3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, – Hebrews 1:3
I love how in Ezekiel god tells Ezekiel that the people may or may not listen to him. He says this in almost every sentence. It’s not our jobs to ensure that people are listening, it’s just our job to speak when God gives us something to say.
The passage in Ezekiel and Hebrews both are such displays of Christ’s glory. He upholds the universe with the power of His Word. His appearance is like burning embers and flashing of lightning. He is glorious and He is God, and yet He calls us friend.
27But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ He who will hear, let him hear; and he who will refuse to hear, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
27But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ He who will hear, let him hear; and he who will refuse to hear, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
Ezekiel saw a vision of God’s power and perfection… it was so powerful that he fell flat on his face. Hebrews tells us that this same power brought the entire universe into being. The Power that can create and sustain the stars, planets, solar systems, and life on earth, is the same Power that can save us from the penalty of our sins.
I’m a stay at home mom and know that God is powerful, but often go through my days feeling quite powerless. But this is not true! These passages remind me that I worship a God who sends angels to minister to me (vs. 14), who sustains me me with His Word (vs. 3), who can certainly help me with my issues since He’s got the whole world in His hands (vs. 2, 3), and who grants me free access through Christ, His exact representation (v. 3). These truths can transform my day!
I usually read at night before bed. This morning I’m reading the chapters and my mind is working much better at pulling out principles and applications. How about you? Do you read in the morning or at night?
I am currently going through a rough time in my life. Reading this scripture made me feel that God and His spirit are present even during the most difficult of times
I love you girls! Here is something that really spoke to me today…6 “But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, … Don’t be afraid of their words or be discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house.
8 “And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”
10 When He unrolled it before me, it was written on the front and back; words of lamentation, mourning, and woe were written on it.
3 “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.
I just know i have failed to obey God many times because I was afraid of the response i would get- displeased faces or harsh words. I have looked at the gifts God has given me- thinking they appeared painful, hurtful, difficult- not wanting to accept. But when i swallowed them- they were pleasing and nourishing to my soul. I don’t want to be fearful or rebellious!! God keeps giving me opportunities to TRY AGAIN. Thank you for your prayers. I pray for you also!!
A few years ago, I️ looked more into the life of Ezekiel. Why was God’s hand so heavily on him, as is stated several places? (1:3, 3:14). Why did he follow God in ‘bitterness and in the anger of his spirit’? Ezekiel was preparing to be a priest when Israel was exiled. God ‘changed his calling’ when he was about 30 years old, to be a prophet to a rebellious people. It seems pretty clear so far that this was NOT Ezekiel’s idea, but the Lord’s heavy and distinctively clear direction. He couldn’t be a priest—the Temple was destroyed. So instead he’s called to be a prophet—not really an admired position in those days!
In my own journey, I’ve felt there were (on a much smaller scale than Ezekiel) some plans (even life calling) that the Lord changed/redirected, and with what seemed like a heavy hand, I️ could not escape from His direction. I️ can look back and see how hard it was (not as hard as living among scorpions), and still how hard it is—I’m just encouraged and reminded that following the Lord isn’t meant to be easy or satisfying or fulfilling my childhood/young adult dreams. We live among rebellious people who don’t listen, who don’t want to change or follow the Lord. If life is easy, perhaps I️ am falling into rebellious patterns, not walking in obedience.
Staying closely plugged into God’s Word daily keeps me on the right track and able to hear, discern, and obey His voice, no matter how difficult it is. He has given me everything I️ need to carry out what He’s called me to do. His yoke is easy, His burden is light. Be encouraged, sisters! Praying for you all!
Your comments are helping me have a refreshed view on the day’s reading. I️ read both passages and was struggling to come up with a takeaway today. But after reading your comment I️ have a better understanding of who Ezekiel is, the way God has called him, and how that can be applicable to my own life. Thank you!
Keep it up! I think you will probably not care if I browse around your blog a bit more. “We must laugh at man, to avoid crying for him.” by Napoleon Bonaparte..
Eze 2:6-8 – I am responsible for me. I’m not responsible for how the other person acts, or how I think they might act in a given situation. I must simply obey.
