We begin with the book of Ezekiel. Who was Ezekiel? His name means “God is strong”. He grew up in Jerusalem and was trained to be a priest in the temple. He was exiled to Babylon along with other fellow Jews. While in Babylon, he became a prophet of God. The 1st chapter relates how the prophet received his divine commission when the glory of the Lord appeared to Him.
Ezekiel 1-2
God Called Ezekiel As His Prophet – Ezekiel 1:1-3
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon sieged Jerusalem and took everyone captive leaving only the poor. Among those captured was the priest Ezekiel. His day in captivity must have been dark, but he was not forgotten; God had plans for him. While in exile Ezekiel saw visions of God.
His circumstances might have impacted him personally. Since he was a priest, his being exiled from the temple might have caused him to lose his faith and even doubt God. Life was probably hard and challenging. He was unfamiliar with the culture and probably stressed with his situation.
Two phrases in verse 3 reveal the Lord’s involvement in Ezekiel’s life -- the Word of God came to him and God’s hand was upon him.
These phrases are significant and teach us that we need to be open and listening for what God has for us. We are to stay in His Word and in prayer to help us navigate through any of life’s difficult situations.
Principle: God has a plan for each of us.
Ezekiel’s Vision – Ezekiel 1:4-21
In Ezekiel’s vision he saw a windstorm from the north, a cloud with flashing lightning surrounded by a brilliant light. The center of fire looked like glowing metal. In the fire it looked like four living creatures.
The four creatures – their form was that of a man with four faces, legs were straight, feet were like a calf and gleamed like bronze, under their wings they had hands of a man, four had faces and wings, wings touched one another, each went straight and did not turn as they moved. Each face had a face of a man, on the right side was a face of a lion, on the left a face of an ox, each also had a face of an eagle. The wings spread upward. These creatures’ appearance was like burning coals of fire and moved back and forth.
The wheels – a sparkling wheel on the ground beside each creature, each wheel looked like a wheel intersecting a wheel, as they moved in the direction the creatures faced, their rims were full of eyes. When the creatures rose, the wheels also rose. The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
His vision displayed the majesty and glory of God. It illustrates the omnipresence and omniscience of God. Later in Ezekiel 10, Ezekiel identified these creatures as cherubim, angels of unique power and glory surround God.
The kind of impact the vision had on him was so overwhelming that he fell to the ground in shock and reverence. It was a humbling surrender to God’s glory. This was probably encouraging and strengthening to see the mighty God.
The symbolism in Ezekiel’s vision reveals the majestic power of God. He is not confined to any one place; He is active and the sovereign ruler of the universe.
Principle: God is stronger, greater, and mightier; He still rules over all domains.
Ezekiel Humbled Before God’s Glory – Ezekiel 1:22-2:2
He looked up into the sky above the creatures which looked like sparkling ice or crystal. He heard the sound of their wings which sounded like rushing waters, like the voice of the Almighty. Then he heard a voice from above. The creatures responded by lowering their wings. Over their heads was the likeness of a throne of sapphire and above was a figure of a man looking like glowing metal, full of fire and with brilliant light surrounding him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.
When Ezekiel heard a voice speaking, he fell facedown. As God spoke to Ezekiel, He told him to stand up so He could speak to him. To stand is to give his utmost attention so he could receive the Spirit and to courageously proclaim His Holy Word. Then the Spirit came into him and raised him to his feet. He didn’t have strength of his own until the Spirit entered him.
This illustrates a believer’s position before God. Christ is found in every believer. Christ has made the believer righteous. A believer doesn’t have it on his own, but through faith in Christ that comes from God alone. (Phil. 3:9)
Principle: God will speak to us, when we stand ready to do what He commands us.
God Commissioned Ezekiel – Ezekiel 2:3-10
God told Ezekiel He was sending him to the Israelites who were rebellious, obstinate and stubborn toward Him. God told him to not be afraid but speak boldly and to speak to them whether they listened of not. This prepared Ezekiel for the rejection he would face.
Ezekiel was handed a scroll. On both sides were written words of lament and mourning and woe. This was God’s complete message.
We can be encouraged by God’s words to Ezekiel. People today are also rebellious and stubborn. It’s our responsibility to share God’s message to others whether they listen or not.
Principle: God always equips those He calls.
The truth about God is revealed in Ezekiel 1-2. He has not been defeated or turned away from His people. He loves us no matter what we’ve done. There is hope for us today even amid difficult circumstances, we can know that an all-powerful God is active and present in our lives.
Next week we will continue our study in Ezekiel 36. Hope to see you here. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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