Our scripture today is Ezekiel 1:2-3 (NIV).
On the fifth of the month—it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin— the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. There the hand of the Lord was on him.
God calls the prophet Ezekiel to minister to both those in exile in Babylon and those remaining in Jerusalem. He reminds them all of God’s continuing care for them even in their disobedience and suffering. He tells the nations around Judah not to gloat because as the Lord has judged them, so shall He judge all the people of the earth. His prophecy contains wondrous visions of the time when God will completely restore creation and come to dwell with us again. God’s love for us is never-ending.
Gracious God, we are sorry for the times we have resisted Your love and guidance by choosing our own paths. Forgive us, heal us and send us to share Your love with everyone. Amen.
