Ezekiel, The book of Glory. | SermonAudio
Summary
This sermon series explores the book of Ezekiel, highlighting its central theme: the glory of God. It covers God's holiness, judgment on sin, and the promise of restoration for Israel. The series explains Ezekiel's place in biblical history, emphasizing God's faithfulness despite Israel's failures, and shows how the book points to Jesus Christ as the true shepherd, the source of cleansing and living water, and the ultimate manifestation of God's glory. It concludes that Ezekiel's message confirms God's unfailing purposes and points to the eternal dwelling of God with His people.
Key Insights
Ezekiel's primary message is about God's holiness, the judgment of sin, and the promised restoration of Israel, culminating in God's returning glory.
The book of Ezekiel focuses on three main themes: the absolute holiness of God, the inevitable judgment of sin, and the ultimate promised restoration of Israel. This restoration is vividly depicted by the return of God's glory to the land and the temple, signifying God's enduring plan and presence.
God's glory departed from the temple, a solemn warning against a church that may perform religious activities without His manifest presence.
Chapters 8-11 vividly describe God's glory leaving the temple and ascending to heaven. This occurred while the temple still stood and religious activities continued, highlighting the danger for the church to prioritize religious machinery over genuine spiritual vitality and God's presence. A church can have buildings and programs but lack true spiritual life if God's manifest presence is absent.
Human reliance on wealth, power, or technology, neglecting God, repeats the prideful mistakes of ancient nations condemned in Ezekiel.
The sermon connects the ancient nations' pride and self-reliance to modern society's tendency to believe humanity can succeed without God. When individuals or societies rely solely on wealth, power, technology, or political influence, they echo the same mistake made by Tyre, Egypt, and others who were judged. God will not cede His throne to human pride.
The Valley of Dry Bones vision (Ezekiel 37) signifies Israel's national and spiritual restoration, not a revival message for the church.
Ezekiel 37's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones is often misinterpreted. It is presented not as a revival message for the church or individual salvation, but specifically as a prophecy of the national and spiritual restoration of the house of Israel. The bones represent Israel, and the vision promises a future national re-gathering and spiritual renewal.
Ezekiel anticipates a future Messianic kingdom, pointing to a greater Davidic ruler beyond King David himself.
The book of Ezekiel points forward to a future Messianic kingdom. It references 'David, my servant, shall be king over them,' not referring to the historical David, but to a future, greater Davidic ruler. This foreshadows the reign of Jesus Christ, fulfilling God's covenantal promises to David regarding an eternal throne.
God is absolutely holy, as demonstrated by Ezekiel's overwhelming vision of His majestic, incomprehensible throne.
Ezekiel's opening vision reveals the absolute holiness of God. The majestic, complex imagery of His throne, living creatures, wheels, fire, and brightness is incomprehensible to humans. This vision evokes a profound sense of awe, causing Ezekiel (like Isaiah) to fall on his face, recognizing his own inadequacy in the presence of divine holiness.
God cares for the individual, holding each person accountable for their sins, not blaming descendants for ancestral iniquities.
Ezekiel chapter 18 counters the proverb 'the fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge'. God declares that the soul who sins shall die; the son will not bear the iniquity of the father. Every individual is morally accountable before God, and salvation is a personal choice, as God has no grandchildren.
God is faithful to His own name, acting for His holy name's sake, not solely for Israel's merit.
A recurring statement in Ezekiel is 'that they may know that I am the Lord.' God's actions, including Israel's restoration, are ultimately for the sake of His holy name (Ezekiel 36:22). Israel's failings do not nullify God's promises because His faithfulness is rooted in His unchanging character and name, not in human performance.
Ezekiel anticipates Christ as the true shepherd who will care for and give His life for His sheep.
Ezekiel 34 condemns Israel's faithless shepherds and promises God will raise up one shepherd, His servant David. This points to Jesus Christ, who identifies Himself as the 'good shepherd' in John 10:11. Unlike the self-serving shepherds of Ezekiel's day, Christ gives His life for the sheep, fulfilling the promise of a caring and sacrificial leader.
