Read Ezekiel 40
Highlights:
The vision of the future Temple.
The hand of the Lord was upon me. . . . Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee . . . declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel (Ezek. 40:1,4).
These comforting words, which climax the Book of Ezekiel, caused the children of Israel to look beyond their return from captivity to Jerusalem. The beauty of the new Temple described to Ezekiel lies in the fact that: The Lord is there (48:35). The children of Israel had suffered many trials and tribulations. Many of these were the result of their own disobedience. Many would think they would not cling to a hope for the future. However, when you serve the Only True God, hope is always there for the having. It is true that we may come to a place in this world that there is not much left. At times war, famine, and disease have left mankind facing death's dark shadow. Their time in this world was at an end. Praise be to God that our promise lies not just in this life, but in the life that comes after death. Jesus has been busy preparing a place for all believers where He will spend eternity with them. We will live forever in heaven praising God for His goodness and mercy. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (I Cor. 15:58).
Ezekiel envisioned a very remarkable feature of the Temple — a stream flowing from its threshold. It was this mysterious stream that transformed everything it touched with new life. It was shallow at first, but the ever-rising stream became the river of life. And He shewed me a pure river of Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb (Rev. 22:1).
As Christians begin reading the Scriptures, some verses and chapters are easily understood. Others will require deeper study in order to understand them (II Tim. 2:15). Yet, some are beyond natural human comprehension. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit. . . . the natural man receiveth not . . . for they are foolishness unto him . . . because they are spiritually discerned (I Cor. 2:10,14). But as we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us through His Word, He reveals deeper meanings to all who continue to walk in the Light of His life-giving Word (2:4).
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water (Rev. 7:17).
Thought for Today:
God's Word, the Living Water, transforms all who prayerfully read it.
Christ Revealed:
Through the sacrifice (Ezek. 40:42). Jesus made the final once for all. . . . sacrifice for sins for ever (Heb. 10:10-12). Thus He became our only Mediator with God by dying for our sins. The patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. . . . And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation (9:23-28).
Word Studies:
40:17 thirty chambers were upon the pavement, 30 rooms faced this pavement terrace; 40:23 over against, opposite; 41:24 turning leaves, hinged panels; 42:20 profane, unholy, common.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Beverly Fortran • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville, TN • Government Officials: Gov. Sam Brownback (KS), Rep. Henry A. Waxman (CA), Rep. Ben Chandler III (KY), Sen. Scott P. Brown (MA), and Rep. Tim F. Murphy (PA) • Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord when you are oppressed (Ps. 102:8-13).
Optional Reading: Revelation 17
Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:4