A Prophet of Theophanies: Explanatory Notes on Ezekiel 1:1-25

Reflecting on the Third Sunday of Easter: One Day after Sunday (Year C)

Scripture

Psalm 121; Ezekiel 1:1-25; Acts 9:19b-31

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Prayer

Mighty God, in whom we know the power of redemption, you stand among us in the shadows of our time. As we move through every sorrow and trial of this life, uphold us with knowledge of the final morning when, in the glorious presence of your risen Son, we will share in his resurrection, redeemed and restored to the fullness of life and forever freed to be your people. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)

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Reflection

Ezekiel 1:1-25

1:1 / In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the River Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

The thirtieth year may refer to Ezekiel’s age or possibly the 30th year since a significant event, like the discovery of the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22). “Exiles” places the context in Babylon, among the first group of Jews taken captive in 597 B.C.