I’m reading in Ezekiel still, and it’s the part where the angel gives Ezekiel all the measurements for the Temple, the division of land, the types and numbers of sacrifices, and all that. Interesting, yes, because it’s so detailed. I can imagine it was a lot to write and understand. But, I am not sure of the significance. Obviously, it’s in the Bible, so God has a purpose for it. However, it leaves me with more questions than answers. For example, has this Temple been built or is it something yet to be seen? And, why is God so particular about all the measurements? Also, is there a reason why God gave certain lands to certain tribes? Moreover, goodness, they had to sacrifice a lot of animals! So, nothing earth shattering, but lots of questions about this portion of Ezekiel… Anyone have any answers?
Ezekiel 3:11-12 The Spirit lifted me and took me away. I went in bitterness and turmoil, but the Lord’s hold on me was strong. Then I came to the colony of Judean exiles… I sat there among them for seven days, overwhelmed. I’ve been reading a lot about the stubbornness and sinfulness of Israel and about their punishment. There’s a lot of things that the prophets were asked to do that symbolized various stages of Israel’s rebellion and impending doom. It’s interesting to read because it’s so foreign of a concept to me. It’s not too often (ever?) that we hear of someone asked to lie on their side for 390 days (that’s over a year) to symbolize the sins of a nation. And today, selfishly, I asked God, “What am I supposed to be learning from this? What’s in it for me?” (Because, obviously, the whole purpose of spending quiet time with God at 4:30am is all about me.) I’m still not totally sure, but here are a couple of thoughts: 1. Reading about Israel’s stubbornness and the punishment they incurred can be a warning to me not to be stubborn about sinning. And the eventual punishment of Israel, leading much later to forgiveness and restoration, can be symbolic of the path I’ve been walking recently through the minefield of debt. I’ve incurred a just punishment, but there is hope for eventual restoration. 2. After God appeared to Ezekiel, he took him from Babylon to wherever the Israelites were staying (near the Keber River). There he was deposited. I don’t know if that was a short distance or a long distance, but it has to be disconcerting to start one place and end up in a another – via the hand of God! I also think it’s interesting that he went in bitterness and turmoil. I don’t think he was particularly thrilled about his assignment! Honestly, I’m not sure I’d been too thrilled either. It wasn’t exactly a pleasure jaunt. But even though he was bitter and full of turmoil, God’s hand was on him, holding him. And He had quite a grip, according to Ezekiel. So, just because Ezekiel wasn’t particularly happy about his assignment (I guess that’s why he was bitter and full of turmoil), God didn’t love him any less or change his assignment. 3. Ezekiel was overwhelmed for 7 days. He had seen God, literally. It’s amazing he wasn’t dead! I know after just feeling God’s presence I was overwhelmed and walked around with warm fuzzies for days. If I’d actually seen God, I’d probably have sat there with my jaw on the ground for days, too! I’d imagine that went a long way towards helping him cope with his new assignment and change of circumstance. And can you imagine what the exiled Israelites thought about a guy showing up randomly and sitting there for seven days obviously amazed at something… what a nut! I doubt Ezekiel noticed their reactions though. He was probably still trying to process his experience. So, I’m not totally sure exactly what the whole point of this is, but I do know that these books are here for a reason. God didn’t put them in the Bible to bore us to tears or confuse us or frustrate us. Even if they seem that way, there are small lessons that we can take away. And for me, I don’t see that lesson until I start writing.
Ezekiel 1: 26-28 26 Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue sapphire. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance resembled a man. 27 From what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like gleaming amber, flickering like a fire. And from his waist down, he looked like a burning flame, shining with splendor. 28 All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the glory of the Lord looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me. Ezekiel saw God. What else can I say? A long time ago, right before things in my life went crazy, I felt the presence of God next to me holding me and surrounding me. It was completely overwhelming. To this day, I still get choked up when I think about it. If I get that way over the mere presence of God, I can’t even imagine what it must be like to actually see God. It makes me wonder, would I be bold and courageous about delivering an unpopular message? Would I trust God because I’ve seen Him and know His awesomeness? Would it completely change my life or would it be something that would eventually just be another memory? I hope I would speak out obediently and trust His protection. I hope I would be changed so completely that my life would be a beacon of light to those around me. I can only imagine.