Christ provides the spiritual cleansing and the new heart promised in Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 36 promises spiritual cleansing with 'sprinkled clean water' and a 'new heart' of flesh. This points to Christ's work, as the blood of Christ cleanses believers from all sin (1 John 1:7). God does not promise to fix the old heart but to give a new one, signifying the transformative work of God through the Holy Spirit, accomplished by Christ.
Ezekiel, a priest and prophet, was exiled to Babylon in 597 BC, receiving a life-changing vision by the river Kiba.
Ezekiel was both a prophet and a priest who was taken captive to Babylon in the second wave of exiles in 597 BC. While living among the exiles by the river Kiba, he experienced a profound vision that shaped his prophetic ministry and the content of the book.
The book divides into three sections: departure of God's glory, judgment of nations, and restoration of God's glory.
The book of Ezekiel naturally divides into three major sections. The first section deals with the departure of God's glory from the temple due to Israel's sin. The second section covers the judgment of surrounding nations for their actions against Israel. The final section focuses on the return and restoration of God's glory, offering hope and a vision of future fulfillment.
Israel mistakenly believed their possession of the temple guaranteed security, ignoring God's warnings of judgment for disobedience.
In the first section of Ezekiel (chapters 1-24), the people of Israel had a false sense of security rooted in their possession of the temple and religious privileges. They believed these afforded them immunity from judgment, despite Deuteronomy's clear stipulations regarding obedience and disobedience. God sent Ezekiel to expose their wickedness and warn them of impending destruction and judgment.
God judged surrounding nations for their pride and mistreatment of Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty over all peoples.
In chapters 25-32, Ezekiel pronounces judgment on nations like Ammon, Edom, Moab, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt. These nations are judged not only for their own sins but also for their pride and their actions towards Israel during their captivity. This serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel, and He holds them accountable for their pride and reliance on earthly power or wealth.
The final chapters of Ezekiel offer hope through promises of restoration, a new shepherd, a new heart, and the return of God's glory.
The latter part of Ezekiel (chapters 33-48) is filled with hope and promises of restoration. These include the promise of a new shepherd (Chapter 34), a new heart and spirit (Chapter 36), national and spiritual restoration symbolized by the Valley of Dry Bones (Chapter 37), the defeat of hostile nations (Chapters 38-39), and a future temple with the glory of God returning (Chapters 40-48).
God's glory departed and then returned to the temple, foreshadowing Christ's future temple and His role in God's restored presence.
The book's narrative arc shows God's glory departing from the temple at the beginning and returning at the end. This cyclical movement anticipates a future temple, one that Jesus Christ will build. The return of glory signifies God's ultimate plan to dwell with His people once more.
Ezekiel's ministry occurred during Israel's exile, explaining the reasons for Jerusalem's fall and affirming the certainty of restoration.
Ezekiel served as a contemporary prophet alongside Jeremiah in Judah and Daniel in Babylon. His ministry among the exiles in Babylon explained why Jerusalem fell—not due to Nebuchadnezzar's might or idols, but because of God's judgment on His sinful people. Crucially, Ezekiel also revealed that Israel's restoration was certain.
Ezekiel's message culminates God's covenant purpose through the Messiah's reign, following Israel's failures and prophets' announcements.
While Genesis introduced God's covenant promises and historical books depicted Israel's repeated failures, and other prophets announced judgment and restoration, Ezekiel uniquely demonstrates that God's covenant purpose will ultimately be fulfilled in the Messiah's reign. Israel's failures do not negate God's faithfulness; salvation and restoration are based on God's character, not human merit.
Modern culture has diminished the understanding of God's glory and holiness, leading to a casual approach to worship.
The sermon critiques a modern tendency to trivialize God's glory, reducing Him to a caricature. This has led to a casual approach to worship and relating to God. Churches need to recover a proper understanding of God's infinite holiness, which must shape our worship, conduct, and relationships, recognizing that His love and mercy do not negate His absolute holiness.
