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August 27th
Our bible reading today is in Ezekiel chapters 1-4.
We will read about God’s calling of Priest Ezekiel to the office of Prophet to the whole of Israel in Babylonian exile. Ezekiel was one of hundreds of Levitical priests that were deported to Babylon from Jerusalem.
Many in the priesthood had been corrupted over several generations. That’s why God told Jeremiah to stand in the Temple court and prophesy against the evil that had slowly but surely crept into the worship practices of Judah and Israel.
But apparently, Ezekiel was one of the faithful Temple priests in Jerusalem. And he would have been among the priests singing psalms of faith and hope in the Lord as the people walked from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Oh friends, praise God for those who have answered the call of God to lead the people of God in song...songs about our God...songs of praise and thanksgiving to our God...songs that revive our faith in God again...songs that remind us that we are on this journey of faith together with a whole church of believers, a whole world of believers in Jesus who face the same struggles, trials, and sin that we do.
Thanks, James Evans, for faithfully leading our church in spiritual songs. Songs upon our lips and songs that help us speak from our hearts to each other and to our God.
A mighty whirlwind comes from the north and a dark cloud appears in the heavens. In the midst of the cloud is a dazzling brightness surrounded by flames. From inside the encircling flames, there is seen a mysterious and strange vision of four beings. Below their feet are four wheels and above their heads, a throne...upon which sits the dim form of a man issuing forth a message to the humbled Ezekiel.
So who was the main character in this scene? Without a doubt, it was God Himself.
Ezekiel saw the “likeness of the glory of God”...bright light...fire...lightning...darkness...clouds...each marking God’s power and presence in creation.
I also like Barnes Notes on this glorious vision to Ezekiel...” the ox”...the animal of sacrifice and suffering...” the lion”...the Lord of the jungle; the king of beasts...the ruler...” the eagle”...of keen eye and soaring wing...limitless imagination...” the man”...his spiritual capacity...which actuates all the rest.”
This vision given to Ezekiel finds its consummation and fulfillment in the person of Christ...the “All Powerful and Ever Present Creator”...the “Sufficient Suffering Sacrifice” for sinners...the “Lord of lords” and the “King of kings”...and Jesus is the “Strength of Eagle’s Wings” that carry us through and above the storms of life.
That is so awesome. What a picture. What a vision to and for Ezekiel two and a half thousand years ago...all the way to us. Thank You, Jesus!
Have a great day
