Devotionals

Introducing Ezekiel A Teaching Devotional Day One

by Henry Jaegers
04/13/16
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DAY ONE

INTRODUCING EZEKIEL

Now it came to pass in the 30^th year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River of Che bar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin's captivity, the word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar and the hand of the Lord was there upon him.( Ezekiel 1:1-3)

As we begin our study in the book of Ezekiel there are several primary questions that arise from these first three verses which serve as an introduction to this chapter.

First, we are introduced to the writer in verse three and his name is Ezekiel the son of Buzi. Not much is given to us concerning his family background.( This is done frequently throughout scripture.). To us, Buzi is not known but to the Hebrew mind, it was important to know about one's family background (which could easily be searched out). This gives those whom he is serving some idea concerning his family, Was his father a reputable man or was he a scoundrel? If he was a scoundrel Ezekiel may not be quick to identify himself with his father's past. Because he was not ashamed to declare who his father was, he did not have to overcome some past history that would hinder his purpose.

The second, thing we are told about Ezekiel in these verses was the time of his call. It took place in the 30^th year. That could mean several things, and because we are not told anything more, it is safe to conclude that since Ezekiel was called to be a priest to the people in Babylon, the 30^th year was the appointed time to enter that ministry and since he was called by God we must also recognize that it was ordained by God to be that way. But the significance of all of this was when this message came to Ezekiel. It came in the fifth year while Jehoiachin was held captive by King Nebuchadnezzar.

Third, we are told the place of Ezekiel's service. This is important because it explains the nature of his ministry. Unlike Daniel whose ministry was in the palace to the Kings and the leaders, Ezekiel's ministry was to those by the river of Chebar. His ministry was to what we might call the more common people. They were the people who were still disgruntled about having to be in Babylon at all. They were displaced from their homes and their land from their city and removed to a strange land. These are the people to whom Ezekiel had his ministry.

Finally,.the most  important of all is at this time and in this place among these people Ezekiel saw visions of God. We are told that the word of God came expressly to Ezekiel. What that means is that it was communicated clearly in such a way as he could not forget this experience. He was not guessing about what the ministry was or the message from God. It was delivered clearly in the way that was easy to understand and easy to communicate.

Concluding thought: when we are called by God it has to do with delivering his message to people. People are  the ones that God has a heart for and these people who are separated from him need to be reconciled. God then prepares his servant to declare God's great love and compassion to them. Ezekiel's call was distinct and clear and something to be remembered. There is something about a God experience that is definite and certain and one that we cannot forget. Those entering into the ministry must have such a call from God.