Sharper Iron — The Faithful Watchman: The Prophet in Exile

Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola, professor of theology and chair of the theology department at Concordia University, Wisconsin, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ezekiel 1:1-3.

The LORD called Ezekiel to be a prophet in exile. When he was thirty years old, the year Ezekiel should have begun his full priestly duties in the temple in Jerusalem, the LORD showed His glory to Ezekiel, even though he was in Babylon. Ezekiel’s priestly background colors much of his ministry, as the LORD shows Ezekiel that His presence is not limited to the temple in Jerusalem. Ezekiel dates various points in his ministry according to the year of King Jehoiachin’s exile. This serves as a reminder for Ezekiel and the exiles that even without a king on the throne in Jerusalem, the LORD remains King over all. Both of these themes are key ways that Ezekiel preaches Christ; Jesus is God who is present among us and the King in the line of David who reigns for the salvation of sinners.

“The Faithful Watchman” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ezekiel. Just when Ezekiel should have begun his service as priest in the temple in Jerusalem, the LORD called him to be a prophet in exile in Babylon. Through fantastic visions and attention-grabbing action prophecies, the prophet Ezekiel is a faithful watchman who proclaims the word of the LORD to bring people to repentance over their sins and to faith in the coming Savior, Jesus Christ, the glory of the LORD made flesh.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Ezekiel 1:1-3

Ezekiel in Babylon

1 In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the Chebar canal, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.^[a] ²On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), ³the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the Chebar canal, and the hand of the Lord was upon him there.

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Footnotes

Ezekiel 1:1 Or from God

English Standard Version (ESV)

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).