“It came to pass…as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.” Ezekiel 1:2
Dear Ones:
It was during the sixth century before Christ that Ezekiel, the prophet, exercised his ministry among the exiles which had been carried to Babylon between the first and final deportations of Judah. He too was a captive in a foreign land. And yet, he was God’s free man, for to him was given revelations from God that not only elevated his own soul above his circumstances, difficulties, and suffering of that time, but contributed to the experience of God by many of his fellow captives. What then is this “freedom,” this “liberty,” by which Ezekiel lived, and carried on his ministry? The basis for it was laid by the initiative of God, revealing something of Himself, and eternal things, to the heart of the one who is truly thirsty. He opens the eyes of the understanding to grasp the spiritual realities that were of far greater significance, and scope, than the present limiting circumstances and hardship. That which the heavenly visions of God and His works gave was hope, an expectation of that which would come as revealed by God. It is true that God would speak of the present condition of the minds and hearts of the people, which needed to be addressed, for it was by their rebellion that they were captives. But with the strong words of God’s attitude towards sin and rebellion, and the call to repent, would come a glimpse of His compassion, faithfulness, and goodness. There are two promises, among many, which God gave through Ezekiel to the people, so that hope would be born in their hearts, a hope, not only concerning that which was material and physical, but that which would meet the deep needs of their hearts and souls. Though captive, they would be free. How? And what were the promises?
The first promise had to do with the Lord’s abiding presence with the captives. It also dealt with His promised provision, that the “captive” might know Him, and commune with Him. The Lord speaks of the fact that they have been scattered among the countries, far off among the heathen, because of their rebellion and faithlessness. But then, He promises that there, in their captivity, “…I will be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.” (11:16) In other words, though they be carried away captive, He has not abandoned them, but is waiting in that land, to reveal Himself to their hearts and souls. He is thus, as one Christian writer put it, “…waiting to be wanted,” in that place of narrowness, and limitations. His presence is just as real there as it was in Jerusalem.
The second promise deals with an expectation, not only of present communion, but of restoration, revitalization, renewal, and revival. It deals with the return of the captives from their present circumstances, to the promised land, and to Jerusalem. The Lord said through Ezekiel: “Thus saith the Lord God; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.” (11:17) The “gifts and the calling of God” are without repentance, for in them, and according to them, God will realize His established, eternal purpose, which He will not abandon, or turn aside from. So then, God gives hope to the believer “in captivity” a promise of communion with God, and the personal revelation of God to the spirit and heart. God, in the context of the captivity, provides the means of experiencing that which is of heaven, to the satisfaction of the soul. God also provides a hope for the future, by giving the people a certain promise based upon His immutable character, as He is perfectly, absolutely, faithful. God will bring them back to the land of promise, that place where the promises of God are fully realized for His glory.
Dear Father, Open our eyes to see and know the certainty of communion with Thee in the circumstances of Thy choosing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad