📖 Scripture

1 In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.
2 On the fifth of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin—
3 the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the Lord was on him.
4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal,
5 and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was human,
6 but each of them had four faces and four wings.
7 Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze.
8 Under their wings on their four sides they had human hands. All four of them had faces and wings,
9 and the wings of one touched the wings of another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved.
10 Their faces looked like this: Each of the four had the face of a human being, and on the right side each had the face of a lion, and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle.
11 Such were their faces. They each had two wings spreading out upward, each wing touching that of the creature on either side; and each had two other wings covering its body.
12 Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, without turning as they went.
13 The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it.
14 The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning.

🧾 Scripture Summary

In the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin, the word of the Lord comes to Ezekiel the priest. Ezekiel sees a windstorm coming out of the north with flashing lightning and a brilliant light. Four living creatures appear, each with four faces and four wings. They move straight ahead, going wherever the spirit goes. Their appearance is radiant, like burning coals of fire or torches.

🔍 Reflection

In God’s Story (1:1–3)

Ezekiel begins his book with an autobiographical tone that contrasts with the way other prophets begin their works. He offers a literary journey of narratives, oracles, and visions, and it all begins with a note indicating that the vision is told from Ezekiel’s personal experience. His readers have a sense of his perspective as he situates himself in a particular time and place. Ezekiel’s authorial style reminds us of our own lives of faith. God fulfills His sovereign plan, but He does so through individual people. We are not just spectators; we are woven into God’s story. Let us remember that in our faithfulness to the Lord, each of us contributes his or her personal story to His grand plan.

💬 Reflection Question: How do you feel knowing that you are personally a part of God’s divine story? Thank Him for your role in His amazing plan.

Fearsome and Glorious (1:4–14)

Ezekiel’s detailed vision is compelling. He sees a windstorm in the form of a massive cloud surrounded by light, representing the glorious presence of God. Four heavenly creatures come from its fiery center, traveling straight ahead as they follow the spirit. The imagery is intimidating, but by showing His fearsome presence to Ezekiel, God also indicates His care for His people. He is sending a message through Ezekiel because He loves them. The vision reminds us today that we serve an all-powerful and glorious God, and we should not take His love and grace for granted. May we be grateful for His care and be diligent in heeding His commands as He guides us in the way we should go.

💬 Reflection Question: When have you experienced the all-powerful and glorious nature of God? Think through those moments, and consider how they also demonstrate His love and care.

🙏 Prayer

Dear God, thank you that I am personally a part of Your divine story. I am grateful for the privilege of serving an all-powerful and glorious God. Help me to be faithful in fulfilling my role in Your great plan. In Jesus’ name, amen.

✍ Essay

Expressing the Reality of God

The book of Ezekiel is a powerful collection of messages that begins by expressing the reality of God. Christians today can express this same reality when we share about Jesus to those who do not yet know Him. I offer some ways that I find to be the most effective in bringing others to Christ.

The most important approach in seeing someone accept the gospel of Jesus Christ is prayer. I once heard anecdotally that most people accept Jesus as Savior and later discover that someone has been sincerely praying for them. I would not be surprised if this were true. Of course, we cannot change a person’s heart by ourselves. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be a part of God’s plan to bring the gospel to a friend, loved one, or even total stranger.

Remember that you are the light of Christ, and displaying God’s love and compassion is often a compelling aspect of the gospel message. Sometimes, it is good to meet a person regularly, actively listening and thoughtfully responding to any questions. Praying for the Spirit’s guidance is helpful as you do this. Sharing your testimony of how Jesus became important to you can also be inspiring to others. Finally, inviting a person to church can be an effective way of demonstrating the gospel. If you know the person well, you can also mention that it is an excellent opportunity for the two of you to spend more time together doing something you deeply value.

Written by John Pai

💬 Memory Verse

1 Timothy 4:12 | Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

📣 Today’s Inspiration

“Whatever God ordains, must be; but the wisdom of God never ordains anything without a purpose.”
– Charles H. Spurgeon