Read Ezekiel 12:1-20
What does it take for us to recognize and know the LORD? We might recognize God moving in a lot of things, like an exquisite sunset or rescue from a tragedy or answered prayer. But how do we know God? For us, we can take Paul’s counsel in Colossians 1:15a which says, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” We can start knowing God by knowing Jesus as our Savior.
God seems intent on being known in this vision. He’s certainly making Ezekiel jump through some hoops to make that message tangible for the people to grasp. If the people can witness the future before it happens, that should open their eyes to recognize God’s hand. Just one more way to effectively get his message across.
This vision begins another section of Ezekiel’s prophetic works, this time addressed to the rebellious nation of Judah and their king in Jerusalem. I was a little confused because Ezekiel is presumably already in Babylon. God wanted him to act it out as a witness to the rebellious ones that accompanied him to Babylon. Then, when Jerusalem falls and Judah’s king dies, the people in Babylon will know God has spoken through Ezekiel.
In our present day, there are many prophets who try to get our attention. Many claim to be speaking for God, how do we know? If their visions align with the truths of scripture and play out as they declare, then they are trustworthy. I’ve seen many prophets use Scripture, but we recall Satan used Scripture to try and tempt Jesus in the wilderness. It’s a slippery slope, but when God wants to be known, he will be known.
Back in Ezekiel’s day, those false prophets would have been spreading a different message. A message of hope that the exiles and people of Judah would be rescued, totally the opposite of telling them to expect God’s wrath. The false prophet’s message would have been much easier to accept.
Again, we see a faithful prophet in Ezekiel. He had to be wondering what such escapades could possibly mean, but he trusted God. We’re wise to trust God when he asks us to do crazy things to further the kingdom. Why do we continually question God?
Ask God to reveal himself to you today through the Holy Spirit. If you’re like me, you yearn to know God more and draw closer to his heart. When we do that, we begin to understand God’s desires for our lives.
Let’s pray. LORD, I long to draw closer to you. You are all knowing and so powerful you never cease to amaze me. Thank you for the work you’re doing in my life. I pray for discernment to see through the false prophets of this world and continue seeking for those who speak your truth. I am confident in you and want to know you more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
