For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Rom. 5
What are the results of being justified by faith? See v. 1-5. In John 10:7 Jesus said, “I am the gate for the sheep.” Here in Romans 5, Paul likewise portrays Him as an access point to God. He is the door through which we pass from wrath to peace, justice to grace, and death to life. We don’t pass through this door because we deserve it. Jesus isn’t the bouncer guarding the door. Rather, He is the actual door. Thus, all that is required for us to pass through is that we have faith in this truth.
Ezek. 7-8
There must be something special about Ezekiel’s prophecy. God repeatedly addressed him as “son of man”. This is one of the titles Jesus used of himself, identifying Him as God’s promised Messiah. Technically, Jesus used the title, “The Son of Man”, while God simply addressed Ezekiel as “son of man”. I did a brief search on the issue and the consensus seems to be that God’s use of this address for Ezekiel is simply to highlight his humanity in the presence of the glory of God. I can’t help but think there is something more to it, though. Why did God use this address for this specific prophet and not for all the others?
I understand that the phrase “son of man” identifies one as being human. I also get that Jesus’ calling Himself “The Son of Man” set Him apart as The Human One. He was not just one of many, He was the ultimate; He was God in human form. But I’m wondering if Ezekiel’s mission as a prophet of God might have been a representation of Jesus’ mission. The first time God called Ezekiel “son of man”, the Spirit came into him (Ez. 2:2). In the same way, the Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism. God then sent “son of man” to the Israelites to speak His words to them. Jesus’ mission was likewise to the Israelites. And He said in John 14:24b, “These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.”
I see other glimpses of Jesus in Ezekiel’s story as well. Ezekiel ate the scroll God gave him; Jesus is the Word of God. God told Ezekiel to not rebel like the rebellious people; Jesus is the only man ever who was free of rebellion. God’s revelation of the detestable Temple practices to Ezekiel makes me think of Jesus’ clearing out the Temple courts. And those hairs Ezekiel tucked away in the folds of his garment make me think of the lost sheep Jesus came to gather into His Father’s fold. That would be us, God’s gift to His Son.
Perhaps God’s title for Ezekiel is not related to Jesus’ title for Himself. But it is an interesting thought. And knowing the nature of the Bible – that it all points to Jesus in complex layers – I am compelled to explore the thought further as I continue to read through this book. With 93 of the 107 Old Testament uses of the phrase, “son of man” being used by God to address Ezekiel, I have to think there is something we are meant to notice.
Ps. 129
What confidence does the psalmist express in the face of opposition? Those who reject God will come to nothing. Though they all too often make life difficult and unpleasant, the ultimate victory belongs to those who belong to God. Just as Jesus prevailed over the grave, so we, through Him, have gained freedom from the dominion of wickedness. Amen!