“In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by which was as the frame of a city on the south” (Ezekiel 40:2).
TEXT — Ezekiel 40:1-19
Message
Dreams and visions, as means of hearing from God, have always fascinated theologians, psychologists, and believers. As a rule, these revelations never contradict the written word of God. While visions are clearer and less common than dreams, both can involve glimpses of the future.
Ezekiel 40 highlights key aspects of prophetic visions, such as having a source, message, messenger, and audience. Visions also offer insight into the character of God and provide opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Ultimately, dreams and visions serve as tools for individuals, the Church, and society to apply divine messages to their lives. God’s word is unwavering and reliable, ensuring guidance and truth in all forms of communication.
Prophet Ezekiel reveals in the first verse of our text that the source of the vision is the Lord, whose hand carried him to the top of a high mountain, the observatory post, in Jerusalem. Ezekiel was the messenger, and the audience was the house of Israel (Ezekiel 40:4). The message was God’s promise to rebuild Israel and the temple even when Israel was still in captivity. The message of hope reveals the nature and character of God: a God that tempers justice with mercy (Exodus 34:6-7, Isaiah 1:18). The meticulous details of the description of the temple show that God is a God of order, and is interested in every detail of our lives. The wall’s thickness reflects God’s interest in the protection and security of Israel and the Church (Matthew 16:18).
The Church and individuals can draw several lessons from this vision. Despite the trial or affliction you may have passed through, God has not abandoned you. While the vision of a glorious temple with many rooms should strengthen our faith and hope for heaven, the promised restoration of backslidden Israel is a wake-up call for backsliders to repent. In this age when people are chasing after dreams and visions, any dream or vision that contradicts the word of God should be rejected.
Thought for the day
True visions require action and passion to come to fruition.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
