The Calling of Ezekiel

The Calling of Ezekiel 

To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here.

To view a .docx version of this guide, click here.

Introduction 

Previously, we talked about the story of Hezekiah being healed by God then foolishly boasting about how much wealth he has to envoys from Babylon. During this story, we discussed how we can be faithful to God by humbly accepting God’s decisions.

Discuss with your group how you’ve been trying to apply this idea in your life since last week.

After your time of connecting, begin your meeting with prayer.  

Connect  

  • How do you respond when you are responsible for completing a difficult task?  
    • What makes completing a difficult task worth it to you? 
  • When you say you are committed to something, where is the breaking point for when you choose to give up?  
    • What could help you press on in your commitment at that point?

Opening Thought 

When difficulties show up in our lives, people have a tendency to get discouraged. Sometimes the task that needs to be done seems completely impossible or so difficult that we may give up before we begin. God, however, shows that the impossible can be possible when we life our lives with him at the center. He invites us to listen to his voice so we can live a life filled with him and his word so that his vision for our lives can be fulfilled, regardless of how difficult the road in front of us looks.  

This leads us to our main idea for this week:  

Main idea for the week
We can be obedient to God by listening for his voice in our lives

The Story so Far

While some of Judah’s kings were faithful, specifically Hezekiah and Josiah, some were not. Specifically, Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh was so horrible and unfaithful to God (he introduced a child sacrifice system) that God warned he would deliver Judah into the hands of its enemies. Two kings after Manasseh, this happened. In 2 Kings 23 and 24, A Pharoah named Neco took over the land of Judah, only to have it then taken over by the Babylonians, who were the major political and military power at that time.  After conquering Judah, the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, demanded a tribute from King Jehoiakim, the king of Judah at the time, who, while obedient for a time, eventually rebelled. Nebuchadnezzar retaliated by exiling many of the wise men and promising young people in Judah to Babylon. The next three kings of Judah acted similarly, however. As a result, Nebuchadnezzar attacked Judah two more times, once destroying Jerusalem, pillaging the temple, and exiling more people. Some were brought to Nebuchadnezzar’s own court while some were scattered around the land and others still were left in the land of Israel.  

Here’s where we are this week

This week we start to discuss the biblical stories of life in the Babylonian Exile, a significant time period in the story of God within the Bible. Some of these stories will have an element of prophecy to them, meaning that they will be describing events the authors were given during visions from God. As such, we must interpret them through that lens, when necessary, to not misconstrue what is narrative and what is a vision being given by God for the purpose of teaching the people of that time. 

The story we will be reading today is from the book of Ezekiel, one of God’s prophets in the Babylonian Exile, who was exiled in the first Babylonian attack on Judah. We will be starting in chapter 2, midway through a vision God is giving to Ezekiel to commission him to be a prophet by filling Ezekiel with God’s word so he can then give the word of God to the people of Israel. Ezekiel’s main purpose was to call the people of Israel to repent of their ways and return to worship of God as well as to prophecy the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and give hope to the exiles in Babylon that God has not abandoned them. 

Unpack 

Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: 

Read  

Ezekiel 2:1-10 

Unpack 

  • Why do you think God tells Ezekiel to speak to the people if he knows they will refuse to listen?  
    • How do you respond to things God is telling you to do when you don’t think it’ll make any difference whether you do it or not? 
      • Why is it important to still be obedient in these times? 
  • God commanded Ezekiel not to be afraid despite resistance. How can we cultivate a similar kind of courage in our lives? 
    • How do you balance the responsibility to speak truth to those resistant to it with the need to maintain relationships and peace? 
  • Verse 8 says “do not join [the people] in their rebellion”. Why do you think God included this in his call to Ezekiel? 
    • What would cause you to become resistant to God?  
      • Are there any areas of your life you are currently being hard-hearted or rebellious towards God in? If are comfortable doing so, share them.
        • How can we ensure we continue to be open to God’s messages to us?  

Read  

Ezekiel 3:1-11 

Unpack 

  • In the culture of Ezekiel’s day, the stomach was seen as the center of a person’s being, similar to how our culture speaks of the heart. With this in mind, what do you think the act of Ezekiel eating the scroll in his vision is supposed to symbolize? 
    • Why do you think God chose for Ezekiel to have such an intense experience to know that God’s word was in him?  
      • How can we know that we have God’s word in us today? How does this affect your life? 
      • In our current context, what might “eating the scroll” look like? 
  • Why do you think that sometimes, the people who are most familiar with us have the hardest time accepting hard truths from us? 
  • How does this story challenge your understanding of being obedient to God? 
    • What does true obedience to God look like, according to the calling God gave Ezekiel?  

