Throne Room 3 - Ezekiel 1:1-14: 5 Day Devotional

Day 1: Seeing God for Who He Truly Is
Ezekiel's vision begins with a stormy wind, a great cloud, and fire, revealing the presence of God in a powerful and awe-inspiring way. This vision reminds us that God is not limited by our circumstances or locations. He is omnipresent and omnipotent, governing the universe with perfect wisdom and authority. When we approach God, it is essential to see Him for who He truly is, beyond our immediate needs and worries. Recognizing His majesty and sovereignty can transform our perspective and deepen our faith.

Bible Verse: In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. - Ezekiel 1:1

Reflection Question: How can you shift your focus from your immediate concerns to seeing God for who He truly is?

Sermon Quote: "We so often approach God with what we want and what we need and what we see and what we're worried about. But it is good for us to see him for who he truly is."

Prayer: Lord, help me to see You in all Your majesty and sovereignty. Open my eyes to Your presence and power, and let my faith be strengthened by the knowledge of who You truly are. Amen.

Day 2: God's Perfect Governance
Ezekiel's vision of the wheels within wheels symbolizes God's omniscience and His perfect governance over all creation. These wheels, full of eyes, represent God's ability to see and know everything. Nothing escapes His gaze or His control. This truth is a source of great comfort, especially in times of uncertainty. We can trust that God is perfectly involved in the governance of the universe, human history, and our lives. His providence ensures that everything is working according to His perfect will.

Bible Verse: And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. - Ezekiel 43:4-5

Reflection Question: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's perfect governance?

Sermon Quote: "Nothing escapes the gaze and the wisdom and the providence and the governing of God."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect governance over all things. Help me to trust in Your omniscience and providence, knowing that You see and control everything. Amen.

Day 3: God's Presence in Exile
Ezekiel's vision reassures the exiles that God's presence is not confined to the temple in Jerusalem but extends even to Babylon. This is a powerful reminder that God is with us, no matter where we are or what circumstances we face. Even in times of exile or hardship, God has not abandoned us. His presence is constant, and His providence is at work. We can find hope and strength in knowing that God is with us, guiding and sustaining us through every challenge.

Bible Verse: And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh. - Ezekiel 11:19

Reflection Question: How can you become more aware of God's presence in your current circumstances?

Sermon Quote: Even when you are in exile and living amongst pagans, guess who is in providential control of the universe? It's not Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It's God who is seated upon this throne.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your constant presence, even in times of exile and hardship. Help me to be aware of Your presence and to trust in Your guidance and sustenance. Amen.

Day 4: Trusting in God's Restoration
Ezekiel's vision foreshadows God's plans for judgment and restoration. God's providence is not only about governance but also about restoring and perfecting all things. He will judge sin and restore the repentant. This gives us hope that no matter how broken or chaotic our world may seem, God's perfect plan is at work to restore and renew. We can trust in His promise to make all things new and to bring about His perfect kingdom.

Bible Verse: My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. - Ezekiel 37:27

Reflection Question: What areas of your life need God's restoration, and how can you trust Him to bring it about?

Sermon Quote: God's providence restores all. His perfect, eternal governance of the universe is going to restore and perfect all things.

Prayer: Father, I trust in Your promise to restore and renew all things. Help me to have faith in Your perfect plan and to seek Your restoration in every area of my life. Amen.

Day 5: Living Faithfully in a Pagan World
Ezekiel's vision challenges us to live faithfully and courageously, even in a world that may seem hostile to our faith. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by our circumstances or living as if God is not present, we are called to look at the world through the lens of God's providence. We can ask, 'What is God doing now?' and seek to be faithful in our response. By trusting in God's governance and seeking His will, we can live as His faithful witnesses, no matter where we are.

Bible Verse: And before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind. - Revelation 4:6

Reflection Question: How can you live more faithfully and courageously in your current environment?

Sermon Quote: How can I be faithful and courageous right now? What does it look like for me to faithfully follow God, living in a pagan empire instead of just going, well, we'll see what happens?

Prayer: Lord, help me to live faithfully and courageously, trusting in Your providence and seeking Your will in all things. Give me the strength to be Your witness in a world that may be hostile to my faith. Amen.