Eze.Chs1-3 Behold the Lord's Glory(Vision of Glory, Prophetic Calling,…

Eze.Chs1-3 Behold the Lord's Glory(Vision of Glory, Prophetic Calling, Watchman's Duty)

Where is God? We don't ask this question when life is going smoothly. But when things hit rock bottom, when everything we took for granted is called into question, we ask this question. The answer we suspect, the terrifying answer, is that God has abandoned us and wants nothing to do with us.

We can respond to this in three ways: 1) by becoming angry, claiming God is unfair; 2) by denying that anything was ever wrong in the first place; or 3) by despairing that things can never get better. Perhaps we vacillate between these three responses. This is precisely the situation faced by Ezekiel and the exiles in Babylon. After Nebuchadnezzar's initial invasion and their exile from Judah, their world was turned upside down. Initially, they held onto hope, but then news arrived of the fall of Jerusalem and the burning of the temple (33:21-22). Had God abandoned His people forever? Could the dry bones of Israel ever live again? (37:3)

Amidst the exiles' anger, denial, and despair, God calls Ezekiel to deliver only God's word to them. Otherwise, the prophet would be struck mute for over five years. Because people don't want to hear his words, Ezekiel is often commanded to deliver God's message through dramatic street theater. Initially, Ezekiel's message is a firm and uncompromising declaration of judgment against Israel and of God's justice. However, when judgment comes, Ezekiel's message transforms into a message of unwavering hope for the restoration of God's people. Even though the people have broken their covenant with God and been exiled because of their sin, God will not abandon His people. He will overcome all their enemies and sins, and like a shepherd, He will lead them to safe pastures.

God will not only make a new covenant with His people, but He will also renew them and dwell with them forever. However, Ezekiel's message is not only for the exiled Israelites. For all who believe in God and the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the answer to the question, "Where is God?" is clear: Despite our circumstances and sins, God is with His people. God has always been with His people, and He will always be with them. "Yahweh Shammah" (48:35) (The Lord is there).

Location of Chapters 1-3:
The book of Ezekiel opens with a stunning vision of God's glory. Ezekiel's first vision, full of strange and confusing symbols, in chapters 2-3 forms the basis of Ezekiel's calling and mission as a prophet sent by the Lord to the exiled community in Babylon. This vision assures Ezekiel that even though the people are living in exile, God is still on His throne. At the same time, it raises the question, "What is God doing in Babylon?" The first part of Ezekiel answers this question (chapters 1-11).

See the big picture: Even though God's people are in exile, God is still ruling and speaking to them through His prophets. See the broad perspective from the mountaintop. See life within God's providence. All things work together for good (Romans 8:28).

<Chapter 1: The vision of the glory of God>
God still sits on His glorious throne even in Babylon, the land of exile, by the Chebar River. God is not limited by time or space. He is present everywhere and at all times. He is Immanuel, the God of Jehovah Shammah. He is the sovereign ruler of the entire universe, governing all things.
Point: Even if circumstances fail, God does not fail. Vision is a window through which to interpret reality.
Application: In the midst of despair, see God's sovereignty again. Ezekiel, after seeing a vision of the glorious God, dreams of hope and restoration even in despair.
*When a hopeless situation persists, how should I, as a believer in God, live my life?
*In what form has God come to me in my hopelessness?
*Am I confident that I and all things in the world are in God's hands?
*What hope can I cling to again, relying on the almighty God?

<Chapter 2 — The Prophet's Calling and the Scroll>
Key Point: God's word must be delivered even to rebellious people. God sends Ezekiel as a prophet to the rebellious people of Israel, telling him not to fear them and to preach the word whether they listen or not. The scroll that God unfolds contains lamentations, mourning, and words of disaster written on both sides. Believers should not be swayed by circumstances or emotions, but should listen to God's word and proclaim it.
Point: A prophet must first internalize the word himself. He must feed on the word well. A mother who breastfeeds her baby must eat well to provide good milk to her baby. Let us all feed well on the word so that we can share the good milk of life with our children and neighbors.
Application: We must listen before we speak. Faith comes from hearing. I hope that by listening well, our souls will be enriched. *How do I respond to God's call to my mission?
*What is the mission I must fulfill without being swayed by people or circumstances?

Chapter 3 — The Responsibility of the Watchman.
God calls Ezekiel to be a watchman. The watchman must warn the people inside the city of the enemy's threat in advance. Believers are spiritual watchmen who lead people to the path of life.
Key Point: The responsibility of giving a warning is more important than people's reactions. Point: Obedience as a watchman is not about the results, but about the act of delivering the message itself. It's about delivering the message. God has entrusted us with the role of spiritual watchmen. If we don't share the gospel, some people will not have the opportunity to hear the message of salvation (Romans 10:14). When we share the gospel with a soul with a holy burden, God will work.
Application: Let us all stand firm in the positions God has given us. Like Ezekiel, let us rely only on God and proclaim His word. When we rely on the Lord in everything and obey His will, His will will be accomplished through us.
*Who is it that I need to awaken with God's word, fulfilling my mission as a watchman?
*What should I ask God to help me control my mouth so that I don't speak impulsively?

<Prayer> Gracious God, thank you for calling and visiting me with your power. Even when I see no hope before me and feel abandoned, I will look to and wait for the glorious God. I repent of my unbelief and pride; please raise me up with the word of life. Open my spiritual eyes to see God's glory, and help me to hear the Lord's voice and live boldly, relying on Your power. Even when I am weak and weary, strengthen me with God's word and the help of the Holy Spirit. Arm me firmly with the word so that I may overcome the world. Guide me, O God, to faithfully fulfill the mission you have given me as a watchman, in obedience and filled with the Holy Spirit. I pray these in Jesus' name. Amen.