Ezekiel Overveiw

You will know that I am the Lord

Today, we will look at one of the most vivid and dynamic books of the Bible: the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel repeats “you will know (yadah - to experience intimately) that I am the Lord” over 30 times in this book. Whether you are the youngest, oldest or somewhere in between, Ezekiel's message has something profound for each of us. This ancient text, written by the prophet Ezekiel during a time of great turmoil and uncertainty, is more than just a historical account—it's a powerful narrative filled with extraordinary visions, dramatic actions, and timeless truths that speak directly to our modern lives.

Imagine being in exile, far from home, in a foreign land where everything familiar is stripped away. This was the reality for Ezekiel and the Israelites in Babylon. In this despair, Ezekiel receives a series of divine visions, starting with an awe-inspiring encounter with God. Picture a whirlwind, fire, and strange, otherworldly creatures—images that both captivate and challenge our understanding. Ezekiel's visions are not just about the past; they are windows into the eternal truths of God's power, presence, and purpose.

Ezekiel's prophetic ministry is marked by dramatic, often startling symbolic actions. He lies on his side for days, builds models of besieged cities, and even cooks his food over cow dung. These actions, though extreme, are powerful metaphors for the spiritual and social realities of his time. They force his audience—and us—to confront uncomfortable truths about our own lives and societies. They remind us that sometimes, God uses the unexpected to get our attention and call us back to Him.

But Ezekiel's message is not just one of doom and gloom. Amidst the warnings and judgments, there is a profound message of hope and restoration. The famous vision of the valley of dry bones coming to life speaks to the power of God to bring renewal and new beginnings. In a world where we often feel overwhelmed by the challenges and changes around us, Ezekiel's visions remind us that God's transformative power is always at work, even in the most desolate circumstances.

As we delve into the book of Ezekiel today, let’s open our hearts and minds to the radical and redemptive messages within. Whether you are navigating the uncertainties of young adulthood, the complexities of midlife, or anywhere along that spectrum, Ezekiel's words can inspire and challenge us to see God's hand in every aspect of our lives. Let's explore how his ancient prophecies resonate with our modern struggles and hopes, and how we can apply these timeless truths to our walk with God today.

1. The Call to Prophetic Ministry: Ezekiel’s journey begins with a dramatic and awe-inspiring vision of God’s glory (Ezekiel 1:1-3). At the age of 30, a time when he would have assumed his priestly duties, Ezekiel is instead called to be a prophet during the Babylonian exile. God’s presence is revealed to him in a magnificent vision of four living creatures and wheels within wheels, symbolizing the omnipresence and omnipotence of God.

This vision underscores the holiness and majesty of God, reminding us of the reverence we must hold for Him. Ezekiel’s call was not just a personal experience; it was a divine commissioning to speak God’s truth to a rebellious people. This resonates with us today as we consider our own callings. Each of us has a unique purpose in God’s plan, and we are called to be His messengers in our own spheres of influence.

In Ezekiel 2:3-5, God says to Ezekiel, "Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me... whether they listen or fail to listen... they will know that a prophet has been among them." This reminds us that our mission is to speak truth and show God’s love, regardless of how it is received. Our faithfulness to God’s calling is what matters most.

2. The Judgment of Ezekiel

Ezekiel's messages were not always comforting. Much of his prophecy involved warnings of judgment against Israel . God called Ezekiel to confront the people with their sins and the consequences that would follow if they did not repent.

Israel had been richly blessed by God and then turned their back on Him.

Ezekiel 18:30, God says, "Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall."

Israel had forsaken God and “…not followed my decrees or kept my laws.” Ezekiel 5:7 & “have conformed to the standards of the nations around you” Ezekiel 11:12

Ezekiel 8:12–13 “Then he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each in his room of pictures? For they say, ‘The Lord does not see us, the Lord has forsaken the land.’ ” He said also to me, “You will see still greater abominations that they commit.”

Judgement Inescapable -

Ezekiel 14:12–14 “And the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, when a land sins against me by acting faithlessly, and I stretch out my hand against it and break its supply of bread and send famine upon it, and cut off from it man and beast, even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver but their own lives by their righteousness, declares the Lord God.”

We often times think of the conversation in Genesis 18 between Abraham and the Lord where Abraham asks “will You sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” 18:23 …50 righteous? 45 righteous?, 40?, 30?, 20?, only 10? We have a false sense of security that God will not bring His judgement upon us here in the USA. Gives us a false sense security!

This call to repentance is as relevant today as it was in Ezekiel's time. We are reminded that God's justice is not arbitrary but based on our actions and choices. Yet, even in judgment, there is an invitation to return to God, to repent and find mercy. Ezekiel's stern warnings serve as a call to self-examination and a reminder that we are accountable for our actions.

3. The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones But the vision of the dry bones reminds us that God can forgive and breathe new life into our situations, no matter how dire they seem when one repents and surrenders themselves to the Lord. One of the most iconic visions in the book of Ezekiel is the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-14). In this vision, Ezekiel is taken to a valley filled with dry bones, representing the hopelessness and desolation of the Israelites in exile. God asks Ezekiel, "Son of man, can these bones live?" to which Ezekiel wisely responds, "Sovereign Lord, you alone know."

God then instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, and as he does, the bones come together, flesh and skin cover them, and finally, breath enters them, bringing them to life. This vision is a powerful metaphor for spiritual renewal and resurrection. It illustrates that no situation is beyond God’s power to restore.

In our own lives, we may face moments of despair and hopelessness, where it feels like everything is falling apart. We are called to trust in His power to revive and restore, just as He did for the Israelites.

Ezekiel 37:14 says, "I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land." This promise of restoration and renewal is as relevant today as it was then. God’s Spirit is at work in us, bringing life, hope, and restoration.

4. The Promise of a New Heart and Spirit: Another profound message in Ezekiel is the promise of a new heart and spirit. In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God declares, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."

This promise signifies a radical transformation from within. It speaks of God’s desire to renew our innermost being, replacing our hardened hearts with hearts that are responsive to Him. This transformation is essential for living a life that honors God and aligns with His purposes.

For us today, this promise is fulfilled through the work of the Holy Spirit. When we accept Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit, who works in us to transform our hearts and minds. This process of sanctification enables us to grow in our relationship with God and live out His commandments.

Reflecting on this promise challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are there areas where we have become hardened or resistant to God’s leading? Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, molding us into the image of Christ? As we yield to God’s transformative power, we become vessels of His love and grace in the world.

Conclusion: As we reflect on the book of Ezekiel, we are reminded of the power and majesty of God, the call to faithfulness, the promise of renewal, and the hope of restoration. Ezekiel’s visions challenge us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, and to be faithful to His calling in our lives.

Let us embrace the call to prophetic ministry, speaking God’s truth and love in our world. Let us hold onto the vision of the valley of dry bones, trusting in God’s power to bring new life and hope. Let us open our hearts to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to renew us from within. And let us look forward to the ultimate restoration of God’s presence among us, living as vessels of His love and grace.

May the lessons from Ezekiel inspire us to live with greater faith, hope, and devotion, knowing that God is always at work, bringing His plans to fruition.