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Explore the profound messages of Ezekiel, a contemporary of Jeremiah and Daniel, who was taken captive to Babylon. As a priest, prophet, and God's "watchman," Ezekiel illustrates the essence of prophecy as a clear witness for Jesus. His messages challenged false hopes and provided a vision of God's holiness and the promise of restoration. Learn about his relevant teachings today, where nations and individuals remain accountable to God. Discover the hope found in worship, service, and God's reassuring presence through Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
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So you want a prophet? EZEKIEL EZEKIEL
The essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus. Rev 19:10 (NLT) • Let love be your highest goal! • But you should also desire • the special abilities the Spirit gives - • especially the ability to prophesy.1 Cor14:1 • No prophet is accepted in his own hometown. • Luke 4:24
Who was Ezekiel? • Younger contemporary of Jeremiah and Daniel. • Taken captive to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. • A priest, a prophet and God’s ‘watchman’: Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately. (Ez 3:17) • Dispels the false hope of a short captivity. • Nations judged re joy of temple’s destruction. • Proclaims hope of forgiveness & restoration.
Relevance today • God is holy (morally perfect) - we are not. • Nations & individuals are accountable to God. • God will Shepherd those who turn to Him. • Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gives Himself for us. • Worship & service are our response to His love.
Revelation and Responsibility On July 31of my thirtieth year,while I was with the Judean exiles • beside the Kebar River in Babylon,the heavens were opened and • I saw visions of God. (Ez 1:1) The Glory of the LORD Ez 1:4a,5-6 & Rev 4:6b,8 Ez 1:15,18,22,26-2:5 & Rev 1:17-18 Andrew White The Vicar of St George’s Baghdad Faith Under Fire
Background: • 605 BC: Daniel taken captive to Babylon • 597 BC: Ezekiel taken captive to Babylon • 586 BC: Jerusalem destroyed Horror and Hope Revelations of captives being forced into exile, the siege & destruction of Jerusalem, & the LORD’s glory leaving the temple. Ez 12:1,3-6a,7-12a,13a 2Kings 24:18a,19a, 25:1-6a Yet hope... Ez 11:14,16-21
Tears and Tenderness Ezekiel’s wife dies – Ez 24:15-20,21b,24b,26 Yet – Ez 16:59-63 Who is righteous & loves like God? (Ez 18:5-9) The Watchman’s Message: The LORD is our only hope(Ez33:10-14,15b-19)
Searched for and Saved The Shepherd’s search (Ez 34:11-12a, 23-24) The Saviour’s Spirit (Ez 36:22,25-29a, 32,36) The simply sublime (Ez 37:1,2b-14,24,27, 43:2-4, 48:35b)
So you want a prophet? • So you want an apostle? • So you want an evangelist? • So you want a pastor? • So you want a teacher? Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church ... that we will be mature in the Lord. (Eph 4:11-13) Do we really want what God wants?