The sequence of four first readings begins appropriately with Ezekiel himself (Ezekiel 2:8-3:4) 

God hands him the scroll and commands: “Son of man, eat what is before you; eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel.” (Ezek 3:1) The scroll contains “lamentation and wailing and woe” (2:10), yet when Ezekiel eats it, “it was as sweet as honey in my mouth” (3:3). That gives you an important starting point for the entire series. Ezekiel is not commissioned simply to have opinions about Israel’s problems. He must first receive God’s word into himself. Only then may he speak.

And the sweetness is striking. What Ezekiel must proclaim will frequently be terrible news. Nevertheless, God’s word itself is good. Judgment is not something Ezekiel invents because he is angry with his people. He becomes the bearer of a word he himself has consumed.

Before the prophet can speak God’s word, he must allow God’s word to become part of him.

Image credit: A fresco from St. John the Baptist Church in Kratovo, Macedonia (photo: Rašo, via Wikimedia Commons)