Ezekiel 3  I find this fascinating and challenging.  The Lord is placing before Ezekiel a life of ministry like none other.  Ezekiel " opened his mouth".. and accepted what God had for him.

God gave Ezekiel a scroll.. His Word, and told Him to eat it.. and then speak it.
He was to not only feed his stomach, but to " fill [his] body" (v3)
Only then could he speak with the Lord's words to Israel.

The Lord warned Ezekiel that Israel would not listen to him, because they did not listen to God Himself.  This reminds me of how Jesus said that the Jews would not believe Him because they didn't believe the One who sent Him.. "But I have sent you to the them who should listen to you; yet the house of Israel will not be willing to listen to you, since they are not willing to listen to Me. Surely the whole house of Israel is stubborn and obstinate. " (v6-7) Both Isaiah and Jeremiah received this same warning.. they were to speak the truth, but know that Israel would not listen.

The Lord says to Ezekiel, " Son of man, take into your heart all My words which I speak to you and listen closely."  ( v10)
" Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me." (v17)
" But when I speak to you, I will open your mouth, and you will say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God,' He who hears let him hear; and he who refuses, let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house. " 

Ezekiel is given another serious word.  If he fails to warn the wicked of their sin.. he would be charged for their blood.  If he did warn them and they still sinned.. he would be delivered.  If he didn't warn a righteous person and they turned away.. he would be guilty.

The Lord so overwhelmed Ezekiel that he went back and sat.. for 7 days. ." causing consternation among" the other exiles.  Ezekiel would not be allowed to speak at all.. except for the words the Lord gave him.

And this was his entrance into ministry as a prophet of Israel.

So, are we to take Ezekiel's directions for ourselves?  Are we supposed to only speak the Lord's words and nothing else?  Should we be watchmen for our generation and people?  Are we guilty for not warning the wicked or the straying believer so that they turn back to the Lord?  The disciples were commanded to go into all the world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We take that mission on as our own.. following Christ's great commission.  But, I think sometimes that we, the church, forget to listen first.. to "hear a word" from His mouth.. and then "warn" of the judgment to come.
Our intentions are good.. but as Tozer wrote.. " .. we are too casual and there are too many tricks that can be used to make soul-winning encounters completely 'painless' and at 'no cost' and without any 'inconvenience '.

Father, revive us again!  Fill us with the Words of life and Your Spirit of power and might!  Put Your Hand upon us and use our mouths to proclaim the Life giving Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a holy boldness!
May we cause some consternation.. if needed.  May we give warnings as needed.  But, most of all, may we listen and hear Your voice.. and only then speak as we should.  Open the ears of those who need to hear.. that they would turn from their rebellious and stubborn ways, repent and believe.
In Jesus' name we pray, amen.