“Declare all that you see to the house of Israel.” (v.4)
In this final section of the book of Ezekiel the prophet is given some very descriptive visions by God, 14 years after the city of Jerusalem was taken and the temple destroyed. Ezekiel’s vision of a new temple seems to be a future building project, for no temple matching the measurements given in chapters 40 and following, has yet been built. Because Ezekiel had never had the privilege of serving in the original temple, this must have been a thrilling vision for him.
While a prophet and in exile, he remained a priest. Even in the vision though, he was not allowed into the Most Holy Place (41:3–4). But, to receive and share from God a picture of this new temple to the house of Israel, must have been deeply fulfilling in comparison to other messages he delivered.
Prophets could not pick and choose which messages they would deliver. They were called to be God's mouthpiece to His people. They were given the responsibility of speaking for God as a result of divine inspiration, visions, dreams, and other visitations. Therefore, they could not change His message, or color it up to make the people feel better. Speaking His words, His truth, boldly and truthfully no matter what the consequences to themselves, took tremendous faith, strength, and courage.
Today nothing has changed in God's expectations of His ministers, pastors, teachers, and clergy. Speaking His truth, His Word, His Gospel, with no additions or subtractions is the divine expectation of all, including us. The Apostle Paul said of his preaching, "Unlike so many, we (disciples) do not peddle the word of God. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God" (2 Corinthians 2:17).
The apostle John records Jesus's strong word's concerning the end time prophecy in the book of Revelation with this warning, "If anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and the Holy City, which is described in this scroll" (Rev. 22:19). Therefore, John wisely recorded only the words of Jesus in his book of Revelation, no more no less. The message is clear, speak truth and do not add or subtract from God's Word when speaking for Him.
The Truth: "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His Commandments, because this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Chris
In this final section of the book of Ezekiel the prophet is given some very descriptive visions by God, 14 years after the city of Jerusalem was taken and the temple destroyed. Ezekiel’s vision of a new temple seems to be a future building project, for no temple matching the measurements given in chapters 40 and following, has yet been built. Because Ezekiel had never had the privilege of serving in the original temple, this must have been a thrilling vision for him.
While a prophet and in exile, he remained a priest. Even in the vision though, he was not allowed into the Most Holy Place (41:3–4). But, to receive and share from God a picture of this new temple to the house of Israel, must have been deeply fulfilling in comparison to other messages he delivered.
Prophets could not pick and choose which messages they would deliver. They were called to be God's mouthpiece to His people. They were given the responsibility of speaking for God as a result of divine inspiration, visions, dreams, and other visitations. Therefore, they could not change His message, or color it up to make the people feel better. Speaking His words, His truth, boldly and truthfully no matter what the consequences to themselves, took tremendous faith, strength, and courage.
Today nothing has changed in God's expectations of His ministers, pastors, teachers, and clergy. Speaking His truth, His Word, His Gospel, with no additions or subtractions is the divine expectation of all, including us. The Apostle Paul said of his preaching, "Unlike so many, we (disciples) do not peddle the word of God. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God" (2 Corinthians 2:17).
The apostle John records Jesus's strong word's concerning the end time prophecy in the book of Revelation with this warning, "If anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and the Holy City, which is described in this scroll" (Rev. 22:19). Therefore, John wisely recorded only the words of Jesus in his book of Revelation, no more no less. The message is clear, speak truth and do not add or subtract from God's Word when speaking for Him.
The Truth: "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His Commandments, because this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Chris
