Today we begin the book of Ezekiel who was a younger contemporary of Jeremiah. While Jeremiah ministered to the people while they were still in Judah, Ezekiel prophesied to the people who were already exiled to Babylon. He was taken there in 597 B.C. and the book was written approximately 571 B.C. The purpose of the book was to once again announce judgement on Israel and other nations. The book also takes part in announcing salvation to God’s people. Like God’s people back in Ezekiel’s day, we are never without explanation and direction. We just need to choose to follow God’s instruction.
2013 Day 297 – Ezekiel 1-4, Isaiah 35
24 Thursday Oct 2013
Posted in Daily Reading
Daily Devotion 
I was a little disheartened when I saw what we “have” to read now :). We were on a roll with John… but I can do this! But then I was surprised to find something very applicable. God is telling Ezekiel that he has to go out and talk to all these extremely stubborn people who won’t listen to him. I’m sure Ezekiel is thinking, “Great. I’m such a lucky guy…” But just like with every other person God uses to speak, he equips him to be able to do it.
3:8 I will make you as stubborn as they are. 9 You will be so determined to speak my message that nothing will stop you. I will make you hard like a diamond, and you’ll have no reason to be afraid of those arrogant rebels.
Guess that answers that question in Ezekiel’s mind.
And then verse 14 brings this down to our level and makes Ezekiel actually quite endearing
3:14 The Lord’s power had taken complete control of me, and I was both annoyed and angry.
I feel ya, buddy. I would’ve felt the same way…
I know how hard it is to shift from books like John and Peter to Ezekiel. But while there is a lot of wordiness and tedium, there is richness in the message. I’m sure we can pull great information as we work through this together.