Vision of the Measuring Line
December 14, 2020
Commentary
The man with the measuring line symbolizes the hope of a rebuilt Jerusalem and a restored people (v. 1). It is amazing that God chooses to accomplish His divine purpose through finite and imperfect people. When God saw Ezekiel’s open and obedient attitude he filled him with His Spirit and gave him power for the job ahead (v. 2). Ezekiel was called to give God’s message to the people whether they wanted to listen or not. The measure of Ezekiel’s success was not how well the people responded but how well he obeyed God and thus fulfilled God’s purpose for him (vv. 3-5).
As Ezekiel goes to these rebellious people to preach the Word of God he is given warning of the dangers of serving (vv. 6-10):
Fear (v. 6) – Of man.Of the circumstances of life (briers and thorns).Of the tragedies of life (scorpions).Discouragement (v. 6) – (nor be dismayed).Rebellion – (vv. 7-8) – becoming like the people you minister to.Giving your own message, not God’s – (v. 8).
Application
God doesn’t expect me to know everything about Him but to be a willing and obedient servant, faithful to what I know is true and right.
Ezekiel 2:1– 13 (NET)
1 He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet and I will speak with you.” 2 As he spoke to me, a wind came into me and stood me on my feet, and I heard the one speaking to me.
3 He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the house of Israel, to rebellious nations who have rebelled against me; both they and their fathers have revolted against me to this very day. 4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and hard-hearted, and you must say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says.’ 5 And as for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house —they will know that a prophet has been among them. 6 But you, son of man, do not fear them, and do not fear their words. Even though briers and thorns surround you and you live among scorpions—do not fear their words and do not be terrified of the looks they give you, for they are a rebellious house! 7 You must speak my words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious. 8 As for you, son of man, listen to what I am saying to you: Do not rebel like that rebellious house! Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.”
9 Then I looked and realized a hand was stretched out to me, and in it was a written scroll. 10 He unrolled it before me, and it had writing on the front and back; written on it were laments, mourning, and woe.
Illustration: Prison Walls Built with Clay and Paper
Needy Miners and settlers in British Columbia were stripping Fort Alcan of lumber, electrical appliances, and plumbing when they made an amazing discovery. While dismantling the jail they found that the mighty locks were attached to the heavy doors, and two-inch steel bars covered the windows, but the walls of the prison were only wallboard made of clay and paper, painted to look like iron. A good heave against the wall by a man would have burst the wall out. Nobody ever had tried because nobody thought it was possible. Many Christians are prisoners of fears that that are nothing when pushed against. Satan can do nothing against a son of God, but he loves to put barriers of paper-mache in the path of a believer to make him think he is stopped. (Source Unknown).