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It is intriguing to consider that God’s Spirit entered Ezekiel in order to empower him to complete the task. This was not always the case in the OT as God sovereignly chose those individuals who would be miraculously filled. Today, we know all believers are full of the Holy Spirit and they are permanently filled.
The other fact to consider is that Ezekiel is called to proclaim God’s Word no matter what. He is asked to digest the Word of God and then reflect it to others. Not much different than today, right? The downside is that God knows there will be conflict and push back. It is comforting to know that Ezekiel can proclaim God’s Word and let the chips fall where they may.
Finally, we must ask the question on everyone’s mind. Does Ezekiel actually eat the scroll? And if so, what is the purpose?
“Once ingested, he discovers the taste to be pleasant. Since the satisfaction cannot derive from the content of the message on the scroll (lamentation, moaning, and woe), the sweet sensation must arise from the personal and direct encounter with the divine word. [The psalmists also discovered the word of Yahweh to be “sweeter than honey” (Psa 19:11 [Eng. Psa 19:10]; Psa 119:103). Ezekiel’s prophetic experience is echoed by John in Rev 10:9-10.] The effect appears to have been intentional, a divine means of softening Ezekiel’s resistance to his calling.”
New International Commentary – Old Testament
No matter how bitter the calling is, following Jesus brings the ultimate satisfaction. It doesn’t matter if we experience “success” or not. The true nourishment in this lifetime comes from obedience to God in the truest sense of His Word. We will follow no matter the cost and even when nothing “good” is happening.