God desires repentance and life for the wicked, demonstrating His love through Christ's sacrifice for sinners.
Despite being a God who judges sin, Ezekiel reveals that God does not delight in the death of the wicked. He calls sinners to repentance and promises life (Ezekiel 33:11). This desire for reconciliation is perfectly demonstrated at the cross, where God's justice and love met, proving His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
Our eternal security rests on God's unwavering faithfulness and character, not on our own imperfect spiritual performance.
The sermon emphasizes that our security in God is not based on how tightly we hold onto Him, but on His finished work and unchanging character. Just as God promises Israel's restoration for His name's sake despite their failures, our eternal security is guaranteed by His faithfulness and His promises, which He cannot fail to keep.
Christ is the manifestation of God's glory, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophecy of glory returning to the temple.
Ezekiel begins with God's glory departing and ends with its return. This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, in whom 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory' (John 1:14). Christ is Emmanuel, God in the flesh, revealing God's glory. His promised glorious return signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's prophetic purposes.
The book's conclusion, 'The Lord is There' (Jehovah Shammah), encapsulates the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people in Christ.
Ezekiel ends with the name of the city being 'The Lord is There' (Jehovah Shammah), emphasizing the culmination of God's presence. This contrasts with Genesis where fellowship with God was lost due to sin. In Revelation, God's redeemed people will dwell with Him forever, a glorious reality fully revealed and made possible through Jesus Christ.
Sections
Introduction and Overview of Ezekiel
Ezekiel is the book of God's glory, beginning with a vision of glory and ending with its return.
The book of Ezekiel is fundamentally about the glory of God. It opens with Ezekiel witnessing God's glory and later departing from the temple due to Israel's sin. The climax of the book is the return of this same glory. This theme underscores that while God's holiness demands judgment, His faithfulness guarantees restoration, assuring his people that God has not abandoned His purposes, promises, or people.
The sermon series uses four questions to explore Ezekiel: its subject, biblical context, teachings about God, and Christological significance.
To understand the book of Ezekiel, the sermon series poses four core questions: 1. What is the book about? 2. Where does it fit in the Bible story? 3. What does it teach us about God? 4. How does it point to Christ? These questions will be addressed throughout the series, providing a comprehensive structure for studying the prophet's message.
Ezekiel's primary message is about God's holiness, the judgment of sin, and the promised restoration of Israel, culminating in God's returning glory.
The book of Ezekiel focuses on three main themes: the absolute holiness of God, the inevitable judgment of sin, and the ultimate promised restoration of Israel. This restoration is vividly depicted by the return of God's glory to the land and the temple, signifying God's enduring plan and presence.
What the Book of Ezekiel is About
Ezekiel, a priest and prophet, was exiled to Babylon in 597 BC, receiving a life-changing vision by the river Kiba.
Ezekiel was both a prophet and a priest who was taken captive to Babylon in the second wave of exiles in 597 BC. While living among the exiles by the river Kiba, he experienced a profound vision that shaped his prophetic ministry and the content of the book.
The book divides into three sections: departure of God's glory, judgment of nations, and restoration of God's glory.
The book of Ezekiel naturally divides into three major sections. The first section deals with the departure of God's glory from the temple due to Israel's sin. The second section covers the judgment of surrounding nations for their actions against Israel. The final section focuses on the return and restoration of God's glory, offering hope and a vision of future fulfillment.
Israel mistakenly believed their possession of the temple guaranteed security, ignoring God's warnings of judgment for disobedience.
In the first section of Ezekiel (chapters 1-24), the people of Israel had a false sense of security rooted in their possession of the temple and religious privileges. They believed these afforded them immunity from judgment, despite Deuteronomy's clear stipulations regarding obedience and disobedience. God sent Ezekiel to expose their wickedness and warn them of impending destruction and judgment.
