OT Fire Starters – Day 314: Ezekiel 1-2

READ: Ezekiel 1-2

THINK: Some people dream of attaining glory. But what does that mean, “glory”? True glory is something no human can even comprehend, let alone achieve, because it belongs only to God. Ezekiel’s extraordinary visions contained images unlike anything on earth. They accentuated the fact that words cannot adequately describe God’s glory, which is so supernaturally intense that no human can experience it firsthand and survive. At best, one can see only an “appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD” (1:28). And yet, we don’t need a vision like Ezekiel had. We can relate to our glorious God through a personal encounter with His Son, Jesus Christ (cf. John 1:14), through the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 4:14) and through God’s Word (2 Corinthians 3:7-11).

RESPOND: To whom was Ezekiel called to communicate God’s message? (See 1:1 note.) What were the main objectives of Ezekiel’s mission? (See 1:3 note.) What did God reveal about His character through Ezekiel’s visions? (See 1:4 note.) What were the creatures Ezekiel saw, and what did they represent? (See 1:5 note.) Whom did the cherubim precisely follow (1:12,20)? (See 1:12 note.) What do the burning coals represent (1:13), and in what two ways does God’s fire function? (See 1:13 note.) What do the wheels beneath God’s throne indicate about His activity? (See 1:15-25 note.) What does the imagery of Ezekiel’s visions reveal about God? In what form did Ezekiel see God (1:26-28), and why is this significant? (See 1:26 note.) What does 1:28 indicate about the primary purpose of Ezekiel’s vision, and why did God reveal himself in this way? (See 1:28 note, subpoint 1.) Why does God call Ezekiel “son of man,” and how is this a reminder to us? (See 2:1 note.) By Whom was Ezekiel empowered to proclaim God’s message? (See 2:2 note.) What kinds of messengers does God use (2:5-8)? (See 2:5 note.)

PRAY: Praise God for His great glory. Thank the Holy Spirit for His guidance and power. Pray that you’ll remain dependent on God and that you’ll be bold in standing for His truth.

ACT: Do all things for God’s honor and glory, not your own. In attitudes, words and actions, aim to draw attention to God, not yourself. If you’ve hesitated to do something you know God desires, rely on Him for boldness to obey.