Sunday: The Storm and the Cherubim: Ezekiel 1:1-14
Ezekiel’s authority as a prophet comes in two distinct ways: (1) by the word of God—divine authority and enlightening, and (2) by the hand of God—divine call and empowerment. The first two elements of Ezekiel’s holy vision revealed a roiling storm and four identical beings. The whirlwind comes from the north and can be identified as the fiery judgment of God through the instrument of Babylon. Ezekiel identified the winged and four-faced creatures as cherubim in Ezekiel 10:15, 20. Their wings were arranged so that they did not have to turn; they could fly straight and change directions rapidly. Their four faces coincide with the four groups of living creatures included in God’s covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:10): men, the fowls, domesticated beasts, and wild animals. God remembers His promises.
Monday: A Glimpse of True Glory: Ezekiel 1:15-28
Surrounded by the cherubim, moving quickly from place to place at God’s direction, this vision develops into a vivid picture of the glory of the Lord God. Here are details of the wheels (Ezekiel 1:15-21), the firmament (Ezekiel 1:22-25), and God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:26-28). The wheels symbolize the omnipresence of God, while the eyes on their rims suggest God’s omniscience. The Holy One sees and knows all, and nothing is impossible for Him.
Tuesday: A Heart for the Work: Ezekiel 2:1-7
At Ezekiel’s official call as God’s prophet, he is given four important commandments to obey. Today’s meditation covers the first three: stand and hear (Ezekiel 2:1-2), go and speak (Ezekiel 2:3-5), and be not afraid (Ezekiel 2:6-7). Performing God’s tasks are never easy—they require courage, obedience, and determination. God is still looking for people He can use. Do you have a heart for the work?
Wednesday: Digesting the Word: Ezekiel 2:8-3:3
Before God’s Word can be effectively shared, it must come from the messenger’s heart. Job considered God’s Word more essential than his “necessary food” (Job 23:12); Moses admonished Israel to live on God’s Word (Deuteronomy 8:3); Jeremiah “ate” the Word of God (Jeremiah 15:16); the Apostle John also consumed the Word (Revelation 10:8-10). The Word is “sweet like honey” to Ezekiel, although later it becomes bitter (Ezekiel 3:14). Being a messenger of God is truly a bittersweet experience.
Thursday: The Message — The Suffering: Ezekiel 3:4-15
Ezekiel 3:4-9 reveals three processes of God’s Word: speaking it (Ezekiel 3:4), receiving it (Ezekiel 3:5-7), and obeying it (Ezekiel 3:7-9). The messenger shares the whole message, not altering it in any respect. God then holds the hearers accountable to receive and obey the Word! James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Obedience leads to blessing (James 1:25). Ezekiel is then brought to Tel Abib (Ezekiel 3:10-15) to sit with the captives and feel their disappointment and grief. God’s servant must also have God’s heart—weeping and rejoicing with His people.
Friday: The Watchman: Ezekiel 3:16-21
The prophet is called to be faithful to warn the people of God’s judgment. Four ideas are presented: the wicked dying because the watchman was unfaithful (Ezekiel 3:18); the wicked refusing to heed the warning (Ezekiel 3:19); the faithful dying because they rebelled against God and the messenger didn’t warn them (Ezekiel 3:20); and the righteous heeding the warning and escaping judgment because they heeded the prophet’s cry (Ezekiel 3:21).
Saturday: The Sign: Ezekiel 3:22-27
Because the Jews reject God’s Word, the prophet can now speak only God’s Word—God’s Word must be heeded!