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 while 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. . . . Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And . . . 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 signified 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, 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.
The cherubim stood beside the wheel within a wheel (1:16), in which one wheel was revolving north-south and the other east-west. Since the cherubim faced all directions simultaneously, they were prepared to instantly obey the will of God in any direction of flight (1:9,12,17).
The Lord will protect and direct the lives of His people, just as He did Ezekiel. Israel failed to realize its greatest need was spiritual food and daily guidance from God's Word. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
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 over against = close beside; 3:12 rushing = shouting; 3:14 heat = anger; 3:26 dumb = unable to speak to warn them; 4:16 break the staff = cut off the supply.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by a family that loves Jesus · The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer · BP Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Government Officials: Rep. Ander Crenshaw (FL) and Rep. Michael Ross (AR) · Country: Paraguay (5 million) in southern South America · Major languages: Spanish and Guarani · Religious freedom · 96% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant
Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom as you read His Word, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).
Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom as you read His Word, and it will be given to you (James 1:5).
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 12:1