August 27, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Ezekiel 1 - While Jeremiah was preaching in Jerusalem, Ezekiel was God's prophet amongst the captive Judeans in Babylon.  Verse 1 speaks of Ezekiel in his 30th year.  He was a captive too, but he still could see great visions of God's glory.  Ezekiel saw what appeared to be a storm with living creatures going back and forth showing God's involvement in the world.  He saw God's throne, verses 22-27 and a rainbow, verse 28.  The rainbow completely circled God's throne, showing God's grace in the storm, even when the storm involved judgment.

Ezekiel 2 - Ezekiel is commissioned to speak on behalf of God.  Sixty-seven times in this prophecy it would be said, "I am the Lord."  Ezekiel would minister in such a way that the people "would know that a prophet has been among them" verse 5.  Ezekiel was to speak God's word whether people listened or not.

Ezekiel 3 - This is the first chapter where Ezekiel is referred to as God's watchman.  He had the important responsibility of letting the people know what they needed to know to warn them of judgment coming.  God made it clear to Ezekiel that if he was to speak to foreign nations, verse 6, they would listen to him!  But he would speak to his own people and they would ignore him.

Ezekiel 4 - Ezekiel is called to give what Wiersbe refers to as "an action sermon."  He would build a scale model of Jerusalem and play "war" against it.  It became very personal for Ezekiel because he would have to lie on his side for 390 dies on his left and 40 days on his right side to show how many years both Israel and Judah had sinned!  He would also have to ration his food and water during that time.  This was a real sacrifice for this prophet but he served the Lord faithfully.