vision from God – Page 2

Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Them Dry Bones

Read Ezekiel 37:1-14

This passage is one of those memorable ones we always recognize and associate with Ezekiel. If you’re like me, you have the “Dry Bones Song” going through your head, recalling how all the bones connect and then walk around. The lyrics say Ezekiel tells us to “hear the word of the Lord!” That’s exactly what Ezekiel was doing – hearing and listening to God, and then taking action by doing what God says.

This is another one of those “transporting” visions where Ezekiel is whisked away. This time he is standing in the middle of a valley with dried up bones scattered all around him. What do you think Ezekiel was thinking in this moment before the teachable moment he received from God? Continue reading “Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Them Dry Bones”

Ezekiel 23:1-21 – Sibling Rivalry

Read Ezekiel 23:1-21

What a stark contrast this message from God has over others he gave Ezekiel. This one was a parable shared with Ezekiel personally, telling the story of God’s judgment using very intimate examples. I had to read the passage a couple times just to make sure I wasn’t misunderstanding.

God speaks of his loves, personified as sisters, and their escapades. Of course, the story simply points to Samaria and Jerusalem as the siblings rivaling for being the most treacherous. Yet, God desperately cares for these sisters and even marries them. Continue reading “Ezekiel 23:1-21 – Sibling Rivalry”

Ezekiel 11:22-25 – Obedience to God

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. Continue reading “Ezekiel 11:22-25 – Obedience to God”

Ezekiel 9:1-11 – Who God Spares

Read Ezekiel 9:1-11

It’s hard to read about God calling for the slaughter of his people. On the other hand, Ezekiel tells us that some were spared by receiving a special mark. Who were those fortunate few? The faithful ones who were true to God despite all the idolatrous living going on around them.

The LORD said to the man dressed in linen, “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city.” Do you ever find yourself overcome with emotion because of what you see happening in the world? Would you be one of those spared because you share the heart of God? Some find it easy to look the other way and call it “tolerance.” Is that the way God wants us to be? This passage would suggest not. Continue reading “Ezekiel 9:1-11 – Who God Spares”

Ezekiel 8:1-18 – Idols Infuriate God

Read Ezekiel 8:1-18

We have a new time stamp for this reading. This new series of visions came to Ezekiel about a year after the first ones back in Chapter 1. This time, Ezekiel was in his house spending time with leaders of Judah who had also been taken into exile. Thankfully it doesn’t sound like they were in shackles or anything.

I imagine Ezekiel was quite surprised to be whisked away by the Spirit and taken back to Jerusalem. He describes it like a teleporting experience you’d see in a sci-fi thriller! Here one minute, gone the next only to appear in a different scene. Did you wonder if the leaders noticed he was gone or if this was just a mental excursion? Continue reading “Ezekiel 8:1-18 – Idols Infuriate God”