Read Ezekiel 11:22-25
Ezekiel’s temple vision ends with the glory of the LORD finally leaving Jerusalem. Did you notice the hesitation? We read that the LORD hovered for a moment over the mountains to the east. I can just imagine that there was one last hopeful moment that his people would somehow be pleading for forgiveness, running after him with arms open wide.
The LORD’s decision was final in this moment. The people of Jerusalem would be abandoned because of their behavior and lack of devotion to God. It was a very sad day to be sure.
Ezekiel was taken back to the group he had left behind when this vision began. I imagine it all happened in the blink of an eye, and his friends didn’t even know he had taken such a journey with God. Just as well–they wouldn’t have believed it!
But Ezekiel did believe what he had seen. He obediently did as God had asked and expected he would do. We’re told Ezekiel shared all God’s messages with the people in exile. Interesting, because some of these messages were meant for the people not yet in exile. It would be good for those already in Babylon to hear about what was going on “back home.”
Getting a message back to Jerusalem would have been a bit complicated in those days. There would be no social media, email, or even snail mail to make that information known. It would have required Ezekiel’s physical presence, and there no more angelic transports to that region.
Ezekiel doesn’t seem phased by what he just encountered. That’s impressive! He didn’t question being obedient to God. I’m not sure I would have been able to maintain my composure through that whole experience. That’s probably why God did not choose to use me as a prophet.
Ezekiel’s obedience was acted out for us. How are you acting out your obedience to God? Has he asked you to do something you didn’t understand? What was your response?
Let’s pray. LORD, forgive me for times when I have not been obedient to you or your will for my life. It’s easy to look back and see all sorts of opportunities I have missed to be more intentional at growing my relationship with you. I lament the lost time with you but rejoice that you never gave up on me. Help me to stay focused on you and your direction for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
