Ezekiel 1-6

“And you, son of man, neither fear them nor fear their words, though thistles and thorns are with you … (2:6). Ezekiel the prophet was among the first group of Israelites exiled to Babylon. Jerusalem had not yet been destroyed, and God charged Ezekiel to warn the people about further punishment, if they did not repent. Ezekiel’s task was a difficult one (thorns and thistles), but God fortified him with an amazing vision of fabulous God-worshipping creatures and a holy throne with wheels (ch1).

After experiencing the presence of God, Ezekiel was willing to risk his comfort and obey.