Immerse: Prophets - Flipbook - Page 332
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IMMERSE
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PROPHETS
1:19–3:1
When the living beings moved, the wheels moved with them. When
they flew upward, the wheels went up, too. The spirit of the living beings
was in the wheels. So wherever the spirit went, the wheels and the living
beings also went. When the beings moved, the wheels moved. When the
beings stopped, the wheels stopped. When the beings flew upward, the
wheels rose up, for the spirit of the living beings was in the wheels.
Spread out above them was a surface like the sky, glittering like crystal.
Beneath this surface the wings of each living being stretched out to touch
the others’ wings, and each had two wings covering its body. As they flew,
their wings sounded to me like waves crashing against the shore or like the
voice of the Almighty or like the shouting of a mighty army. When they
stopped, they let down their wings. As they stood with wings lowered, a
voice spoke from beyond the crystal surface above them.
Above this surface was something that looked like a throne made of blue
lapis lazuli. And on this throne high above was a figure whose appearance
resembled a man. From what appeared to be his waist up, he looked like
gleaming amber, flickering like a fire. And from his waist down, he looked
like a burning flame, shining with splendor. All around him was a glowing
halo, like a rainbow shining in the clouds on a rainy day. This is what the
glory of the Lord looked like to me. When I saw it, I fell face down on the
ground, and I heard someone’s voice speaking to me.
“Stand up, son of man,” said the voice. “I want to speak with you.” The
Spirit came into me as he spoke, and he set me on my feet. I listened care
fully to his words. “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation
of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their
ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. They are a stub
born and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This
is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ And whether they listen or refuse to
listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have
had a prophet among them.
“Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even
though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging
scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are
rebels. You must give them my messages whether they listen or not. But
they won’t listen, for they are completely rebellious! Son of man, listen to
what I say to you. Do not join them in their rebellion. Open your mouth,
and eat what I give you.”
Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me. It held a scroll, which
he unrolled. And I saw that both sides were covered with funeral songs,
words of sorrow, and pronouncements of doom.
The voice said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this
