During the same time that Jeremiah was a prophet to the 
people in Judea, Ezekiel was a prophet to the already 
exiled Israelites in Babylon. Ezekiel's message was the 
same as Jeremiahs; he foretold the ruin of the homeland, 
the destruction of Solomon's temple, judgement, and 
eventual renewal as God would bring a remnant back to the 
promised land. During this time, Nebuchadnezzar was rising 
to great power as Babylon overthrew the Assyrian empire 
and later came to destroy Jerusalem and Judea. Ezekiel was 
taken to Babylon.




6th century BC. Ezekiel is one of the four major prophets 
of the Old Testament. Tradition says that he was put to 
death, while in captivity in Babylon, by one of the Jewish 
judges who had apostatized, and that he was buried there 
in the tomb of Shem. His grave was a site of pilgrimage 
for the early Christians

Because you are my friend

On the wings of angels you came to stand there with me.
Maybe at first I didn't notice or I just didn't see
the things you had to offer from so deep inside of you.
But you changed my life in many ways just by being you.
You offered up prayers for me when I didn't take time to 
pray, you would just sit and listen to the things I had to say.
You offered to carry my burdens when they got too much 
for me, and I'm sure you did little things that I didn't 
even see.You were always there, or so it seems,
to lend a helping hand.You were always there as support
when it seemed I couldn't stand.And when I felt I was 
all alone I'd feel your spirit there, Letting me know 
you were with me and that you really care.I took the 
strength you offered when you'd hug me close to you,
And even for days after I'd feel it, in everything I 
would do. Or, maybe something that you said would bring 
a new insight to me, Or help me face a new challenge
that was put in front of me. You challenged me to use 
my gifts the best way that I can, And you'd see my 
weaknesses as just a part of who I am. And when I needed 
to know that there was someone who really cared, All I 
had to do was look and I'd see you standing there.
And everything you offered I pray I gave back to you,
And you feel my strength and presence in all that you do.
For what came to me on angels wings has turned out to be,
Such an important part of my life and means so much to me.
So whether we are close together or life pushes us apart,
I'll always feel the love for me that you have in your heart.
And there is one thing that I know
that I can carry to the end,
That my life is so much better because you are my friend.

May the Spirit of Love be with you!