Today I am going to commit myself to a careful study of Ezekiel. What can I learn? What does the Lord know that I need to know?
Who was the author? Ezekiel the priest the son of Buzi. Why did God decide that this man's heredity mattered? I think that the reason might be the timing of his prophesy. Ezekiel prophesied during the exile to Babylon. I can only imagine the isolation and desolation of a conquered people in captivity, but undoubtedly this was a time when the people felt unable to understand what was happening to their beloved nation and wanted to find answers.
What kinds of answers did they think they needed? They must have had several major questions: Why are we here? Has God abandoned us? What does the future hold?
But what does God answer? At least initially He does not address their burning questions because He knows it is not their burning need. Their burning need is to know Him. So what He does is to give Ezekiel a vision of His majesty, power, beauty, and perhaps most strikingly, His difference.
Oh, Lord, I am here. I long to be in China even though the life is much easier here. But You have sent me back to my own country, the USA. I have wondered what purpose You might have in my illnesses and weakness and our inability to stay in China and perhaps this book of Ezekiel has Your answer for me. Help me to see You - to see Your majesty, Your power, Your beauty and Your glorious difference.
No comments:
Post a Comment