His Story For His Glory

O. T. #1955  "His Story For His Glory"

June 3, 2021

Summary of Ezekiel

Before we get into the summary, let's look at the rest of Psalm 84.

For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. (verse 10)

Doorkeeper means to wait at the threshold.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. (verse 11)

O LORD of Hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee. (verse 12)

The Lord's favor and honor are available to those who live with integrity. His blessings provide both provision and protection, shining on them like the rays of the sun and sheltering them like a shield. Today, believers have the privilege of enjoying God's presence through His Holy Spirit who dwells in us, making us God's temple-individually and collectively. (Tony Evans)

Summary of Ezekiel

Ezekiel was a priestly prophet. When he was about 18, Babylon made their first invasion into Judah and carried away Daniel. They years later, they came again and took Ezekiel  with captives as exiles to be slaves, imprisoned, and settle in their own homes. The prophet was the latter, living by the River of Chebar.

In the first three chapters we read of Ezekiel's call and commissioning. His ministry lasted around 22-25 years. The Lord came directly to Ezekiel, and the hand of the Lord was upon him. (1:3) Ezekiel was a faithful watchman on the wall proclaiming what was to come to God's people and the pagans.

What do we learn about this?

• He gave were messages of doom, against foreign nations, and messages of hope.
• Those messages related to the character of God, His Holiness, the sinfulness of Israel, judgment to come, and individual responsibility, as well as restoration.
• Ezekiel had visions of a chariot of fire, cherubim, a roll or scroll, plain, Jerusalem, dry bones, and the future New Temple.
• There were symbolic actions taught by actual events and allegories.
• Prominent subjects included God as Sovereign Maker and His glory and majesty.

God warned His people what would happen if they did not repent of their idolatry and changed to worshiping Him. But we know they did not, so God sent the Babylonian army to Judah and Jerusalem. Ezekiel fearlessly preached the Word of God to the exiled Jew in the streets of Babylon. In addition, he told of God's love and power.

We must be careful to not be indifferent, rebellious, and practice idolatry. Will we commit our self to obey God, whatever, wherever, and whenever He asks and sends us? It may be across our street, at our job, in our church, or across the country or waters. We must be faithful to go and do whatever God has for us while it is day, for night is coming when no one can work (death).

Is our faith the size of a tiny mustard seed? God will reward it. He blesses our obedience. Share the story of salvation for God's glory.