Through The Bible - English - 27 (Ezekiel) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon uses Ezekiel's calling as an example of God's calling, which often requires moving beyond one's initial plans and accepting necessary discipline. The speaker emphasizes that true service requires submission to God's will, even when it involves suffering or going to undesirable places. Furthermore, the vision of the wheels illustrates the sovereign working of God and the Holy Spirit in all life circumstances, regardless of direction.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God's discipline and the sending of EzekielGod sent prophets like Ezekiel to minister to His people during times of discipline and backsliding in Babylon, showing that He never forsakes them.
Called to a ministry of suffering at age thirtyTrained as a priest, Ezekiel was called by God at age thirty to be a prophet—a ministry involving much more suffering, which he accepted immediately.
The vision of the living beings and the wheelsEzekiel's vision featured four living beings and wheels within wheels moving with the spirit, representing the sovereign control of the Holy Spirit over the circumstances of our lives.
The covenant and authority to serveSurrounding the throne was a rainbow symbolizing God's everlasting covenant, reminding believers to serve under God's authority and sovereignty rather than out of mere human need or fear.
Being sent and eating the scrollGod told Ezekiel not to fear the rebellious people and instructed him to eat the scroll first, establishing the principle that God's word must first convict the preacher before he ministers to others.
Keeping your face in the dustEzekiel fell on his face before the glory of the Lord, demonstrating that servants of God must maintain extreme humility and live in fear of losing their anointing.
Exposing secret sins and the departing gloryGod showed Ezekiel the secret idolatry happening inside the temple, which eventually caused the glory of God to depart from Jerusalem.
The roots of Sodom's sin and personal accountabilitySodom's destruction was rooted in pride, laziness, gluttony, and a lack of care for the poor, and Ezekiel 18 makes clear that individuals are punished for their own personal sins rather than ancestral curses.
Shepherding and the valley of dry bonesAfter addressing bad leadership and the promise of the New Covenant, Ezekiel prophesies over the valley of dry bones, showing that believers need both the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to become a living army.
The New Covenant temple and absolute holinessThe returning glory of God fills the new covenant temple, where the fundamental and non-negotiable law for building the body of Christ is absolute holiness.
Entering the waters of the spiritThe river flowing from the temple—reaching from the ankles to the knees, to the waist, and finally to waters to swim in—pictures the progression of a truly spirit-filled life where one is fully detached from earthly things.
