“Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.” (Ezekiel 1:1)
Centuries before the birth of Christ, the Babylonians took Ezekiel captive along with Judah’s leader, King Jehoiachin. Resettled in Babylon, Ezekiel was called to be Yahweh’s man and received many visions. Two of Yahweh’s attributes stand out in this letter—His glory and sovereignty.
Yahweh reveals His glory in the two opening chapters. This profoundly influenced both the messenger and his message, since he mentions this theme 15 times (Ezekiel 1:28; 3:12, 23; 8:4; 9:3; 10:4, 18-19; 11:22-23; 39:21; 43:2-5; 44:4).
God’s sovereignty was emphasized even though Judah was under Babylonian enslavement. Ezekiel reminded everyone there is only one sovereign, ruler, king, and monolithic power. Is it Nebuchadnezzar? No, only one—Yahweh. Ezekiel mentions God’s sovereign title over 220 times—occurring elsewhere in the Bible only 103 times. The designation “sovereign” notes a reigning person with authority that manifests itself in unilateral control. In fact, God is quoted over 60 times saying that He acted so that the people would “know that I am the LORD” (e.g., Ezekiel 6:7, 10, 13-14).
So, when you confess Jesus as Lord, you are acknowledging His full control. Ezekiel teaches that we need to submit to God’s sovereignty. Even the apostle Paul agrees and states we must submit to Jesus as the Lord of our entire life, if we are truly saved. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). Have you confessed Jesus as Lord? CM
Days of Praise Podcast is a podcast based on the Institute for Creation Research quarterly print devotional, Days of Praise. Start your day with devotional readings written by Dr. Henry Morris, Dr. Henry Morris III, Dr. John Morris, and others to strengthen and encourage you in your Christian faith.
