Ezekiel 1-4

In chapter 1 we see the prophet Ezekiel having a vision from the Lord. The vision has as much to with receiving a word from the Lord as it does interpretation of the symbolism that was necessary for the Hebrews to understand the images. It is really challenging to us because we do not understand the power involved in the vision. The creatures had four faces: 1 man was God's appointed ruler of the earth, 2 the Lion was the most ferocious beasts known to them, 3 an ox was the most powerful domesticated animal, 4 the Eagle was the mightiest of birds. These are four Cherubim (throne attendants) which is the Hebrew number for completeness. They also represent the four gospels. The expanse above their wings separates them from the spirit of the Lord. The four directions they face represent four directions to cover all of the earth, and the eyes in the wheels symbolize God's all seeing nature. We see their wings and heads bow in reverence to the Lord. Then He saw the Lord. When He saw Him, He fell face down in submission and reverence. Notice after He did that is when He heard the Lord speak.

In chapter 2 the Lord sends out Ezekiel. The spirit came in Him for the assignment. He was instructed not to be affected by their response to the message, for their sin was rebelliousness and being stubborn and obstinate (hard headed). This caused them to their own way and not be concerned with the things of God. Eating the scroll was willingness to take in God's word and accept the Lord's assignment.

In chapter 3 we see Ezekiel being further equipped for the assignment. He made his forehead harder than flint and His character as unyielding and hardened as they are. Ezekiel went in anger and bitterness, then he sat among those to whom He was sent overwhelmed.
16 At the end of seven days the word of the LORD came to me: 17 "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. 18 When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for ^[g] his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself." (NIV) Here we see how the Lord feels about our response to His assignment.

In chapter 4 we see God giving the details for the assignment. Ezekiel was to be obedient to God show Israel that someone must bear their sins. That was really Christ's job, but Ezekiel was to be the instrument to prepare them for that in this way. God ended chapter 3 with this: 27...'This is what the Sovereign LORD says.' Whoever will listen let him listen, and whoever will refuse let him refuse; for they are a rebellious house. There are consequences for our response to Him. Chapter 4 ends with them. We should all listen in a way that our response would be that of one who is considered to be a good steward of the things we have been entrusted with.