Tag: Ezekiel 33

Son of Man — What Does THAT Mean?

During today’s reading, I again noticed Ezekiel being constantly referred to as the “son of man.” So I would like to briefly explore what this phrase means, where we see it in Scripture, and why it is significant.

In the case of Ezekiel, “son of man” is meant to underscore his human frailty and his role as a representative of the people. Over 90 times, God addresses Ezekiel with this title, reminding him of his position as a mortal messenger delivering divine words. Ezekiel’s use of “son of man” connects him to the people of Israel, highlighting that, like them, he is a mere human with a responsibility to share God’s message, particularly concerning personal responsibility for sin and repentance (Ezekiel 33:10-20).

The title “son of man” also appears in Daniel 7:13-14, where “one like a son of man” is depicted as a divine figure who comes with the clouds of heaven and is given authority, glory, and sovereign power. This vision is messianic, pointing to a figure who will rule over all nations, and it is this aspect of the title that Jesus refers to when He calls Himself the “Son of Man.” His audience would have understood the profound implications of this self-designation, recognizing it as a claim to divine authority and fulfillment of the messianic prophecy.

So what does recognizing Jesus as the “Son of Man” mean for us today? This title carries profound implications for our lives and calls us to action in several key ways:

First, it reminds us that Jesus identifies with us. As the “son of man” from Ezekiel, Jesus shared in our humanity. He experienced the trials, temptations, and sufferings that we face. This means that when we struggle, we can turn to Jesus, knowing that He understands our pain. This shared experience is not just a point of empathy but a call for us to lean on Him in our weakness. We are encouraged to follow His example, living a life of obedience and reliance on God even in the face of suffering.

Second, it emphasizes Jesus’ authority. As the “son of man” from Daniel, He is the one given all power and dominion. This recognition demands our submission to His lordship. Jesus is not just a compassionate friend but the sovereign ruler of all creation. Our response should be one of reverence, acknowledging His authority in every aspect of our lives. This calls us to obedience, aligning our wills with His and allowing His authority to guide our decisions, actions, and attitudes.

Third, it assures us of God’s faithfulness. The “Son of Man” in Daniel’s vision is a direct prophecy of Jesus, who came once as foretold and will return on the clouds in glory. This fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God’s unwavering faithfulness to His promises. He is true to His word, having already accomplished what He promised and guaranteeing that He will fulfill the rest in due time. This gives us great hope, especially in challenging times, knowing that God’s plans are sure and trustworthy. For those who trust in Him, this is a source of deep comfort. However, it also serves as a sober warning to those who live in rebellion, as God’s justice will ultimately prevail. Our response should be one of faith, trusting in God’s promises, and living in a way that reflects our confidence in His faithfulness.

Finally, we are reminded of our personal responsibility. As emphasized in Ezekiel 33:10-20, we are accountable for our actions and decisions. Recognizing Jesus as the “Son of Man” calls us to examine our lives, repent where necessary, and live in a way that honors God. This responsibility is not burdensome but a response to the grace and truth that we have received in Christ. It challenges us to live out our faith actively, taking seriously the call to follow Jesus in every area of our lives.

In sum, acknowledging Jesus as the “Son of Man” is more than just an intellectual assent; it is a transformative recognition that should shape how we live, think, and relate to God and others.

Ignoring God’s Warnings? Why Defiance Leads to Disaster

In Jeremiah 44:16-17, the people of Judah blatantly refuse to listen to the prophet’s warnings. They declare their intention to continue worshiping the “Queen of Heaven,” a pagan deity, despite knowing the consequences of their idolatry. This brazen attitude—choosing their own way over God’s commands—is strikingly similar to what we see in modern times. People often reject God’s Word, preferring to follow their desires or the cultural norms that make them feel more comfortable.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 33:21-33, we see another tragic example of misplaced trust. After hearing of Jerusalem’s fall, the people still do not repent. Instead, they continue to seek security in all the wrong places, including aligning themselves with enemies of God. The idea of trying to hide from God’s judgment in the arms of His enemies is tragically laughable, yet it reflects a deep spiritual blindness.

Fast forward to today, and the same attitudes persist. How often do people refuse to accept Biblical truths, choosing instead to live according to their own desires or societal trends? This is evident in countless ways—whether it’s justifying sin, ignoring God’s commands, or reshaping Christianity to fit modern sensibilities. The refusal to listen to God’s Word is as dangerous now as it was then, leading to spiritual ruin.

Moreover, just as the people of Judah sought refuge in the arms of God’s enemies, many today seek comfort or security in places that are directly opposed to God’s will. It might be in harmful relationships, unethical practices, or ideologies that stand in stark contrast to Biblical principles. This attempt to find safety or fulfillment outside of God’s will is as futile and destructive now as it was for the Israelites.

The lessons from Jeremiah and Ezekiel are clear: Rejecting God’s Word and seeking refuge in the wrong places lead only to disaster. The folly of trying to hide from God in the arms of His enemies is a timeless warning. As believers, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to God, listening to His Word and finding our security in Him alone.