"On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), the 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." -- Ezekiel 1:2-3

We open the Bible and read. There are portions that comfort, others that counsel and still others that correct. But why should we accept these words as an authority to guide and direct our lives? The above passage gives the answer. We have "the word of the Lord" written by one who had the "hand of the Lord" upon him. These are not just inspiring words, they are inspired words. They are specific words given at a specific time for a specific purpose.

Whether the words are hard to understand or helpful to under-gird, they are a sure foundation to build your life on, my friend. As we begin the study of this great prophetic book of Ezekiel, remember that these are God's words for then and now and days to come. Pray for wisdom as you read, and understanding to apply these great revelations.