Ezekiel 13

“Your prophets have been like jackals among ruins, O Israel. You have not gone up into the breaches, or built up a wall for the house of Israel, that it might stand in battle in the day of the LORD.” (Ezekiel 13:4–5, ESV)

A prophet was commissioned with the task of proclaiming the word of the LORD. They were not to share their own dreams and visions but to declare the law and the testimony of God. At times, God would give them visions, as He had given to Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. But the purpose of these visions was ultimately to call the people into a right relationship with the LORD.

But in Ezekiel’s day there were prophets, both in Babylon and in Jerusalem, who were prophesying lies. They were not feeding the flock but fleecing the flock. God compared them to jackals among ruins. They were scavengers, searching for any tidbit they could find to feed themselves, but doing nothing to repair the breaches in the wall. The wall represented righteousness that protected the people from the attacks of the enemy and from God’s judgment.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34, NKJV)

With the wall left in ruins, the people were unprotected and unprepared for the ensuing battle. They would certainly fall in the evil day and could not withstand the Day of the LORD.

Few are called to the office of a prophet, but the apostle Paul encourages us all to seek the gift of prophecy.

“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NKJV)

The one who prophesies speaks edification, exhortation and comfort to others (1 Corinthians 14:3).

-To edify means to build up or strengthen. We must tell people what they need to know.

-To exhort means to come alongside and encourage. We must tell people what they need to do.

-To comfort means to give consolation. We must tell people what they need to feel.

This is the prophet God seeks and who is a benefit to the people. The true prophet will also be an intercessor who stands in the gap or breach of the wall. Where the people come up short, he or she prays for them that God will be merciful, gracious and compassionate, giving them opportunity to repent.

One of the best things we can do for people is to share the word of the Lord that strengthens, encourages or comforts them. May God help us abide in Christ and in His word and be filled with the Spirit, so that we may bless others.