The BOOK – A Watchman

In the book of Ezekiel we see God’s dealings with Israel were for their correction, while when other nations did the same, they were wiped out. He was punishing his children for their sin and was teaching them great lessons. God called Ezekiel with certain responsibilities and gave him confidence that god will strengthen him (Ezekiel 3:9).

Ezekiel was sent to his own people. It is sometimes easier to go as a missionary to another culture or place than to speak to the members of your own household or your own friends (Ezekiel 3: 5-11).

God told the prophet not to fear the people but give them warning, and that if he did not it, he would require their blood at his hands (Ezekiel 3, 33).

To be God’s sign to the people, Ezekiel underwent the loss of all personal interest. He stood ready to do anything God asked of him in order to demonstrate the plan of God for his people, and God asked some extraordinary things of him. He shut himself up in the house (Ezekiel 3:24). He was placed in weird positions (Ezekiel 4:4-8). He ate food by weight (Ezekiel 4:10). He sacrificed personal appearance (Ezekiel 5:1), and even moved personal and domestic goods out of his house to show the removal of Israel into captivity (Ezekiel 12:2-7). God may never ask these of us, but he may ask us to do things that cross our wills and desires.

Ezekiel was a prophet of visions. Ezekiel and Revelation are often alike in symbolism. The “figure like that of a man” upon the throne (Ezekiel 1:26) is the son of God. In Revelation, these appear once again.

Before the siege of Jerusalem, Ezekiel is given an extended vision that shows the people’s abominations in defiling the sanctuary, and the contrasting glory of God (Ezekiel 8:17-18).

In the vision of Burning vine (Ezekiel 15: 1-8), vine is a symbol of Judah, and the burning of a useless vine that bears no fruit is the destruction of the people of God.

The main lesson in the vision of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-18) is the restoration of God’s people.

Ezekiel was called as a watchman (Ezekiel 33:7), and he must warn individual people of the coming disaster he clearly sees. It is not enough to warn the crowd, but must deal with individuals, good or bad, who compose the crowd and tell them to turn from their evil ways. He saw 4 symbols of coming doom of Jerusalem.

·         The siege of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4:1-3)

·         The exile (Ezekiel 4:4-8)

·         The hardship of the exiles (Ezekiel 4:9-17)

·         The fate of the besieged (Ezekiel 5:1-7)

With the news of the fall of Jerusalem, he immediately begins to prophecy about the future restoration of Israel (Ezekiel 25 – 48).  The collapse of Egypt is seen in Ezekiel 29 – 32.

While the Jews were in what seemed hopeless captivity in the Old Testament, God declares constantly that he will restore the Jews to their own land, set up the throne and the kingdom of David through David’s greater son. This is the golden truth about the golden age that is coming to pass here on this earth (Ezekiel 34: 22-31). Wonderful blessings are promised to the people of God and the appearance of Messiah will usher in a glorious future

When you are serious about God, or in other words, the time when you are born again, you will have the desire to reach the world and show how great our God is. But the greater challenge that you will have to face is same that of Ezekiel, as your own people will reject you. Even Jesus Christ had to face similar situation. But I pray that you will not get disappointed with the initial discouragements and oppressions, but like Ezekiel be close with God, get his word and preach it to the people and warn them and change them from sin. Amen.