July 25, 2024 - Ezekiel 1-7

"I saw visions of God" (1:1).  The translation could also be "visions from God," but the visions that follow seem to depict the glory and sovereignty of God, thus "of God."  In seeing a depiction of God, Ezekiel also noticed the Lord's surroundings.  There was a storm and four living, amazing creatures.  But what so drew his attention was "the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord," and when the prophet saw that, he said, "I fell on my face" (1:28).  It was then that the Lord commanded:  "Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you" (2:1).

The voice of the Lord is sometimes quiet and still, but so often, for the prophets, it was loud and powerful and direct and very, very personal.  Think of Moses and Isaiah and Jeremiah and Hosea and so many others.  The call . . . that’s what so energized them and kept them going when things got tough.  And because of men like this, sent by God, we have his Word, which really is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths.  And through their words, visions, and experiences, we get to see God. 

The prophets and apostles are our “watchmen.”  Ezekiel was commanded:  “And go to the exiles, to your people, and speak to them and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God,' whether they hear or refuse to hear” (3:11).  Israel refused to hear; we need to listen.  How did Jesus put it?  “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock” (Matthew 7:24).

Let Zion’s watchmen all awake,

And heed the call they give;

Now let them from the mouth of God

Their solemn charge receive.

May they in Jesus, whom they preach,

Their own Redeemer see;

And watch Thou daily o’er their souls,

That they may watch for Thee.   --Philip Doddridge (1736)