Prophecy of exile
Day 410, Thursday, Sept. 25
Ezekiel Chapters 10 – 12
Ezekiel is told to tell the people—and show them—that the time of exile is near.
As is often the case, the prophecy comes along with an action illustrating it, as Ezekiel is told to pack as for exile and, in full view of the people, dig through the wall to escape the city.
In chapter 12 the Lord addresses the problem of false prophecy and the people’s belief that prophecies will come to nothing.
“Say to them, ‘The days are coming when every vision will be fulfilled. For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations among the people of Israel. But I the Lord will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay.’”
While the command to simulate going into exile for the benefit of the people appears literal—that is, Ezekiel is expected to actually do it as a real-life parable—earlier in chapter 10 we read about things that apparently happen only within a vision.
Part of that vision includes a conversation between God and a “man clothed in linen.”
The “man clothed in linen,” who is also mentioned in Daniel and Revelation, appears to be a messenger of God, perhaps an angel. The linen seems to be a symbol of his purity.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Thursday meditation

Job 38:12-21
“Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment. The wicked are denied their light, and their upraised arm is broken.
“Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? Have the gates of death been shown to you? Have you seen the gates of the deepest darkness? Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me, if you know all this.
“What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you take them to their places? Do you know the paths to their dwellings? Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years!

Prayer focus
God, may we always be ready to follow wherever and whenever you lead us.