If all the prophecies we hear and are willing to accept sound like a message of unicorns and rainbows without any warnings, we are not hearing the full counsel of God. His prophetic warnings are acts of love. His warnings will lead to the release of His mercy. His warnings will become an encouragement.

God sent Ezekiel as a prophet to His people in Babylon, who were still living in exile. His message, calling them to repent and turn back to God, was rejected. Israel wanted words of encouragement, not exposure of their rebellion.

What Ezekiel prophesied eventually came true. From that point on, the people listened carefully to what he said. Then the message shifted from judgment to comfort and hope—bringing a new beginning.

For Ezekiel and for us, gaining human approval in what we speak is not our goal. People pleasing will produce a spirit of compromise—a problem many prophets faced throughout Israel’s history.

For all of us who want to speak the word of the Lord with boldness, we can follow His instructions to Ezekiel. The Lord addressed a core value of prophesy: “Son of man, let all my words sink deep into your own heart first. Listen to them carefully for yourself. Then, go to your people in exile and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ Do this whether they listen to you or not” (Ezekiel 3: 10-11).

The Lord defines a role of prophecy: “Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately” (3:17). He went on to say that He would hold Ezekiel responsible if he did not speak His word. There are some prophets who are given an assignment so important that if they don’t share what the Lord is saying, they will come under the same judgment as those who failed to listen to the prophetic word.

To speak a word from the Lord is not always comfortable. He reminds us to let His words sink deeply into our own hearts and listen to them carefully for ourselves. To speak regardless of whether the people are listening or not. He reminds us that we are a “watchman” with the responsibility to warn others of danger immediately. A warning will bring comfort and hope for those living under oppression.

The goal of prophecy is to reveal the heart and mind of God and to bring deliverance through His living, active, powerful words. His words are eternal. His words will accomplish all that He purposed.