Real Events

“On July 31 of my thirtieth year, while I was with the Judean exiles beside the Kebar River in Babylon, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.”—Ezekiel 1:1 NLT

Many people have only a vague understanding of when the events of the Bible took place. There is a general understanding they happened in the past, but it can be easy to forget they took place at specific times and in specific places. The messages were delivered by real people to real people who faced real circumstances and needed to make real decisions about real problems.

We get a fresh perspective on this when we read the opening of Ezekiel. In a more familiar rendering, the NASB describes when this took place: “In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month.” But the NLT’s translation gives this a sense of immediacy. It is based on the understanding that “the fifth day of the fourth month” was, in fact, July 31. The events really happened to Ezekiel.

This is a reminder that the events of the Bible happened in real time, on real days, in real places. Prophecies are delivered on real days. It is almost like reading today’s news. The Bible should have that sense of freshness to us. While conveying timeless truths, it is also relevant to specific situations and specific people. It is relevant to the issues you face.

Remember, God knows what you face. Every problem. Every challenge. He knows the messages He wants to deliver to you. He is with you right now.

Reflection Question: How can you relate today’s passage to your life today?