Have you ever noticed how empty a place can feel when something important is missing? The Book of Ezekiel begins with a breathtaking vision of God’s glory. Ezekiel was a priest living among the exiles, who saw a reminder that the Lord still reigned. But only a few chapters later, that same glory slowly departs from the temple because of Judah’s sin (Ezekiel 8:6). The message was serious; the people who were clinging to sin were effectively pushing away the presence of God.
Through Ezekiel, God reminded the people that each person is responsible before Him. The captives wanted to blame their fathers, but God called them to look at their own hearts (Ezekiel 18:30–32). Their idolatry and injustice had brought judgment; a Judgement that was fair because it was based on their own actions.
Yet the book does not end in despair. In the vision of the dry bones, God showed that He can bring life out of death (Ezekiel 37:1–14). The glory that departed would one day return (Ezekiel 43:1–5). God was showing the exiles that even though they were dead He would restore them.
God has not changed, and sin still brings death (Romans 6:23). God still calls those who are dead spiritually to Him, to turn to Him to be raised with Christ and be restored.
Josh Schutkowski