Ezekiel's Vision

The Book of Ezekiel begins with the Prophet Ezekiel seeing an incredible vision from heaven. The vision was so overwhelming that Ezekiel fell to his face in fear.

Ezekiel 1:26-28 (NLT)

26  Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man.

27  From what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like gleaming amber, flickering like a fire. And from his waist down, he looked like a burning flame, shining with splendor.

28  All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the LORD looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.

Ezekiel was terrified by this sight. But then he heard a voice speaking directly to him. The voice came with clear instructions. Instructions that also have implications for us (the church) today.

Ezekiel 2:1-5 (NLT)

1  “Stand up, son of man,” said the voice. “I want to speak with you.”

2  The Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened carefully to his words.

3  “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day.

4  They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says!’

5  And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.

God was going to send Ezekiel to the people of Israel with a message. God’s sense of justice required the people to hear the message even if they refused to listen and obey. The same is true for the church today. We are called by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to speak the Gospel message of Jesus to the whole world. God’s sense of justice requires them to hear even if they reject the message. At least they will know that a prophet has been among them. Not a prophet to proclaim their future, but a prophet who would obediently carry the Word of God to them in the midst of their rebellion.

But what if they refuse to listen? What if they become angry and threaten those prophets and preachers who carry the message of God? The same words to Ezekiel can also apply to us today.

Ezekiel 2:6-8 (NLT)

6  “Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels.

7  You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious!

8  Son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth, and eat what I give you.”

Two last thoughts on this Ezekiel encounter with God. First, don’t join them in the rebellion. They will want you to forsake your calling and go with them, but you must not join the rebellion. Secondly, open your mouth and taste the truth of God’s Word. God placed His Word inside of Ezekiel. The message to Israel was not from Ezekiel. It was from God. The message of the church is not from the believers; it is from God.

God tells us to open our mouths to receive the Word and open our mouths to proclaim the Word, and whatever happens next. Don’t join their rebellion. At least they will know they have had a prophet among them.

Terry Cooper

Lead Pastor