The Consequences of Disobedience FOUR SYMBOLIC ACTS
Dr. Stephen Streett | Ezekiel 4:1-5:4 | Jan. 28, 2026
In the opening chapters of Ezekiel, we encounter his vision, call, and prophetic mission as an exiled priest. The book connects Jerusalem’s fall to the ongoing sins of God’s people and highlights Ezekiel’s role as a “son of man”—a mortal called by God. Tasked as a prophetic watchman, Ezekiel must stand alert, warn the people, and seek God, who remains active despite their captivity.
Ezekiel’s symbolic actions were “pictures without words” for the instruction of the faithless and unbelieving people around him. In our world today, those around us are also predominantly unbelievers. What kind of pictures without words would God have us present to them?
What are some ways we can demonstrate our commitment to God?
FOUR SYMBOLIC acts illustrating Ezekiel’s dramatic performances:
The model of a siege – representing the siege of Jerusalem. (Ez 4:1-3)
A mount – mounds or ramps constructed of debris (earth, wood, stone) which were built against the walls of a besieged city.
A camp – living quarters of an army contingent.
Battering rams – these wheeled vehicles had a heavy ram suspended from the roof by ropes, one of its ends being a large metal blade.
Based on verse Ez 4:13, the people of Judah seemed to have enjoyed defiling themselves in pagan worship and sinful behaviors while still observing the Levitical laws of ceremonial cleanliness. How might people of our day dabble in sinful behaviors while still participating in forms of worship? Our actions as Christians may not get as much attention as those of Ezekiel, but they can still have an impact on the unbelievers around us.
Verse 1
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. O what a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchase of God; born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Chorus
This is my story; this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story; this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Verse 2
Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight. Angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Verse 3
Perfect submission, all is at rest. I in my Savior am happy and blessed. Watching and waiting, looking above; filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Fanny Jane Crosby | Phoebe Palmer Knapp | © Public Domain CCLI#38174
Bless God
Verse 1
Blessed are those who run to Him, Who place their hope and confidence in Jesus, He won’t forsake them, Blessed are those who seek His face, Who bend their knee and fix their gaze on Jesus, They won’t be shaken
Chorus 1
Come on and praise the Lord with me, Sing if you love His name, Come on and lift your voice with me, He’s worthy of all our praise
Verse 2
Blessed are those who walk with Him, Whose hearts are set on pilgrimage with Jesus, They’ll see His glory, Blessed are those who die to live, Whose joy it is to give it all for Jesus, And for Him only, Oh Jesus all for Your glory
Chorus 2
Come on and praise the Lord with me, Sing if you love His name, Come on and lift your voice with me, He’s worthy of all our praise Come on and bring your offering, Sing if you’ve known His grace, Come on and lift up your holy hands, He’s worthy of all our praise
Bridge
Bless God in the sanctuary, Bless God in the fields of plenty, Bless God in the darkest valley, Every chance I get I bless Your name
Bless God when my hands are empty, Bless God with a praise that costs me
Bless God when nobody’s watching, Every chance I get I bless Your name
Bless God when the weapon’s forming, Bless God when the walls are falling
Bless God ‘cause He goes before me, Every chance I get I bless Your name
Bless God for He holds the victory, Bless God for He’s always with me, Bless God for He’s always worthy Every chance I get I bless Your name
Every chance I get I bless Your name
He’s worthy of all our praise
He’s worthy of all our praise
Brandon Lake, Brooke Ligertwood, Cody Carnes © 2023 Brandon Lake Music CCLI License #38174