, but refuse to listen.   They have eyes to see, but do not use them to see the truth of your speech.   That fear is what keeps most people in the audience and not behind the podium.  This is the audience that Ezekiel was called to speak to.  He was called to speak to them about the wrath of God.   Not only were they dumb and blind to his speech, the speech alone was tough to hear.  Even those who love God’s Word might struggle with words like this:

Ezekiel 9:4-6

And the LORD said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity. Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house. 

Those are the content of Ezekiel’s speech.  So, his audience was obstinate and his speech was acrimonious.    This is not good ingredients for a great review of Ezekiel’s ministry.    Yet, he delivered the message with fidelity.  He made sure that he spoke what God told him to speak.  That was the only requirement.   He was asked to speak about God’s wrath on the people of God and Ezekiel did what he was asked.   That is faithfulness.  That is obedience.    That is what the prophet was supposed to do.  It was the public speakers worst nightmare, but he was faithful in his mission.