Ezekiel - God Is Holy Series

Ezekiel

Chapters 1–3 present the call and commission of the prophet. Chapters 4–24 are prophetic messages concerning the judgment and fall of Judah, concluding with the announcement of the destruction of Jerusalem in chap. 24. Chapters 25–32 comprise an interlude of messages of judgment against foreign nations. Ezekiel wanted to declare that the Gentile nations also were accountable to God and would likewise receive judgment. Chapters 33–48 are messages of hope concerning the restoration of Israel and the reestablishment of the temple, sacrificial system, redistribution of the land, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

The way Ezekiel is written is very linear, but the concepts are not; the concepts that I believe he’s trying to show us are 4 fold. 1. Ezekiel’s visions explain God’s holiness and transcendence, which we will see today, but it will be throughout the entire book. Ezekiel saw him as the God who is still on his throne, still Lord of creation, transcendent yet caring and interactive with his creation. Next, he points to the sinfulness of humanity, we can see this quite easily in the world around us, but next week (as we go through the temple) you will see the blasphemy towards God’s temple, and His spirit depart. It’s pretty eye opening to see God leave the temple that was built for Him to dwell with His people, and this leads to our next subject, judgement. Ezekiel teaches a concept developed more fully in the New Testament, that judgment is not reserved for the ungodly alone. God’s own people are liable for judgment when they are disobedient (Ezek 6:8–10; 34:17–22; 36:31). They will be held accountable before him for their stewardship of life, talents, and possessions (Rom 14:10–12; 2 Cor 5:10–11). The New Testament teaching on rewards (1 Cor 3:11–15) and chastening (Heb 12:3–11) is based on an understanding of this accountability. Although Jeremiah held forth some hope that judgment for Judah might be averted, Ezekiel clearly believed that the fall of Judah and the destruction of Jerusalem were inevitable. Lastly, after Ezekiel’s messages of judgment and individual responsibility for Judah (4:1–24:27) and foreign nations (25:1–32:32), he turned to messages of hope for future restoration in chaps. 33–48. He predicted not only the return from captivity (36:1–15) but also the spiritual renewal (36:16–38) of the people, the reunification of the nation (37:1–28), the rebuilding of the temple (40:1–42:20), the reinstitution of the sacrificial system (43:1–46:24), the reapportionment of the land (47:13–48:29), and the building of a new Jerusalem (48:30–35).

The future hope of restoration was a familiar theme among the prophets in the Old Testament. Many of them presented that hope in terms that refer to the return to the ideal circumstances and characteristics before the fall in the garden of Eden. The most direct reference, however, is found in Ezek 36:35 which we get to see in the last week of our message.

As we will see throughout Ezekiel’s text, judgment in this life is based on God’s desire for all people to share his redeeming grace. After this life all will be judged on whether they submitted to his lordship by faith. That faith was finally revealed in the person of the Messiah, who was the ultimate revelation of God’s redeeming grace to humanity. Now, I want to use that same redeeming grace to redeem our imagination!

No other OT prophet had visions as comparatively unique as Ezekiel other than Daniel. These two books have been the hardest and most eclectic works (other than Revelation). The exciting thing for me is the parallels with all three of these works. We’ve been able to dive into Revelation, but Daniel and Ezekiel have left me scratching my head, until I read a book called Imagination co-authored by Gene Edward Veith Jr and Matthew P. Ristuccia. One a theological pastor and the former a born-again literary professor. I won’t go too much into this book, but it helped me read Ezekiel in a new light. I pray that I’m able to show you God’s grace and glory these next four weeks. But today we talk about how God’s glory is portrayed in these first 3 chapters. Will you bow your heads and pray with me?

I remember asking God almost 2 years ago to be more creative. My sister and mom are artists who can paint and write. Me, I can’t do either. I tried to use my imagination to draw or write, but I’m so black and white. So, when God showed me this book, I was excited. However, it took me 6 months to even open it. When I did, I read it in a week. I was able to see Ezekiel in an entirely new way. I used my imagination to see what Ezekiel saw and did. Will you go with me to Ezekiel 1:4-28.