Scripture Reading : Ezekiel 1
Theme : The Vision of God’s Glory
Background: Ezekiel and his wife (who is mentioned in 24:15–27) were among 10,000 Jews taken captive to Babylon in 597 B.C. (2 Kin. 24:11–18), before the final captivity and fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. They lived in Tel-Abib (3:15) on the bank of the Chebar River, probably SE of Babylon. Ezekiel was both a prophet and a priest (1:3). His ministry extended over at least twenty-three years. He was a contemporary of both Jeremiah and Daniel, whom he names in 14:14, 20; 28:3. Ezekiel spoke mainly about God’s holiness and Judah’s sinfulness; and God’s pledge to fulfill His promise to restore Israel and to usher in the millennial kingdom and temple. Chapters 1-24 is a message of gloom and doom for Israel, which contradicts the exiles’ hope that Jerusalem would be delivered. Chapters 25-48 is a message of hope and restoration for Israel.
Ezekiel’s Calling (1-3)
Chapters 1-3 is mainly about Ezekiel’s commissioning as a prophet by divine calling and as a priest by birth. He was called by God when he was thirty years old to minister to the exiles in Babylon.
God’s Glory (4-28).
Ezekiel’s mission will be very difficult because of the stubbornness of the Jews. So God starts his ministry by reminding him of His glorious power and authority over the universe in order to strengthen him. The vision of four living creatures is mostly likely mighty angels called cherubim (10:15, 20). The mighty cherubim are pictured to carry the throne of God (cf. 2 Samuel 22:11). The one who seats on the throne is no other than Jesus, who is described as in the likeness of a human appearance (cf. Dan. 7:13-14). Other elements such as fire, stormy wind, gleaming metal, emphasize God’s judgment on sin because He is a holy, pure God. Ezekiel was so awestruck by the vision of God’s glory that He fell on his face. It is this awe, this fear that will help him to fulfill his mission.
Praying the Scripture
When you are afraid and are discouraged to obey God’s command to evangelize the lost, what you need is a good dosage of God’s awesome, glorious authority over the universe and His judgment on sin. This is why before giving the Great Commission to the disciples, Jesus first reminded the disciples that all authority in the universe has been given to Him (Matt. 28:18-20). A great sense of people’s need for forgiveness from sin will also help you to overcome your fear. If fear is preventing from witnessing, then pray that God will fill your heart with a firm foundation of His glorious authority and purity.
经文：以西结书1
主题：神荣耀的异象
背景：以西结和他的妻子（24:15-27有提到）是公元前597年被掳去巴比伦的一万个犹太人之一（王下24:11-18），即耶路撒冷在公元前586年最终的沦陷之前。他们在迦巴鲁河边的提勒亚比居住（3:15）；这或许属巴比伦的东南部。以西结是先知，也是祭司（1:3）。祂的事工至少有23年之久。他与耶利米和但以理属同时代的人，而他也在14:14. 20；28:3提及他们。以西结讲述的主要是神的圣洁和犹大的罪恶；以及神要应验自己应许的承诺，日后复兴以色列，并招进千禧国度和圣殿。第1至24章经文论道以色列即将面临的黑暗和灾祸；这与被逐之民对耶路撒冷将得解救的希望是冲突的。第25至48章经文的信息则是关乎以色列未来的盼望与复兴。
以西结的呼召（1-3）。
第1至3章经文主要与以西结的呼召有关：他有神的呼召作先知，也生来就是祭司。他在30岁时被神呼召服事被逐到巴比伦的以色列人。
神的荣耀（4-28）。
由于犹太人倔强顽固，以西结的任务将因此变得很艰难。为此，神一开始就向以西结彰显自己主宰宇宙万物的荣耀大能和权柄，叫他能刚强起来。四活物的异象很有可能是拥有大能的天使基路伯（10:15, 20）。这些强大的基路伯还曾承载神的宝座（撒下22:11），而坐在宝座上的就是耶稣；祂被形容拥有人的形象（参：但7:13-14）。其他元素，如火、狂风和光耀的金精都强调了神对罪的审判，因为祂是圣洁、纯正的神。以西结对神荣耀的异象感到如此惊艳，他俯伏在地。他所叹为观止的——这份敬畏，能助他完成任务。
用经文祷告
当你感到害怕，对于听从主命，向失丧之人传福音感到气馁时，你需要重新看到神对宇宙万物之权柄的伟大、荣耀，以及神对我们罪孽的审判。这就是为何耶稣在给予门徒大使命之前，祂先提醒门徒天上地下所有的权柄都赐给祂了（太28:18-20）。警觉到人对罪之饶恕的莫大需要能助你胜过你的恐惧。倘若你的恐惧制止了你为神作见证，要祷告神荣耀的权柄和纯洁能充满你的心。
