Bible Pathways 09/01/2003
September 1
Read Ezekiel 1 -- 4
In Today's Reading:
Ezekiel's vision of God's control of world affairs; his call; warning of judgment
As a captive of Nebuchadnezzar and far from the promised land, Ezekiel could not offer sacrifices to God according to the Law. But, to Ezekiel's great joy, the Word of the LORD came expressly to Ezekiel the priest . . . in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him (Ezekiel 1:3).
In Ezekiel's first vision, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself (flashing forth), and a brightness was about it. . . . out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. . . . they had the likeness of a man (1:4-5). The cherubim (angelic beings) were fulfilling the perfect will of God.
Each of the four cherubim had wings and hands and four different faces. These heavenly beings typified Jesus Christ, as seen in the four Gospels. The lion represented the ruler of the animal kingdom and symbolized the royalty and supreme majesty of Jesus Christ the King, as presented in Matthew. The ox represented the most valuable domesticated animal and represented strength and patient service as the Servant of God, symbolic of Jesus Christ, as presented in Mark. The face of man represented the humanity of Christ as perfect, fully human, and yet fully divine, as presented in Luke. The eagle was admired for its superior ability to swiftly rise into the heavens above all enemies on earth and represented the deity of Jesus, as revealed in John. The swiftness of the eagle also represented Christ, Who is quick to bring protection, provision, or judgment, in a moment when needed. Since the cherubim faced all directions simultaneously, they were prepared to instantly obey the will of God in any direction of flight.
The cherubim stood beside the wheel within a wheel (1:16), in which one wheel was revolving north-south and the other east-west, so there was no need to turn the wheel in any direction. They turned not when they went; they went every one straight forward (1:9, also 12,17).
The Lord is prepared to protect and direct the lives of His people. Not only did He deliver them from Babylon and idol worship, but He provided them with their greatest need — His Word for their guidance. For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).
Christ Revealed:
In a likeness as the appearance of a Man, Who sat upon the throne (Ezekiel 1:26-28). This foreshadowed God appearing as a Man, the Man Christ Jesus (I Timothy 2:5).
Word Studies:
1:18 dreadful = awesome, wonderful; 1:20 up = close beside; 3:12 rushing = shouting; 3:14 heat = anger, rage; 3:26 dumb = mute, voiceless, unable to speak to warn them; 4:16 break the staff = cut off the supply
Prayer Needs:
Pray for the 2003 National Bible Reading Movement · the Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mission For Christ, Inc., Brad & Michelle Donner · the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by a family that loves Jesus · Government Officials: Rep. Ander Crenshaw (FL) and Rep. Michael Ross (AR) · Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China · Major language: Mandarin Chinese · Religious freedom · 70% Chinese folk-religions/Buddhism; 3% Protestant; 1.5% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Pray without ceasing (II Timothy 1:3).
Optional Reading: Revelation 6
NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:28
