Highlights In Today's Reading:
Chapter 46 centers around the Prince. Note He enters first (46:2) and then the people. In Chapter 47 we come to the river of healing that is a reminder of our Savior/Healer Christ Jesus.
In a vision Ezekiel saw the waters of life flowing into the Dead Sea, bringing forth fresh, life-giving water where there had once been death and desolation. Death passed upon all . . . death reigned from Adam. . . . even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:12-14,21). Behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house (Ezekiel 47:1). Everywhere the river flowed, it brought life (47:9).
The progress of these waters is gradual but constant (Ezekiel 47:1-5). It began at the altar, symbolic of the cross. Ezekiel first stepped in waters reaching to the ankle, then to the knees, then to the loins; and then they became a river. They flowed gradually and constantly in the ever-deepening stream. This illustrates, among other things, our relationship with God in the house releasing the water of life at the altar (cross) through Christ and His Church as well as eternal life flowing through missionary activities throughout the world. The Gospel that had a small, insignificant beginning with earnest fishermen was opposed by both religious and political powers conspiring to crush it.
The River of Life has its source in Christ who created all life and whose glory filled the Temple then spread among all nations of the earth. All the spiritual blessings that now enrich the world issue from Him who alone gives life (Ephesians 3:8; John 6:27; 10:28). Similarly, the growth of grace in the individual life is a progressive work, beginning with a small stream from Christ the Fountainhead but increasing in depth and preciousness. Our spiritual insight from God's Word, like the waters of the Temple, is shallow at first but grows in depth and preciousness as we continue to read His Word and become dispensers of the Water of Life to others.
God has a pure River of Life that has no limitations. He can cleanse the most vile sinner — no exceptions. No one who desires to forsake his sinful ways is disqualified. All the blessings of life come through Christ, who is the source of the Water of life, and are equally available to all who desire Him to be Savior and Lord of their lives. As Lord, He expects you to begin reading the Scriptures so the verses and chapters are easily understood. Others may be beyond our present understanding but are revealed by the Holy Spirit.
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Peter 2:1-2).
Thought for Today:
Rejoice in the fact that God has changed us from a life of sin into an instrument of His blessing.
Christ Revealed:
Through the river of living waters and one of the names of God, Jehovah(Yahweh)-Shammah meaning: The Lord is there (Ezekiel 47:1-12; 48:35; also Rev. 21 — 22).
Word Studies:
46:7 as his hand shall attain unto =b> as he is able; 46:24 places of them that boil =b> where the Temple servants boiled the sacrifice; 47:2 utter =b> outer; 47:12 according to his (its) months =b> every month; 48:20 holy oblation =b> set apart for the sacred district.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Henrine Anding • Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Lord Jesus • Government Official: Rep. Ron Lewis (KY) • Country: Ethiopia (60 million) in eastern Africa • Major languages: Amharic and Tigrinya • Unsettled after overthrow of communist regime • 41% Eastern Orthodox; 35% Muslim; 10% Protestant; 10% animist; .7% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord; tell others what He has done (Psa. 9:11).
Optional Reading: Revelation 19
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Thessalonians 1:4