Ezekiel…what a prophet! What a vision! Why was he given such a vision?  Why did God reveal in this way?  If parts of Ezekiel had not been included in our Bible and were part of some of the non-canonized books, it may seem far-fetched to us but because we are accustomed to the imagery and because of the authenticity we accept them.

The four creatures that Ezekiel saw in vision at the Kebar River each had four faces; man, lion, ox, eagle.  Later on as recorded in Chapter 10, when he is taken in vision to the temple in Jerusalem, he sees four cherubim with four faces each; man, lion, cherub, and eagle.  Hmmm...

We found some interesting connections with some of the images Ezekiel saw. It seems that others have seen similar images, namely Moses and John.

Ezekiel 1:26, 28
26 Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man.

28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

Exodus 24:9-10
Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of sapphire, clear as the sky itself.

Revelation 4:2-3
At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.

Ezekiel is given some timely advice, something that is relevant today as well.

Ezekiel 2:5-7
And whether they listen or fail to listen-- for they are a rebellious house-- they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.

We live in a world figuratively full of briers, thorns, and scorpions. As Believers in Jesus we are as lambs among wolves. Many times we may be called to witness or speak out for Him.  He may call any of us to be His watchmen.  We really shouldn't focus on whether or not people listen. The important lesson to learn is obedience to Him. He’ll take care of the rest. 

Why do you think the scroll tasted sweet to Ezekiel? It was full of words of lament, mourning, and woe. Could it be that the scroll is sweet because it's God's Word?  

What strange things God asked Ezekiel to do! But all these things were symbolic of what God was going to do - if they didn't listen.

Whenever there is mention of the sanctuary or the temple, try substituting the church for those words and see if there are connections or similarities.

Again in today's reading is a warning about high places, incense altars, and idols being demolished and destroyed.   They were supposed to have already destroyed these pagan influences. God is telling the people that He is grieved by their adulterous hearts.

This phrase comes up again and again and always follows a warning of condemnation, "Then they will know that I am the Lord."

Why not know that He is the Lord BEFORE the consequences and/or condemnation?