What makes ezekiel a prophet

Were they still his chosen people? And even if he were willing, could he gather people so widely dispersed as the Israelites were in Assyria, Babylonia, Egypt, and elsewhere throughout the world? News of the fall of Jerusalem Ezek. His messages were messages of hope. God would never abandon his people or his land, Ezekiel said. In days of old, Moses had foretold their dispersion and their subsequent gathering. See Deut. But in their current situation, the words of Ezekiel offered a strong reaffirmation that the Lord would eventually fulfill His promises in regard to their gathering.

The scattering had taken place because their shepherds had been careless and had exploited the sheep. But God himself would replace those careless shepherds with his constant care. He, as any good shepherd, would seek out the sheep, bind up their bruises, and bring them home again.

This metaphor of God as a compassionate shepherd provides background for understanding the many references Jesus made to Israel as lost sheep and to himself as the Good Shepherd. See Matt. A kind of national repentance might have saved the Kingdom of Judah, and that is what Ezekiel preached.

God does not look back at what we were in the past when we improve our lives. He does not mention former misconduct we have repented of. Since sinners, through repentance, can become saints, the converse is also true. Saints who walk through life doing good, but think they are good enough not to go astray, may die as sinners. Like the past deeds of the repentant sinner, his past virtuous deeds shall not be mentioned to him. No one can stockpile enough righteous deeds to entitle him to deviate or walk an evil path.

The example of the highly favored King David comes to mind. Ezekiel teaches that spiritual life after sin is possible only for those who repent of their foolishness. Those who repent demonstrate that they are greater than their sins. Their actions show their convictions, along with their hope, that they can return to the Lord, from whom they have become estranged.

The words of modern prophets bear out this hope. Joseph Smith explains that God is close when we are willing to turn fully to him. All are within reach of pardoning mercy, who have not committed unpardonable sin. Similarly, Ezekiel taught that in the day of judgment, sin need not be weighed in the balance against us if we have repented of it.

We are all his children, and he is just. His purpose is to bless the earth. To those who listen to him, he gives his priesthood power and revelations so that they, in turn, may bless the nations. However, like all the prophets, he also provided his people, now without a land of their own, some hope for the future — The book of Ezekiel pronounces judgment on both Israel and surrounding nations, but it also provides a vision of the future millennial kingdom that complements and adds to the vision of other Old and New Testament texts.

They had lived for so long in sin and rebellion, confident in their own strength and that of the neighboring nations, that they needed God to remind them of His holy nature and their humble identity in a most dramatic way. After centuries of warnings, prophetic messages, and invasions, God decided that more significant action was required—He had to remove the people from their promised land. Can you imagine the feelings of disorientation and confusion that accompanied these people?

The book of Ezekiel reminds us to seek out the Lord in those dark times when we feel lost, to examine our own lives, and to align ourselves with the one true God. Will you consider doing so today? View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Ezekiel , which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth.

Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. Meet the people trying to help. Animals Whales eat three times more than previously thought. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big.

Environment As the EU targets emissions cuts, this country has a coal problem. Paid Content How Hong Kong protects its sea sanctuaries. History Magazine These 3,year-old giants watched over the cemeteries of Sardinia. Magazine How one image captures 21 hours of a volcanic eruption. Science Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. Science The controversial sale of 'Big John,' the world's largest Triceratops. Science Coronavirus Coverage How antivirals may change the course of the pandemic.

Science Coronavirus Coverage U.