Read Ezekiel 46
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Reminders of our Lord Jesus Christ. We see the Prince of Peace (chap. 46), the River of Healing (chap. 47) where He healed them all (Matt. 4:24; 8:16; 12:15; Luke 4:40; 6:19; 8:47), the land (chap. 48) with the Temple in the center (48:8), and the Lord is there (48:35).
Ezekiel's final vision described the Temple as the House, its worshippers (chap. 40 — 46), and boundaries (chap. 47 — 48). Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the House; and . . . waters issued out . . . of the House eastward . . . on the right side (47:1-2). The blessings of eternal life are compared to an awesome endless life-giving river proceeding from the Throne of God and the Lamb and flowing to all the world.
The descriptions of the land and the city are very different from either ancient or modern Israel and Jerusalem. The most significant thing about the New Jerusalem, however, is its new name: The Lord is there (48:35), dwelling in their midst in an even more glorious manner. We can conclude that this is not just a simple description of the restoration of ancient Israel but the glorious future that God has planned for all those who personally receive Christ as Savior and Lord. Then, moving from the familiar to the unfamiliar, the new promised land during the millennial reign of our Lord is envisioned using terms which refer to the Old City, as well as some strikingly different terms.
We see not only a growing spiritual experience in the deepening of the river, but its power to heal (47:8), provide life (47:9), and bring forth fruit (47:12). The Holy Spirit does this in the life of everyone who yields to Him. God has a pure River of Life for His children who have been redeemed. This life begins as a small stream from Christ, the Fountainhead, and continues to increase in its depth and preciousness as we walk in the Light of His Word.
This vision illuminates what our loving Father has provided for His people — a pure river of water of life . . . for the healing of the nations. . . . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely (Rev. 22:1-2,17; John 7:38). By His supernatural grace He brings abundance where desolation once existed. What better way to provide this than with a river that originates in the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb (Rev. 21:22) flowing through the barren land, making it miraculously productive. How well this is offered by our Lord, when, on that great day of the Feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of Living Water (John 7:37-38).
Thought for Today:
As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even for ever (Ps. 125:2).
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 Studies:
46:7 as his hand shall attain unto =s much as he can afford; 46:24 places of them that boil =here the Temple servants are too boil the sacrifice; 47:2 utter gate =uter gate.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Bonnie Wilhite • Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Reverend Michael Hall • Country: China, Mainland (1.242 billion) in eastern Asia • Major languages: Standard Chinese (Putonghua) or Mandarin (based on the Beijing dialect) • Renewed persecution of the Church • 16% Asian (including Fulun Gong); 8% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; number of Christians unknown but growing; 10% Atheist • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to teach you His ways (Ps. 27:11).
Optional Reading: Revelation 19
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 11:30