Nicole, your comment was such a great way for me to gain understanding of that particular scripture. I am at times hesitant to share my walk with God to others, but this gives me the confidence to go ahead and speak without concern of the listeners reaction!
I enjoy Ezekiel as well!! I haven’t retained all the reading I’ve done over this year but I’m happy to know more Bible stories and then pick one book to dig into next year! It’s so important to read the bible as one narrative, like we are!!
1-yes, isn’t it such a feeling of accomplishment?!
2-so thankful for you ladies…your comments have helped me understand and opened my eyes to things I’d never have seen just reading the scriptures on my own
3-Ezekiel is pretty refreshing after all those days of Jeremiah. I honestly didn’t enjoy that part and didn’t really follow it, which I feel kinda guilty about, but the Lord knows I’m being obedient so I think that counts for something!
I certainly have not grasped this 86% fully, and would not like to be tested on the whole Bible, but sisters, I know we are making Jesus smile when we sit down with our coffee each morning and are in His word! Thanks for being on this journey with me!
“But you are the same, & your years have no end” — YES! Thankful, thankful, thankful we serve a God who is faithful and who stays the same, regardless of what else changes!
It’s such an awesome journey, isn’t it? This is my first time going all the way through a reading plan. Today, Ezekiel’s reading made me want to jump to Revelations and read the scroll part there too..I love seeing all the connections through scripture!
He gives visions. He speaks. He calls us to action. He is radiant. He never changes
✝️
❤️
3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, – Hebrews 1:3
Yes love that you shared this!!
✝️
10And,
“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
Love this!
I love how in Ezekiel god tells Ezekiel that the people may or may not listen to him. He says this in almost every sentence. It’s not our jobs to ensure that people are listening, it’s just our job to speak when God gives us something to say.
♥️
28Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.
Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
The passage in Ezekiel and Hebrews both are such displays of Christ’s glory. He upholds the universe with the power of His Word. His appearance is like burning embers and flashing of lightning. He is glorious and He is God, and yet He calls us friend.
27But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ He who will hear, let him hear; and he who will refuse to hear, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
27But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ He who will hear, let him hear; and he who will refuse to hear, let him refuse, for they are a rebellious house.
Ezekiel saw a vision of God’s power and perfection… it was so powerful that he fell flat on his face. Hebrews tells us that this same power brought the entire universe into being. The Power that can create and sustain the stars, planets, solar systems, and life on earth, is the same Power that can save us from the penalty of our sins.
I’m a stay at home mom and know that God is powerful, but often go through my days feeling quite powerless. But this is not true! These passages remind me that I worship a God who sends angels to minister to me (vs. 14), who sustains me me with His Word (vs. 3), who can certainly help me with my issues since He’s got the whole world in His hands (vs. 2, 3), and who grants me free access through Christ, His exact representation (v. 3). These truths can transform my day!
I usually read at night before bed. This morning I’m reading the chapters and my mind is working much better at pulling out principles and applications. How about you? Do you read in the morning or at night?
I am currently going through a rough time in my life. Reading this scripture made me feel that God and His spirit are present even during the most difficult of times
I love you girls! Here is something that really spoke to me today…6 “But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, … Don’t be afraid of their words or be discouraged by the look on their faces, for they are a rebellious house.
8 “And you, son of man, listen to what I tell you: Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”
10 When He unrolled it before me, it was written on the front and back; words of lamentation, mourning, and woe were written on it.
3 “Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.
I just know i have failed to obey God many times because I was afraid of the response i would get- displeased faces or harsh words. I have looked at the gifts God has given me- thinking they appeared painful, hurtful, difficult- not wanting to accept. But when i swallowed them- they were pleasing and nourishing to my soul. I don’t want to be fearful or rebellious!! God keeps giving me opportunities to TRY AGAIN. Thank you for your prayers. I pray for you also!!
Amen for second/third/fourth chances! ❤️
Thank you AnnieB! The same spoke to me today too :) blessings to you!
