Ezekiel's vision of the throne and his first message
Good morning beloved of the Lord! This week we start Ezekiel. Ezekiel is confronted with a vision of the Lord’s throne room. Be blessed as you read and pray.
Ezekiel 1: Ezekiel in Babylon
1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
2 On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin),
3 the word of the LORD came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar canal, and the hand of the LORD was upon him there.
The Glory of the LORD
4 As I looked, behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, and a great cloud, with brightness around it, and fire flashing forth continually, and in the midst of the fire, as it were gleaming metal.
5 And from the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had a human likeness,
6 but each had four faces, and each of them had four wings.
7 Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the sole of a calf's foot. And they sparkled like burnished bronze.
8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. And the four had their faces and their wings thus:
9 their wings touched one another. Each one of them went straight forward, without turning as they went.
10 As for the likeness of their faces, each had a human face. The four had the face of a lion on the right side, the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and the four had the face of an eagle.
11 Such were their faces. And their wings were spread out above. Each creature had two wings, each of which touched the wing of another, while two covered their bodies.
12 And each went straight forward. Wherever the spirit would go, they went, without turning as they went.
13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches moving to and fro among the living creatures. And the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.
14 And the living creatures darted to and fro, like the appearance of a flash of lightning.
15 Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, one for each of the four of them.
16 As for the appearance of the wheels and their construction: their appearance was like the gleaming of beryl. And the four had the same likeness, their appearance and construction being as it were a wheel within a wheel.
17 When they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went.
18 And their rims were tall and awesome, and the rims of all four were full of eyes all around.
19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures rose from the earth, the wheels rose.
20 Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, and the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.
22 Over the heads of the living creatures there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal, spread out above their heads.
23 And under the expanse their wings were stretched out straight, one toward another. And each creature had two wings covering its body.
24 And when they went, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of many waters, like the sound of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army. When they stood still, they let down their wings.
25 And there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads. When they stood still, they let down their wings.
26 And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance.
27 And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.
28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
Ezekiel 2: Ezekiel's Call
1 And he said to me, "Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you."
2 And as he spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.
3 And he said to me, "Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels, who have rebelled against me. They and their fathers have transgressed against me to this very day.
4 The descendants also are impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD.'
5 And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them.
6 And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house.
7 And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.
8 "But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you."
9 And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it.
10 And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe.
Things to think about…
1. We can say with absolute certainty what year Ezekiel is prophesying and when he saw this vision. It is the 5th year of the captivity of Jehoiachin. The 2nd raid by the Babylonians was in 597BC, so the year is 592BC. The thirtieth year could mean the 30th year since Josiah found the book of the law in the temple 622-623BC or Ezekiel’s age. At any rate we know the year Ezekiel is writing is 592BC. And the hand of the Lord was upon him. I remember the Lord’s hand being heavy upon me in March, 1992. I was actually in a church and not by a river as Ezekiel was. I received my call from the Lord after that experience, much like Ezekiel (and Isaiah). The Lord calls us all to teach the lost about the saving love of Jesus Christ. I trust you are remaining obedient to your call to follow and serve.
2. You notice here the description given by Ezekiel of the Lord’s throne-room, Ezek 1:4-28 is very similar to the description given by the Apostle John in Revelation 4. The only difference is that in Revelation the creatures were separately a lion, ox, man and eagle rather than each creature having the four faces as described here. The rumblings and thunder are also described by John. It is a wonderful confirmation of the consistency of scripture. Both these men prophesied about things to come after seeing these visions of the Lord’s throne-room, as did Isaiah. What do you think the wheels and the eyes represent, Ezek 1:18-21? Why do they go wherever the Spirit goes? We should go wherever the Spirit leads us, knowing He is in control of all as He sees all. This is a good rendition of what Ezekiel saw if you are finding it hard to picture in your mind -
3. We know this is a vision of the covenant keeping God because Ezekiel sees the symbol of the covenant made with man, the rainbow, as promised to Noah. John also mentions the rainbow in Rev 4:3. I remember seeing a wonderful rainbow not that long ago, a double rainbow actually. Rather than just seeing a refracting phenomenon with light being broken up into its varying components, I also see the God of light and life of God and his covenant promise. Remember folks, this is a vision of where we will be spending eternity. Start wondering!
4. In Ezek 2 we see Ezekiel’s call as a prophet. He is referred to as a ‘son of man’. No other prophet is referred to in this way except of course the Son of Man – the Lord Jesus. It simply refers to one who is called out from the sons of men.
5. It is interesting that the Spirit entered into Ezekiel, Ezek 2:2 and he heard the Lord speak. Does the Holy Spirit speak to you? Does He bring scripture to your mind, or does he give impressions on your heart? Does He give you words of knowledge about yourself or events? Or is there a combination of the above? Ask the Lord to show you new things about this world and yourself.
6. Look at poor Ezekiel. He has to go and speak to a group of rebels who will not listen to him, Ezek 2:3, 4. They are a rebellious house. Sadly, we are a lot like them. Look at the word he has to bring, it is not one of consolation, prosperity or comfort. Ezekiel said when the scroll was spread out, that on it were written words of lamentation, mourning and woe. You don’t get a lot of this in today’s spiritual diet. Please keep praying that the truth of God’s word will be given by pastors and preachers who need to feel the weight of their accountability before the Lord.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “The desire of the bride” – Reading Song of Sol 3
1. Do you remember your first love? How did that affect any future relationships?
2. This young woman is devoted to her young lover. She will do anything to be with him. Why was she so attracted to him?
3. We are the bride of Christ, Rev 21:1-4. We are to be totally distracted and devoted to Jesus – our husband. What distractions get in the way. How can we maintain our first love of Jesus. Do you remember this first love?
4. Pray for each other and the outreach of the gospel
Prayer Points
1. John Ward has passed into glory on the 30th Aug – 73yo. Please pray for the family as they prepare funeral arrangements. Funeral service will be held at CBC 10am Mon 12th Sept.
2. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor to start Jan 2023.
3. Some away through sickness.
4. Ministry leaders within the church.
5. Our One for Israel ministry.
6. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
7. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Wonderful Potjie and Braai on Sunday. Thankyou especially to Shaun, Fred and Paul. You guys did an amazing job. Tasted wonderful.
2. Many returning back to full health.
3. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Beatty Boys and Maddison looking after Kidz at Church. Ben for rebooting after blackout. Fiona and Suzy in café always do a stellar job. Thankyou for those who welcomed at the door.
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
3. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for September...
Q. 8. What will happen to the righteous in the day of judgment? A. They shall live with Jesus Christ forever, in a new heaven and a new earth.
