How does Ezekiel 6:1 demonstrate God's communication through His prophets today? Setting the Scene • “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 6:1) opens with the same heartbeat that pulses through the entire Bible: God speaks. • Ezekiel isn’t reporting a hunch or personal insight; he is passing on a direct, audible, unmistakable word from the LORD. • That short sentence reminds us that revelation begins with God, not the prophet, and it arrives with clarity, authority, and purpose. Timeless Patterns in God’s Voice • God initiates: “The word of the LORD came…” (cf. 1 Samuel 3:1–10). • God personalizes: “…to me.” He chooses specific servants through whom to speak (Jeremiah 1:4–10). • God articulates: “…saying.” His message is verbal, precise, and intelligible (2 Peter 1:21). • God continues: “In the past God spoke…in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2). Ezekiel’s experience foreshadows Christ’s ultimate revelation and the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Why This Matters for Us Today • The character of God hasn’t changed; He is still a speaking God. • Scripture remains the foundational, infallible, and final standard of prophetic truth (Psalm 119:89; Revelation 22:18–19). • The New Testament recognizes contemporary prophetic gifting (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Corinthians 14:1, 3) yet insists that every word be weighed against the written Word (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). • Ezekiel 6:1 models a dynamic where God’s living voice intersects human history through chosen messengers—an ongoing possibility when anchored to Scripture. Ways God Communicates Through Prophetic Ministry Today • Illumination of Scripture—bringing fresh conviction and application while never altering the text’s meaning. • Spirit-prompted exhortation—timely, specific words that edify, comfort, and build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). • Confirmation of divine direction—lining up with biblical principles and the counsel of mature believers (Proverbs 11:14). • Foretelling future events—on rare occasions, the Spirit may reveal what lies ahead (Acts 11:27–28). Such words must align with God’s character and prove accurate. Safeguards for Discernment • Alignment with Scripture—no revelation today can contradict what God has already spoken (Galatians 1:8). • Christ-exalting focus—“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). • Community testing—prophecies are weighed by spiritually mature believers (1 Corinthians 14:29). • Factual accuracy—true prophecy comes to pass; false prophecy does not (Deuteronomy 18:21–22). • Humble delivery—genuine prophets point away from themselves and toward the Lord (John 3:30). Key Takeaways • Ezekiel 6:1 is more than ancient history; it showcases an enduring principle: the living God chooses to speak, and He does so through people He appoints. • Every authentic prophetic word today will echo Ezekiel’s pattern—initiated by God, consistent with His written revelation, and delivered for His glory and our good. • By treasuring Scripture and welcoming the Spirit’s voice, believers experience the same faithful God who once said to Ezekiel, “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying.” |
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