A Prophet in Exile
Now the fun starts! Today we begin the book of Ezekiel, reading chapters 1–4. I say “fun” because we’re entering a stretch of Scripture rich with end-times prophecy and profound spiritual symbolism. The next few books—and especially the minor prophets—offer deep lessons. Maybe I’m just a Bible geek, but this is the part I love.
Ezekiel’s ministry distinguishes him from other biblical prophets since it all happened outside of Israel. While others, like Jeremiah, prophesied both within and beyond the land, Ezekiel’s visions and writings came from exile in Babylon. We know this from Ezekiel 1:1, where he says, “While I was among the exiles by the Kebar River” (NIV).
This detail reminds us that although God has chosen Israel, He does not confine Himself geographically. One of the key lessons in these opening chapters is the “wheel within a wheel” vision, which reveals God’s omniscience and omnipresence (Ezek. 1:16).(1) He knows all and is everywhere, all at once.
Multitasking
Modern life demands multitasking. My days involve writing computer code for an app I’m building, researching biblical truths, crafting devotionals, and managing all the other roles people assigned to me. It would be amazing to be in more than one place at a time. Yet, through the internet and social media, I reach people daily in Africa, Europe, Asia, and across America.
In a way, we all learn to wear multiple faces—just as Ezekiel’s vision described. The being he saw had four faces:
Human–representing the wisdom God has given man
Lion–symbolizing strength to overcome life’s obstacles
Ox–reflecting servanthood and humility
Eagle–pointing to God’s sovereignty(2)
These faces belong to the one Ezekiel saw—Jesus Himself. Early Christian art and theology later connected these four faces to the four Gospel authors, each symbolizing a distinct aspect of Christ’s ministry.(3)
The Faces We Wear
Though we wear many faces, they become stained by sin. When Jesus imparts His righteousness to us, I believe this is what God sees when He looks at us: the transformed image described in Ezekiel’s vision.
Reading that this morning struck me with the impossibility of describing God to someone who doesn’t know Him. When Moses asked who He was, God replied, “I am” (Exod. 3:14). Ezekiel’s vision attempts to describe the indescribable. Each face carries deep spiritual meaning.
People often ask me how I know God is real. I tell them I’ve seen Him. They scoff. So I describe the world—things that defy natural explanation. The intricate variation in plants, the way certain animals couldn’t have evolved without divine design. Evolutionary theory can’t account for transitional features that would’ve rendered a species extinct before it adapted.
Then, I share my testimony. A rebel like me coming to salvation is a miracle. Some call it a coincidence. I weep for them, but I understand. I was once an atheist.
Parables of Jesus
I also love sharing the miracles that shaped America—too many to name here. Democracy itself is a miracle. It was being formed around the same time Ezekiel was writing. While he witnessed the implementation of moral law, justice, and accountability, Rome was introducing representative governance with checks and balances. Meanwhile, Greece was experimenting with citizen participation and public debate. (3)
It was a time of global spiritual awakening. India and China were undergoing major shifts in religious and philosophical practice. Some attribute this to trade routes and commerce. But in doing so, it deprives God of the reverence He deserves.
Therefore, Jesus spoke in parables. He said, “This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand’” (Matt. 13:13, NIV).
Reflect and Respond
In the coming week, we’ll see how influential Ezekiel is on modern life. But today, I invite you to reflect:
How would you describe God to someone who doesn’t know Him?
How accurate would that description be?
And if not Jesus, what faces would people see when they look at you?
In my earlier days, those faces were addict, fornicator, liar, thief. Today, by the miraculous work of God, I am a preacher, husband, father, author. That transformation is no coincidence. It’s grace.
Tomorrow, we will read Ezekiel 5-9.
Notes
“Ezekiel’s Vision of God,” Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals, Ligonier Ministries.
Robin M. Jensen, “Of Cherubim and Gospel Symbols,” Biblical Archaeology Review, July/August 1995, BAS Library.
“The Evolution of Democracy: From Ancient Greece to Modern Times,” Philosophy Institute.