The Book Of Ezekiel.

The Book of Ezekiel.

Concentration Camp at Chebar.

Ezekiel 1:2-3

In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin's captivity, [3] the word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

No matter the darkness of the hour, despite the enemy's most brutal attack, God still has a Word for His people to cling to. Ezekiel the prophet of God carried this Word right into the spiritual ghetto in which the people of God languished. Jehoiachin the King of Judah, was swept from his kingly throne by the stranger in the land. It was the stranger in the land that robbed him of authority, that corrupted his influence and deposed his office.

Today, governments and monarchs have allowed the customs and cultures which the stranger has brought into the land, to corrupt and defile Christian principles and values.

How many nations today, which were once influenced and sustained by Biblical Christianity are now like Israel of old, in the spiritual ghetto. Sadly, when a nation slides into the enemy's concentration camp, God's redeemed people are dragged in as well.

The apostasy of a nation from Christian values and principles brings the born again believer into a very hostile spiritual environment. When the nation is carried away by the cultures and customs of the stranger into the spiritual ghetto, then God's believing people are brought into danger, discouragement, and despair.

This is the exact position into which Israel of old was subjected to in Babylon. The Book of Ezekiel brings a Word of hope and encouragement to the people of God who have been thrown into the spiritual ghetto.

[3] the word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

'The Word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest' Ezekiel was God's messenger in God's message. God always has a Word for His people. However, when God's people are in particular need, then God matches that particular need with a particular Word, 'the Word of the LORD came expressly'.

Psalm 107:20-21 He sent his word, and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. [21] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men.

Although Ezekiel was in the Concentration Camp at Chebar, 'the hand of the LORD was there upon him. Even when God's servants and His people are in great distress, God lays His helping hand upon them.

Psalm 139:9-12 If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; [10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. [11] If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; Even the night shall be light about me. [12] Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; But the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

Child of God, perhaps you have been in the spiritual ghetto for a long time. As a believer you have suffered much affliction, hardship, disappointment, and loss. Remember, Ezekiel never lost his spiritual identity, he remained a priest of God. And something more, God's Word comforted him, and God's hand upheld him.

Isaiah 41:9-13 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. [10] Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. [11] Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. [12] Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. [13] For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

Blessings in Christ. Rev Mervyn Cotton.