What does "Son of man, do you see this?" reveal about spiritual awareness? Scripture Focus “He asked me, ‘Do you see this, son of man?’ Then he led me back to the bank of the river.” (Ezekiel 47:6) Setting the Scene • Ezekiel is being shown a literal, future Temple from which a miraculous river flows, bringing life all the way to the Dead Sea (47:1-12). • The heavenly guide pauses, looks Ezekiel in the eye, and presses the question: “Do you see this…?” Key Phrase: “Son of man, do you see this?” • “Son of man” reminds Ezekiel—and us—of frailty and utter dependence on divine revelation. • “Do you see” demands more than eyesight; it calls for spiritual perception and moral response. • The guide is not informing Ezekiel of something trivial; He is measuring Ezekiel’s attentiveness to God’s unfolding plan. What the Question Reveals about Spiritual Awareness • Awareness is invited, not assumed. God initiates by drawing attention to what He shows. • Awareness is personal. The address is singular: God has something specific for each believer to notice. • Awareness is accountable. Having seen, Ezekiel must later proclaim (47:10, 12). • Awareness is progressive. Earlier in the book the question was repeated (8:6, 15, 17; 40:4) to move Ezekiel from shock to deeper understanding. • Awareness is transformative. Recognizing the life-giving river prepares Ezekiel—and future Israel—for hope, restoration, and worship. Supporting Passages • Ezekiel 8:6 – “Son of man, do you see what they are doing…?” (exposing sin). • Ezekiel 40:4 – “Son of man, look with your eyes and listen with your ears, and pay attention…” (detailed obedience). • Jeremiah 1:11-12 – “‘What do you see, Jeremiah?’… ‘You have seen correctly…’” (God tests perception). • Amos 7:8 – “The LORD asked me, ‘What do you see, Amos?’…” (vision demands response). • Zechariah 5:2 – “He asked me, ‘What do you see?’…” (clarity before commission). Across Scripture, genuine sight precedes faithful service. Practical Applications for Believers Today • Expect God to draw your attention to His Word and His works; stay alert. • Treat every prompting of Scripture as personal and responsibility-laden. • Submit what you “see” to the plumb line of the written Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Move from observation to proclamation; share the life-giving message as Ezekiel did. • Cultivate ongoing sensitivity through regular reading, prayerful meditation, and obedience (Psalm 119:18). Steps to Sharpen Spiritual Sight 1. Begin each study time asking God to open your eyes (Psalm 119:130). 2. Read slowly, noting repeated words and divine questions. 3. Compare Scripture with Scripture; let clearer passages illumine visions. 4. Journal what you notice and how it calls for action. 5. Obey promptly; obedience clears the lens, while delay clouds it (James 1:22-25). God still asks, “Do you see this?” Those who answer with attentive, obedient hearts experience the river of life He reveals and extends that life to others. |
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