Ezekiel 3:1-11

1He said to me, ‘Son of man, eat what you can see in front of you. Eat this scroll with words on it. Then go and speak to the Israelites.’

2So I opened my mouth and he gave me the scroll to eat.

3He said, ‘Son of man, I am giving you this scroll. Eat it all and fill your stomach with it.’ So I ate it. It had a sweet taste like honey in my mouth.

4Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, now go to Israel's people and speak my words to them.

5I am not sending you to a people whose words you cannot understand. They do not speak a difficult language. No, I am sending you to Israel's people.

6I am not sending you to people who speak many different languages that you cannot understand. If I did send you to people like that, I am sure that they would listen to you.

7But Israel's people will not agree to listen to you. That is because they refuse to listen to me. All the Israelites have decided not to obey me, and they will not change.

8But I will make you as strong in your mind as they are. You will not change what you think.

9You will be as strong as the strongest stone that nobody can break. Do not be afraid of them. Do not be afraid of how they look at you. Remember that they are people who refuse to obey me.’

10Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, listen carefully to all the words that I say to you. Remember them.

11Now you must go to the Israelites who are prisoners in Babylon. They are your own people. Give my message to them and say, “This is what the Almighty Lord says.” They may listen to you or they may refuse to listen. But you must still give them my message.’