Understanding God's Word 09.02.08
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Today we will begin our studies on the book of Ezekiel. Please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%201-4&version=9
Today we will read and learn about Ezekiel's vision of God's control of world affairs; his call; and the warning of judgment. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we need to let the God that controls all of the universe take control of our situations today.
The book of Ezekiel is the 26th book in the Old Testament and contains 48 chapters. The author of the book is Ezekiel and it was written to the people of Judah. The purpose of the book was to warn them of their coming captivity. What we learn from the book is that the Lord orders historical events so that all nations will know He is God.
As a captive of Nebuchadnezzar, and while far from the promised land, Ezekiel could not offer sacrifices to God according to the Law. Much to his astonishment he receive the Word of God. "The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him." (Ezekiel 1:3).
In Ezekiel's first vision he saw the likeness of four living creatures, "And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man.......As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. " (1:4-5,10).
These heavenly beings typified Jesus Christ as seen in the four Gospels. The book of Matthew presents Jesus as the lion who is the ruler of the animal kingdom. The lion symbolizes the royality and supreme majesty of Jesus. The book of Mark presents Jesus as the ox who is represented as the most valable domesticated animal. The ox symbolizes Jesus as the strong, patient Servant of God. The book of Mark presents Jesus as fully human and represents Jesus as the perfect man. The book of John presents Jesus as an eagel. The eagle represents the swiftness of Jesus who is quick to bring protection, provision, or judgement in an instant.
Ezekiel's opening vision is one of the most remarkable in the Bible and reveals that behind all the events which take place on earth is the administration of the supernatural power of God. Ezekiel beholds the throne of God, who is in control of the affairs of all human government throughout the world. However, all evils, sorrow, and suffering are instigated by Satan.
Our greatest concern in reading the Book of Ezekiel is not to be disturbed over what we cannot understand. God will give us understanding of His Word when we are in need of it. In fact you can not read the same chapter in any book of the Bible twice and get the same meaning. God designed the Bible in a way that piece by piece we learn to understand. If we received all we needed to know all at once than we would never have the need to seek Him.
In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the apperance of a man who sat upon the throne. (Ezekiel 1:26-28). This forshadowed God appearing as man. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (I Timothy 2:5).
Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Jesus, thank you for the absolute truthfulness of your Word. We can rely upon your promises even when the temporal evidence we are experiencing suggests otherwise. Thank you for the promises in Scripture and help us understand what Your Word says and to learn to be as strong and patient as Jesus. In Jesus name.....Amen.
Have a great day and many blesings to you.
God bless,
Christina
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