Ezekiel was in captivity. Ezekiel captivity had nothing to immigration laws but war. As our nation struggles once more about the issues of refuges, it no different then the time of Ezekiel, except the cause and effect is so much different. Ezekiel was taken from his land into captivity. Where the people to day flee their land because of governments they disagree with. Often bad regimes taking control in governments our own nation by standards looking at the horrid condition of refugee camps and how can they help the best. People in captivity or exile are often enslaved in the time of Ezekiel and were traded like property. In today’s society the royal treatment is often what some think is best for people forced out of their homes. Yet the situation is much more difficult then that.

Ezekiel was in captivity because of the word of God on the prophesies of exile to the people. The technology more advanced giving them advantage over many things. Part of being believer is learning to listen to God in all sorts of situations. Ezekiel found himself called by God to be a spokesmen to his people while in captivity. The things around him were new to him, but also to those he was in captivity with. He would prophesied of the things he saw as God gave utterance for hope. It would sound as if he was talking about the technology, but he was speaking of spiritual things of God. The chariots fancier then what they had. Yet prophesy while in captivity spoke of what was to come. That was one way the people of Israel knew God was still among them even if they did not fully understand.

I can remember a old clock my father hand. The clock ran off a system of weights of tiny balls. As the balls were placed by a spinning arm at the top level it would fall when the last ball in that row was laid. The procedure would begin again until about three rows were filled with little balls. When the last ball was laid it all the balls would go running down, this only happened twice a day at the noon and midnight hour. Yet the balls would then begin their journey up to the top level once more. Part of prophesy is going through different levels of the journey with God.

As Moses took the people out of Egypt through the wilderness the people went through different stages til they had enough faith to conquer the fear of going into the promise land. Israel lived for a time without a king but only under the authority of God. Time of both good and bad kings arose, and because of evil kings and the majority of people hearts were turn from God they landed up in exile. God sent a mighty army to put them in exile. Is our faith strong enough that no matter where we find ourselves we find listen and hear the voice of God.

Ezekiel was not afraid to listen and obey despite what may come. His hope was in God is creator. His hope was in the Lord. Where is your hope today? Are you going through difficult times, is God still on the throne of your heart. Will you trust Jesus today and believe that God has a plan for your life, if you only believe and ask forgiveness of sin, inviting Jesus into your heart to stay.

Dear Heavenly Father thank you for the reminder that your presence is wherever we are if we only listen to what you speak to us. In Jesus precious name, Amen.