He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. The man said to me, “Son of man, look carefully and listen closely and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see.”
Ezekiel 40:3-4 NIV
In Ezekiel chapter 40, the prophet received an extraordinary vision. God led him to a high mountain in Israel, showing him buildings resembling a city. There, he encountered a man like bronze. This divine encounter aimed at discovering God’s purpose in every season of life for His people. Ezekiel was commanded, “Son of man, look carefully and listen closely and pay attention to everything I am going to show you.” This instruction highlights a profound truth for us today.
The man with the measuring rod then told Ezekiel a vital truth. He stated, “For that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see” (Ezekiel 40:4). God’s revelation to Ezekiel was not just for his personal knowledge. Instead, its paramount purpose was for him to convey every detail to the people of Israel. Indeed, Ezekiel chapter 43 reiterates this divine command. God intended for the people to be “ashamed of their sins” by contemplating the temple’s perfect design. Therefore, Ezekiel meticulously described its arrangement, entrances, exits, regulations, and laws.
This narrative establishes a profound principle for all believers. Nothing in our lives occurs by chance or mere circumstance. Rather, a divine purpose lies behind every incident and experience. As we journey with God, this truth must remain at the forefront of our minds. Moreover, God holds a specific intention for everything that unfolds in our lives. Just as Ezekiel was instructed to “listen carefully and pay close attention” because “that is why you have been brought here,” so too are we called to discern. His careful attention was vital for the accurate execution of his task.
This story prompts personal reflection for us. Do we understand the reason God has led us to our current stage or situation? Consequently, we must pay careful attention to our surroundings. This helps us to discern God’s ultimate purpose in every event. Ultimately, God has a distinct plan for each season of our lives. For those who willingly surrender their lives to God, He intends to use every detail for His divine purpose. This indeed leads to discovering God’s purpose in every season we encounter.
Living It Out
We must be sensitive and earnestly ask God to reveal why He has brought us here. It is imperative to pay careful attention to God’s plans. Failure to do so risks falling short of what He intends to accomplish in our lives. Let us, therefore, actively seek His divine purpose in every circumstance.