Apply 

Based on the verses we just read, there are some things that we can do in response. Take a moment to discuss these questions as a group to decide what your personal action steps for the week can be: 

  • How will you be open to something God may be calling you to do in your life? 
    • What is a form of hard-heartedness towards God that you will begin to change starting this week? 
  • What are some ways that you will allow God’s Word to fill you to transform you this week?  
    • How will you show the effects of this to those around you? 
  • How can we as a group encourage each other to be more attentive to speaking and living out God’s word in our daily lives? 

Closing 

Read the first section to your group, then read the verse out loud to the group, and finally, move to the Prayer and Verses section: 

When we spend time filling ourselves with the words of God, things take on a new perspective. The struggles that we have don’t seem so difficult as they once did because we know we have God sustaining us. This doesn’t mean our lives are easy, but when we listen to God’s voice and his guidance, we become transformed into a person who doesn’t rely on ourselves but on God and his strength.  

Prayer and Verses 

Ask for prayer requests and conclude your time with prayer then share the Key Verse for the Week and Daily Devotional Verses with the group. 

Thematic Reflection Verse for the Week  

*Read this verse, then encourage the practice of memorization through the week. 

Psalm 18:30 

“God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” 

**When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. 

Daily Devotional Verses  

Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. 

Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. 
Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? 
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? 
Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. 

Day 1: 2 Peter 2:1-12 

Day 2: Isaiah 55:6-7 

Day 3: 1 Chronicles 16:11 

Day 4: Romans 12:2 

Day 5: Isaiah 41:10 

Day 6: Psalm 56:4 

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PAUL & HOLLY ZWIERZYNSKI

  • Translating the Bible Support
  • North Carolina

Paul and Holly Zwierzynski serve at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where they support Bible translation efforts around the world. Paul specializes in solar power and computer networking. He helps missionaries use low-power computers in remote areas and sets up reliable internet connections using tools like satellite and radio links. His work has supported over 180 field sites, allowing translation teams to collaborate across long distances. Holly works in the translation office as a project assistant. She helps develop Old Testament translation guides and reference materials used by Bible translators worldwide. Before moving to North Carolina, Paul and Holly served in Cameroon, where their passion for this work first began.

JERRY & BETH TUCKER

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Southern California

Jerry and Beth help prepare new missionaries for the field by leading orientation, providing training, building teams, and offering mentorship during the first year of overseas service. They serve with Wycliffe, a Bible translation organization, and bring years of experience to this important work. Their work began in 1995 in the Philippines, where they served as dorm parents and teachers. Both Jerry and Beth grew up at Journey of Faith, and the church has been supporting their ministry for 30 years. They remain committed to serving for many years to come.

TOM SHECK

  • Youth Development
  • South Bay

 Tom serves as the South Bay Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His goal is to see lives changed through the influence of athletes and coaches on middle school and high school campuses. FCA focuses on values like integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence. The ministry equips students and coaches to grow in their faith and lead others by starting small group gatherings on campus, known as “Huddles.” These groups become places of encouragement, leadership, and spiritual growth within the school community.

CODY & LEXI SCRIVENS

  • Meeting Community and Church Needs
  • Dublin, Ireland

 Cody and Lexie are serving in Ireland, partnering with a local church to build relationships and share the message of Jesus. Their work takes place in a culture shaped by both deep religious tradition and growing secularism. Navigating this tension is challenging, especially in light of Ireland’s complex religious history, but they remain committed to reaching people who often feel distant from faith.

BRYAN & JACINDA MARTIN

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Philippines

 The Martin family is planting churches in the Philippines through World Team. One of the key ways they serve is by caring for creation. They work with vulnerable communities that are struggling as natural resources become scarce. By teaching sustainable practices for managing the environment, they help meet practical needs while also creating space to share about God’s design for humanity and introduce people to the Creator.

BARBARA LEE

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • San Diego, CA

Barbara supports missionary families by helping their children access quality education and navigate the many transitions that come with cross-cultural life. She currently leads the Indonesia MK (Missionary Kid) Care and Education Team, providing guidance, resources, and support for families across the region. In late 2025, she will join the U.S.-based MK Care and Education Team, where she will train new missionaries, equip education consultants, offer academic testing, and provide personalized educational help for families preparing to serve.