God's glory departed from the temple, a solemn warning against a church that may perform religious activities without His manifest presence.
Chapters 8-11 vividly describe God's glory leaving the temple and ascending to heaven. This occurred while the temple still stood and religious activities continued, highlighting the danger for the church to prioritize religious machinery over genuine spiritual vitality and God's presence. A church can have buildings and programs but lack true spiritual life if God's manifest presence is absent.
God judged surrounding nations for their pride and mistreatment of Israel, demonstrating His sovereignty over all peoples.
In chapters 25-32, Ezekiel pronounces judgment on nations like Ammon, Edom, Moab, Philistia, Tyre, Sidon, and Egypt. These nations are judged not only for their own sins but also for their pride and their actions towards Israel during their captivity. This serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel, and He holds them accountable for their pride and reliance on earthly power or wealth.
Human reliance on wealth, power, or technology, neglecting God, repeats the prideful mistakes of ancient nations condemned in Ezekiel.
The sermon connects the ancient nations' pride and self-reliance to modern society's tendency to believe humanity can succeed without God. When individuals or societies rely solely on wealth, power, technology, or political influence, they echo the same mistake made by Tyre, Egypt, and others who were judged. God will not cede His throne to human pride.
The final chapters of Ezekiel offer hope through promises of restoration, a new shepherd, a new heart, and the return of God's glory.
The latter part of Ezekiel (chapters 33-48) is filled with hope and promises of restoration. These include the promise of a new shepherd (Chapter 34), a new heart and spirit (Chapter 36), national and spiritual restoration symbolized by the Valley of Dry Bones (Chapter 37), the defeat of hostile nations (Chapters 38-39), and a future temple with the glory of God returning (Chapters 40-48).
God's glory departed and then returned to the temple, foreshadowing Christ's future temple and His role in God's restored presence.
The book's narrative arc shows God's glory departing from the temple at the beginning and returning at the end. This cyclical movement anticipates a future temple, one that Jesus Christ will build. The return of glory signifies God's ultimate plan to dwell with His people once more.
Ezekiel's Place in the Bible Story
Ezekiel's ministry occurred during Israel's exile, explaining the reasons for Jerusalem's fall and affirming the certainty of restoration.
Ezekiel served as a contemporary prophet alongside Jeremiah in Judah and Daniel in Babylon. His ministry among the exiles in Babylon explained why Jerusalem fell—not due to Nebuchadnezzar's might or idols, but because of God's judgment on His sinful people. Crucially, Ezekiel also revealed that Israel's restoration was certain.
The Valley of Dry Bones vision (Ezekiel 37) signifies Israel's national and spiritual restoration, not a revival message for the church.
Ezekiel 37's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones is often misinterpreted. It is presented not as a revival message for the church or individual salvation, but specifically as a prophecy of the national and spiritual restoration of the house of Israel. The bones represent Israel, and the vision promises a future national re-gathering and spiritual renewal.
Ezekiel anticipates a future Messianic kingdom, pointing to a greater Davidic ruler beyond King David himself.
The book of Ezekiel points forward to a future Messianic kingdom. It references 'David, my servant, shall be king over them,' not referring to the historical David, but to a future, greater Davidic ruler. This foreshadows the reign of Jesus Christ, fulfilling God's covenantal promises to David regarding an eternal throne.
Ezekiel's message culminates God's covenant purpose through the Messiah's reign, following Israel's failures and prophets' announcements.
While Genesis introduced God's covenant promises and historical books depicted Israel's repeated failures, and other prophets announced judgment and restoration, Ezekiel uniquely demonstrates that God's covenant purpose will ultimately be fulfilled in the Messiah's reign. Israel's failures do not negate God's faithfulness; salvation and restoration are based on God's character, not human merit.
What Ezekiel Teaches Us About God
God is absolutely holy, as demonstrated by Ezekiel's overwhelming vision of His majestic, incomprehensible throne.
