1In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. - P94
4I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal,
5and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human,
6but each of them had four faces and four wings.
- P94
7Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze.
8Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four of them had faces and wings,
9and the wings of one touched the wings of another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved.
- P95
13The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.
14The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.
- P95
10Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.
11Such were their faces. They each had two wings spreading out upward, each wing touching that of the creature on either side; and each had two other wings covering its body.
12Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.
- P95
In the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, the word of the Lord comesto Ezekiel the priest. Ezekiel sees a windstorm coming out of the north withflashing lightning and a brilliant light. - P95
Four living creatures appear, each withfour faces and four wings. They move straight ahead, going wherever thespirit goes. Their appearance is radiant, like burning coals of fire or torches. - P95
Ezekiel begins his book with an autobiographical tone that contrasts with the way other prophets begin their works. He offers a literary journey of narratives, oracles, and visions, and it all begins with a note indicating that the vision is told from Ezekiel’s personal experience. His readers have a sense of his perspective as he situates himself in a particular time and place. - P96
Ezekiel’s authorial style reminds us of our own lives of faith. God fulfills His sovereign plan, but He does so through individual people. - P96
We are not just spectators; we are woven into God’s story. Let us remember that in our faithfulness to the Lord, each of us contributes his or her personal story to His grand plan. - P96
Ezekiel‘s detailed vision is compelling. He sees a windstorm in the form ofa massive cloud surrounded by light, representing the glorious presence ofGod. Four heavenly creatures come from its fiery center, traveling straightahead as they follow the spirit. The imagery is intimidating, but by showingHis fearsome presence to Ezekiel, God also indicates His care for His people. - P96
He is sending a message through Ezekiel because He loves them. Thevision reminds us today that we serve an all-powerful and glorious God,
and we should not take His love and grace for granted. - P96
May we be gratefulfor His care and be diligent in heeding His commands as He guides us intheshouldway wego. - P96
Dear God, thank you that I am personally a part of Your divine story. I am grateful for the privilege of serving an all-powerful and glorious God. - P97
Help me to be faithful in fulfilling my role in Your great plan. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P97
Remember that you are the light of Christ, and displaying God‘s love andcompassion is often a compelling aspect of the gospel message. Sometimes,
it is good to meet a person regularly, actively listening and thoughtfullyresponding to any questions. Praying for the Spirit‘s guidance is helpful asyou do this. - P97
Sharing your testimony of how Jesus became important to youcan also be inspiring to others. Finally, inviting a person to church can bean effective way of demonstrating the gospel. If you know the person well,
you can also mention that it is an excellent opportunity for the two of youto spend more time together doing something you deeply value. - P97
|