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The Glory of God and the Burden of the Prophet

Ezekiel 1-4

The book opens with a powerful vision that Ezekiel receives by the river Chebar in Babylon. He sees a whirlwind a great cloud and four living creatures accompanied by wheels full of eyes and the dazzling brightness of fire and lightning. Above them is a firmament and a throne with the appearance of a man surrounded by radiant glory. This vision is overwhelming and mysterious but its message is clear God is majestic sovereign and present even in exile. Ezekiel falls on his face in reverence. This chapter reminds us that God is not confined by location or circumstance. His presence and glory reach into every place even among those who feel forgotten or far from home.

God commands Ezekiel to stand and then fills him with His Spirit. He commissions Ezekiel as a prophet to a rebellious nation warning him that the people will not likely listen. Yet Ezekiel is called to speak God's words faithfully regardless of the response. He is given a scroll full of lamentations mourning and woe symbolizing the weight of his message. This chapter reveals the seriousness of Ezekiel’s calling and the resistance he will face. God’s messengers are not judged by the people’s response but by their obedience. It is a sobering reminder that faithfulness to God's Word may require courage and endurance.

Ezekiel eats the scroll and finds it sweet in his mouth though its message is bitter. God again emphasizes Ezekiel’s responsibility to speak whether the people listen or not. He is appointed as a watchman tasked with warning the wicked and the righteous alike. If Ezekiel fails to speak their blood will be on his hands. God also temporarily binds Ezekiel so he cannot speak except when God opens his mouth. This chapter teaches the weight of responsibility that comes with knowing the truth. It reminds us that spiritual leadership carries both privilege and great accountability before God.

God commands Ezekiel to act out a dramatic parable of Jerusalem’s siege using a clay tile and other symbolic acts. He must lie on his side for hundreds of days to represent the years of sin for Israel and Judah. He is to eat measured food baked over cow dung to symbolize the coming scarcity and defilement. These physical demonstrations reveal the suffering and seriousness of the coming judgment. This chapter reminds us that God communicates not only with words but with actions that leave no room for misunderstanding. The message of judgment is clear and unavoidable when sin remains unrepented.

The first four chapters of Ezekiel reveal a God who is glorious powerful and present even in the darkest moments of His people’s history. Ezekiel is chosen to carry a hard message to a rebellious nation. His visions and actions show that God is not indifferent to sin but patient in warning. These chapters show us that God still speaks in exile and that obedience to Him may be difficult but never without purpose. Ezekiel’s faithfulness reminds us to speak truth boldly to listen to God deeply and to trust His presence even in places of pain.

 

Reflection Questions:

  • What does Ezekiel’s vision in chapter 1 teach us about the greatness and majesty of God

  • How does Ezekiel’s call in chapter 2 challenge us to speak God’s Word faithfully even when others resist

  • What does it mean to be a spiritual watchman in our homes churches and communities

  • How does Ezekiel’s obedience in chapter 4 encourage us to take seriously the messages God gives us to live out

  • In what ways can you grow in your reverence for God’s glory and your commitment to obey His voice