Ezekiel's opening vision reveals the absolute holiness of God. The majestic, complex imagery of His throne, living creatures, wheels, fire, and brightness is incomprehensible to humans. This vision evokes a profound sense of awe, causing Ezekiel (like Isaiah) to fall on his face, recognizing his own inadequacy in the presence of divine holiness.
Modern culture has diminished the understanding of God's glory and holiness, leading to a casual approach to worship.
The sermon critiques a modern tendency to trivialize God's glory, reducing Him to a caricature. This has led to a casual approach to worship and relating to God. Churches need to recover a proper understanding of God's infinite holiness, which must shape our worship, conduct, and relationships, recognizing that His love and mercy do not negate His absolute holiness.
God cares for the individual, holding each person accountable for their sins, not blaming descendants for ancestral iniquities.
Ezekiel chapter 18 counters the proverb 'the fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge'. God declares that the soul who sins shall die; the son will not bear the iniquity of the father. Every individual is morally accountable before God, and salvation is a personal choice, as God has no grandchildren.
God desires repentance and life for the wicked, demonstrating His love through Christ's sacrifice for sinners.
Despite being a God who judges sin, Ezekiel reveals that God does not delight in the death of the wicked. He calls sinners to repentance and promises life (Ezekiel 33:11). This desire for reconciliation is perfectly demonstrated at the cross, where God's justice and love met, proving His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
God is faithful to His own name, acting for His holy name's sake, not solely for Israel's merit.
A recurring statement in Ezekiel is 'that they may know that I am the Lord.' God's actions, including Israel's restoration, are ultimately for the sake of His holy name (Ezekiel 36:22). Israel's failings do not nullify God's promises because His faithfulness is rooted in His unchanging character and name, not in human performance.
Our eternal security rests on God's unwavering faithfulness and character, not on our own imperfect spiritual performance.
The sermon emphasizes that our security in God is not based on how tightly we hold onto Him, but on His finished work and unchanging character. Just as God promises Israel's restoration for His name's sake despite their failures, our eternal security is guaranteed by His faithfulness and His promises, which He cannot fail to keep.
How Ezekiel Points to Christ
Ezekiel anticipates Christ as the true shepherd who will care for and give His life for His sheep.
Ezekiel 34 condemns Israel's faithless shepherds and promises God will raise up one shepherd, His servant David. This points to Jesus Christ, who identifies Himself as the 'good shepherd' in John 10:11. Unlike the self-serving shepherds of Ezekiel's day, Christ gives His life for the sheep, fulfilling the promise of a caring and sacrificial leader.
Christ provides the spiritual cleansing and the new heart promised in Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 36 promises spiritual cleansing with 'sprinkled clean water' and a 'new heart' of flesh. This points to Christ's work, as the blood of Christ cleanses believers from all sin (1 John 1:7). God does not promise to fix the old heart but to give a new one, signifying the transformative work of God through the Holy Spirit, accomplished by Christ.
The river of living water flowing from the temple in Ezekiel symbolizes Christ as the source of eternal spiritual life.
The vision of a life-giving river flowing from the temple in Ezekiel 47 represents Christ. Jesus, in John 7:37-38, proclaims that whoever believes in Him will have 'rivers of living water' flowing from within. Christ is the ultimate source of spiritual life and refreshment that the world cannot provide.
Christ is the manifestation of God's glory, fulfilling Ezekiel's prophecy of glory returning to the temple.
Ezekiel begins with God's glory departing and ends with its return. This is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, in whom 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory' (John 1:14). Christ is Emmanuel, God in the flesh, revealing God's glory. His promised glorious return signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's prophetic purposes.
The book's conclusion, 'The Lord is There' (Jehovah Shammah), encapsulates the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people in Christ.
Ezekiel ends with the name of the city being 'The Lord is There' (Jehovah Shammah), emphasizing the culmination of God's presence. This contrasts with Genesis where fellowship with God was lost due to sin. In Revelation, God's redeemed people will dwell with Him forever, a glorious reality fully revealed and made possible through Jesus Christ.
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