Text: Ezekiel 1:1-28
Ezekiel is a priest, but with no temple to serve in. How frustrating that must have been! He was a priest and part of the first exiled people from Jerusalem.
He could remember the Jerusalem Temple and what would have been the normal spiritual life for Jews. Yet, just as it seemed that he would have no ministry at all, the Lord called him to be a prophet. And what a call it was!
This first chapter is the very vision that God used to call him into service. God was still with His people in exile. It’s a noisy, fiery, and very mobile vision! In it four living creatures probably represent the four realms of creation: man, domestic animals, wild animals, and birds. The creatures were in a flying square, where the human faces looked outward, and the animal faces were seen from the sides. As confusing as this could have been, Ezekiel is fully aware of what this was: the throne of God coming down from heaven to visit him in glory! Just like Isaiah, he fell down on his face in worship and fear.
Now, you and I may not have that dramatic calling from our Lord, but one thing we can know for certain: God is not a God of confusion. If he calls you into service, He is faithful: He will certainly communicate what He wants you to do. Listen for His call today.
Meditate on verse 14. What is God teaching you in this verse?
All knowing and loving Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray that You give me a heart that hears Your call and spreads the message of Your merciful redemptive work and judgement. Amen.