A few years ago, I️ looked more into the life of Ezekiel. Why was God’s hand so heavily on him, as is stated several places? (1:3, 3:14). Why did he follow God in ‘bitterness and in the anger of his spirit’? Ezekiel was preparing to be a priest when Israel was exiled. God ‘changed his calling’ when he was about 30 years old, to be a prophet to a rebellious people. It seems pretty clear so far that this was NOT Ezekiel’s idea, but the Lord’s heavy and distinctively clear direction. He couldn’t be a priest—the Temple was destroyed. So instead he’s called to be a prophet—not really an admired position in those days!
In my own journey, I’ve felt there were (on a much smaller scale than Ezekiel) some plans (even life calling) that the Lord changed/redirected, and with what seemed like a heavy hand, I️ could not escape from His direction. I️ can look back and see how hard it was (not as hard as living among scorpions), and still how hard it is—I’m just encouraged and reminded that following the Lord isn’t meant to be easy or satisfying or fulfilling my childhood/young adult dreams. We live among rebellious people who don’t listen, who don’t want to change or follow the Lord. If life is easy, perhaps I️ am falling into rebellious patterns, not walking in obedience.
Staying closely plugged into God’s Word daily keeps me on the right track and able to hear, discern, and obey His voice, no matter how difficult it is. He has given me everything I️ need to carry out what He’s called me to do. His yoke is easy, His burden is light. Be encouraged, sisters! Praying for you all!
Your comments are helping me have a refreshed view on the day’s reading. I️ read both passages and was struggling to come up with a takeaway today. But after reading your comment I️ have a better understanding of who Ezekiel is, the way God has called him, and how that can be applicable to my own life. Thank you!
That’s great!
❤️
Keep it up! I think you will probably not care if I browse around your blog a bit more. “We must laugh at man, to avoid crying for him.” by Napoleon Bonaparte..
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
Eze 2:6-8 – I am responsible for me. I’m not responsible for how the other person acts, or how I think they might act in a given situation. I must simply obey.
Nicole, your comment was such a great way for me to gain understanding of that particular scripture. I am at times hesitant to share my walk with God to others, but this gives me the confidence to go ahead and speak without concern of the listeners reaction!
I enjoy Ezekiel as well!! I haven’t retained all the reading I’ve done over this year but I’m happy to know more Bible stories and then pick one book to dig into next year! It’s so important to read the bible as one narrative, like we are!!
1-yes, isn’t it such a feeling of accomplishment?!
2-so thankful for you ladies…your comments have helped me understand and opened my eyes to things I’d never have seen just reading the scriptures on my own
3-Ezekiel is pretty refreshing after all those days of Jeremiah. I honestly didn’t enjoy that part and didn’t really follow it, which I feel kinda guilty about, but the Lord knows I’m being obedient so I think that counts for something!
It’s nice to know I’m not alone struggling with Jeremiah !
I’m only 2% into this study, but I feel extremely encouraged by the fact you ladies have made it 86% through! Way to go, you guys!
I started on Nov. 1, so I’m right there with you. I know we can do it! :)
Good to know I am not alone!!! We can do it!!!:)
I certainly have not grasped this 86% fully, and would not like to be tested on the whole Bible, but sisters, I know we are making Jesus smile when we sit down with our coffee each morning and are in His word! Thanks for being on this journey with me!
So proud of all of us! I’m learning so much more than ever with all of your support! Especially the sections of prophecy I hadn’t read before!
Katrina, yes I agree & you have encouraged us as well.
I find it humorous Ezekiel was told to eat the scroll by God! So random, but so cool!
It’s God telling us to internalize his instructions and word. Thankfully it’s not literal
“But you are the same, & your years have no end” — YES! Thankful, thankful, thankful we serve a God who is faithful and who stays the same, regardless of what else changes!
That’s awesome, Erin!
This reading reminded me to be in awe of God’s greatness and to cherish His Word!
Oh hey, She Reads Truth! This is me being 86% of the way through the bible this year thanks to YOU! Y’all are awesome!
It’s such an awesome journey, isn’t it? This is my first time going all the way through a reading plan. Today, Ezekiel’s reading made me want to jump to Revelations and read the scroll part there too..I love seeing all the connections through scripture!