Bible Pathway - September 14
Read Ezekiel 46 – 48
Highlights:
Our Savior Christ Jesus (1) The Prince (chap. 46); of Peace (Is. 9:16); (2) The River of Healing (chap 47; Mt. 4:24; 8:16; 12:15; Lk. 4:40, 6:19, 8:47); (3) The Land (chap. 48); The Temple (48:8); (4) The LORD is there (48:35).
And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over (Ezek. 47:3-5).
Jesus offers us rivers of living water through salvation and redemption of our sins. Oh how merciful is our God to grant us such abundant gifts! Yet, He does not save our souls from the fiery pit and leave it at that. This is only the beginning of what He has for His children. There is so much more to life in Christ Jesus that many do not pursue.
How deep are you willing to go into the depths of living water that Christ has for you? Will you go knee deep? Will you go waist deep? Or will you jump in, as Ezekiel and Peter did, and discover the depths of faith? And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus (Matt. 14:29).
Yes, it is true that Peter faltered on the way. However, two important things are often overlooked. First, Peter was the only one who got out of the boat. Second, when he began to sink, he called on Jesus. It takes faith and trust to go deep with Christ.
Will you go to Jesus with no reservations? Will you trust Him with your fears? With your life? His plan for you is so much more than you can imagine; it is so much more than you can do on your own.
Satan has a firm grasp on so many on this earth. However, by the name of Jesus, for the willing that take hold of Christ, those chains will be broken. Many a lost soul has heard the voice of Jesus calling out salvation to them through a child of God on fire, swimming in the deep waters for his or her Savior. The Holy Spirit that lives within the believer cries out Abba Father in desperation for the lost souls in this world. The Spirit that cries out within each believer will speak through us to lead that lost soul to salvation in Christ Jesus. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father (Gal. 4:6).
We read in the Book of Acts that the disciples and many other believers experienced the vast depths of the living water, just as Ezekiel did. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them like “tongues of fire” (see Acts 2:3). Like Ezekiel, these disciples began swimming in the deep waters. They lived and breathed devotion to their Savior Jesus. They yearned, with all that was within them, for more of their Lord. They prophesied salvation to the lost. Jesus had made more than an impact on their lives, He now lived within them and emanated through them by the power of the Holy Spirit. As believers, we pray that all will allow Jesus to lead them into the deep waters, just like Ezekiel and Peter did.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).
Thought for Today:
Keep planting good seed. In due time we will reap if we don't give up.
Christ Revealed:
Through the river of living waters and one of the Names of God, Jehovah (Yahweh)-Shammah, meaning: The LORD is there (Ezek. 47:1-12; 48:35; also Rev. 21–22).
Word Study:
46:7 as his hand shall attain unto, as much as he can afford; 46:24 places of them that boil, where the Temple servants are to boil the sacrifice; 47:2 utter gate, outer gate.
Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy (Ps. 106:1).
Optional Reading: Revelation 19
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 145:3