K & L

  • Starting New Churches
  • Southeast Asia

L and K are working to start churches among ten large, unreached, and unengaged people groups in Southeast Asia. They also lead a growing team that has expanded from 11 to 22 units since the pandemic, increasing their reach and impact in the region.

TIM & ERICKA HARRIS

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Oregon

 Tim and Ericka Harris understand the preparation, training, and lifelong commitment it takes to serve in missions. Their work has included cross-cultural ministry throughout Latin America, including eight years living and serving in Costa Rica with their family. Out of a desire to support those serving in demanding ministry roles, they provide pastoral care to missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders around the world. Through their R.E.S.T. initiative—Retreat, Encouragement, Safety, and Transformation—they offer spaces for leaders on every major continent to step away, recharge, and return to their work with renewed strength and clarity.

MARK & BRENDA HALL

  • Starting New Churches
  • Guadalajara, Mexico

Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship. The church brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, serving both international residents and Mexican nationals living in the city for work. Although their focus is now in Mexico, they remain connected to their previous work in Guatemala, where they spent 18 years investing in the lives of young people. Their move to Guadalajara opens new doors to build relationships, support the local community, and share the message of Jesus in meaningful and relevant ways.

RICH FRAZER

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Nepal and North India

The Fraziers serve with an organization called SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International. Rick serves as the president and helps lead the organization’s three core objectives. The first is evangelism, which focuses on spreading the message of Jesus. The second is discipleship, aimed at strengthening the global Church. And the third is compassion, which means meeting the physical and spiritual needs of fellow believers. The Fraziers train Christian leaders and partner with Tabernacle Ministries in Nepal and North India. Through this work, SOS is mentoring more than 100 leaders who are reaching urban migrants with God’s love.

MARK & LISA DENEUI

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • France

 Mark is a Bible teacher focused on the New Testament who trains church leaders and church planters in French-speaking Europe. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language and French, using her skills to build relationships and serve the local community while sharing her faith. Together, Mark and Lisa serve with a network of church plants in the city of Strasbourg. They are committed to making Christ’s love known by partnering with the local French church to love their neighbors, share the gospel, and disciple new believers.

D & J

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Southeast Asia

D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. Their hope is to see a new community of believers grow through intentional disciple-making and personal connection.

JOSEPH BRADFORD IV

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Los Angeles, CA

Joseph launched his nonprofit, B.A.R.E. Truth, Inc., in 2018 to serve individuals and families in Los Angeles facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other critical needs. Through mentorship, independent living support, housing assistance, and wellness services, Joseph and his team help people move toward healthier, purpose-filled lives. They also host weekly feeding events on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. B.A.R.E. stands for Balance, Ambition, Respect, and Encouragement.

BILL ANKERBERG

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Estonia

Bill leads a missions movement in the Nordic-Baltic region, focusing especially on Estonia, where fewer than 2% of people identify as Christian. His work includes supporting church planters, developing local leaders, strengthening compassion ministries, and mentoring pastors and missionaries across both the Baltics and Scandinavia. This ministry began in 2008 and continues to grow in reach and impact.

PAT & BETH ANDREWS

  • Bible Translation
  • Arlington, TX

 Pat serves with Seed Company, a subsidiary of Wycliffe Bible Translators, as Director of Field Projects for the Pacific Region and as a Translation Consultant. He helps oversee translation work in more than 60 languages, coordinating efforts across 11 organizations and 28 internships. Many of Pat’s teams are based in remote island communities, which often presents communication and travel challenges. Even so, Pat makes it a priority to visit his project teams and interns each year.

DENNIS & DENISE AHERN

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Washington State

Since 1992, the Aherns have provided counseling and care to missionaries in more than forty countries. They have a deep understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities that come with full-time ministry. Their commitment to supporting ministry workers led them to open a retreat center in Washington state called Selah Glen, where they host and lead pastoral care retreats. Through this work, the Aherns are able to care for those who spend their lives caring for others.

MIGUEL & MARIA ADAME

  • Church Planting
  • Baja Mexico

Pastor Miguel leads a growing church in Mexicali, Mexico, where he and his family have been serving the community since 2013. Their church runs weekly Bible studies, monthly outreach events, and provides a steady, welcoming presence in the neighborhood. In 2024, they opened a free private Christian elementary school that supports students with special needs or who are considered at-risk. Journey of Faith has partnered with this ministry through more than a dozen short-term mission trips.

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