Reading for the Commemoration of Ezekiel

On July 21 the Church commemorates the prophet Ezekiel. Today's reading is from from Faith Alive Student Bible.

Introduction

Ezekiel’s prophecy in the time of the exile reminded people that despite their sinfulness, God had a plan to restore and forgive them. Even though the time of exile was difficult and challenging, God spoke words of hope through Ezekiel. Likewise, even in our sinfulness, God is with us and forgives us through Jesus.

Devotional Reading

How does Ezekiel show us God’s love? 

Through Ezekiel, God promises his people in exile that he is still watching over them and will someday restore them. Though they are far from home, God has not forgotten them and still loves them. The people feel as if they are dead, but God would raise them up. God would do all of this because of the Messiah, Jesus, who would be like a Shepherd to care for them.

Whom did God inspire to write this book? 

The prophet Ezekiel, who was with the exiles in Babylon, wrote this book.

What special messages does this book give us? 

The first part of Ezekiel shows why God must punish the wicked people still in Judah. The second part shows that God would bring his people back to their land and rebuild their spiritual relationship with him. Ezekiel teaches these things by acting out many of his prophecies and by describing many visions. These visions, such as in chapters 37 and 40–48, and some of Ezekiel’s prophecies, such as in chapters 38–39, are illustrations, picture language. They do not give us details of how events will actually happen. 

What are some important chapters in this book?

• Ezekiel’s vision, Ezekiel 1, 10;
• The attack on Jerusalem acted out, Ezekiel 4;
• Wickedness in the temple, Ezekiel 8–11;
• Ezekiel, God’s watchman, Ezekiel 33;
• The Messiah as Good Shepherd, Ezekiel 34;
• The vision of dry bones, Ezekiel 37 

When was this book written? 

Ezekiel was written between 593 and 571 B.C. 

_{Devotional reading is from Faith Alive Student Bible, page 899 © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.}

Prayer

Lord, because of our sins, we are in “exile” from our true home. But we give You thanks daily that You send ministers to preach the Gospel of Christ's death and resurrection, to absolve us of our sins in His name, and thus lead us to our spiritual home, now and in eternity. Amen.

_{Prayer is from The Lutheran Study Bible, page 1309 © 2009 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.}