Unveiling the divine: thoughts on Ezekiel 1 v 1
Step into the profound narrative of Ezekiel 1:1, where an open heaven reveals visions of God that challenge and transform. This journey is for anyone seeking a deeper connection, an invitation to consider the call for complete surrender that echoes through this powerful scripture. Let us explore together what it means to encounter the divine.
Visions of God: a heavenly encounter
Ezekiel's vision in chapter 1, verse 1, describes a breathtaking encounter with the divine, an 'open heaven' and profound 'visions of God'. This wasn't merely a dream, but a vivid, overwhelming revelation of glory and power. Such encounters are not meant to be passively observed, but to stir within us a desire to draw closer, to truly know the God who reveals Himself in such magnificent ways.
Ezekiel was 30 years old, he was by the Kebar River in Babylon when he first had visions of God. The Kebar River is believed to be a tributary of the Euphrates River in what is now Iraq.
Did Ezekiel see these visions of God for 5 years? Or were they all in one block of time, we don't know.
Imagine being given a glimpse of God and heaven - One glimpse would etch its memory on your life, But to see many visions, that would make such an impression.
Did Ezekiel talk about the visions to the others around him, was he so full of amazement and awe that he couldn't keep silent.
To him God was God and his allegiance to God was total. He was born into a family of priests and he took on the same role.
The next we hear was 5 years later when Ezekiel heard the voice of God.
The call to surrender: responding to his majesty
When faced with such an awe-inspiring vision of God, a natural response is surrender. Ezekiel's experience underscores a fundamental truth: 'God requires a surrender from His people.' This isn't about giving up, but giving in to a greater purpose, a deeper peace. It's an invitation to entrust our lives fully to the One whose majesty Ezekiel beheld, allowing His will to shape our path.
How would your life change if you had a vision of God?
We hear of how people have died and gone to Heaven, met Jesus, only to be told that it was not their time and they needed to return to earth. They have been given a mission to tell people that Jesus is alive and heaven is real.
their lives are never the same, as they have a purpose to live for, and that purpose is Jesus and to do His will.
Surrender to God, means life, but many people are wrong in their thinking. This life is a choice we have to make. Are you willing to surrender to God, or not?
But time is running out, you may not get another chance. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, now is your chance to get right with God. Now is the chance to be in perfect union with God.
If you wait or delay, you may not get another chance. Your life continues after death, make sure you spend your time with God
Deepening your walk: questions for reflection
Whether you're new to exploring the Bible or deeply familiar with its wisdom, Ezekiel 1:1 offers a starting point for profound reflection. How does this vision of God challenge your understanding? What aspects of your life are you being called to surrender? We hope that by pondering these 'visions of God', you will gain a new understanding that 'God requires a surrender from His people', leading you to feel closer to Him and encouraged in your spiritual journey.
What is your walk with God like?
Do you feel close to Him or far away?
Do you want a deeper walk with God?
Are you prepared to surrender your whole life to Him?
Make God your total focus, not just a thought you have now and then.
Don't just read your Bible as though it's a nice story book or praying superficial words because they sound good.
Study, examine every word of God, for every word has meaning. Reach out to God in prayer with your whole being, surrender you life completely, not just a part of it.
Don't play at being a Christian. God deserves 100% commitment. Afterall Jesus gave 100% for us, by coming to earth and suffering death for our sins so that we could know His forgiveness and live with Him after we pass on from this world.
A prayer.
Father God, I pray these words will sink into our lives & make us realise that you require total commitment from us and not just lip service. Impress upon our hearts the need for coming closer to know you more, to love you more and to follow you more. Amen