Today’s Readings:

Ezekiel 1 (4:47)
Romans 4 (4:08)

Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 1.1, 26-28

1 In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.

26 Above the vault over their heads was what looked like a throne of lapis lazuli, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

Reflection: It’s Not Over When It’s Over

By John Tillman

“Rome wasn’t built in a day” and “Rome didn’t fall in a day,” teach us consequential changes are often slow. Yet even so, there came “a day” when Rome had risen and “a day” when Rome fell.

It was over.

Jerusalem didn’t fall in a day. It was a long, slow-motion train wreck of a million rebellious choices by kings, priests, false prophets, wealthy rulers, and ordinary people. Some tried to stop it. Prophets stood on the wall and blew trumpets of truth. They waved red flags no one feared. They announced alarms no one heeded. Yet there came a day when Jerusalem fell.

It was over. This is where we meet Ezekiel. After it’s over. After the fall.

There are many strident voices today warning that institutions are falling. “The government is falling.” “Democracy is falling.” “The church is falling.” Words like “most consequential,” “unprecedented,” and “our last chance” are frequent in both political and religious speeches. These people want us to “fight” to prevent the fall. Usually for them at cost to ourselves.

Are they telling the truth or catastrophizing? Is the sky falling? Or are they variations on Chicken Little?

First, if we are going to “fight” it better be for the right kingdom. All others are falling.

Second, we “fight” for Jesus with plows, not swords. With cultivation, not destruction. With healing, not harm.

So, what if it all falls down? What if we lose our nation and our freedom? (John 11.48) What if it is all over?

Ezekiel’s vision among the exiles tells us that, with God, it’s not over when it is over. Ezekiel’s nation fell. The wheels of God’s throne roll on, trampling political definitions. Ezekiel’s faith community fell. God remains in his true temple, which overshadows our reality.

Ezekiel falls facedown to listen to God’s voice. (Ezekiel 1.28) This is the position from which faith after the fall can rise.

If it all falls down, God remains. His sovereignty, worthiness, righteousness, and power, are unchanged. His true church will remain, regardless of tainted versions that may fall. His remnant will rise.

Can we save falling things? Perhaps. But failing that, we can rise from destruction. Ezekiel begins at the end of Jerusalem, but God makes a new beginning, a new Jerusalem.

No matter what falls don’t give up. “Strengthen what remains” and endure to the end. (Revelation 3.2)

All will fall down. We will stand up.

Music: “All Fall Down,” Sarah Masen

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence

May God be merciful to us and bless us, show us the light of his countenance and come to us. — Psalm 67.1

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more about When God Leaves the Building — Readers’ Choice
Even if everything falls and burns, God can restore, if we will simply be faithful.

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