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.
