Bible Pathways 9/14/2001
September 14
Read Ezekiel 46 -- 48
The first part of Ezekiel's final vision from God described the Temple,which he called the House (Ezekiel 40 -- 43); the second part described the worship and the character of the worshipers (44 -- 46); and the final part tells us that waters issued out from under the threshold of the House eastward (47:1). The further the water flowed, the deeper it became. Among other things, this symbolizes our continued walk with the Lord, for, as we experience more and more the all-sufficiency of His provision, we come to realize that His supply of all our needs has no limits.
The descriptions of the land and the city are very different from either ancient or present-day, geographical Israel and Jerusalem. But it is a vision anticipating the glorious future that all believers in Jesus as the Messiah will experience. All who love Him will enjoy the new Promised Land during the millennial reign of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ezekiel was led by his guide to the front of the Temple and to the source of waters issuing out from under the threshold of the House eastward. The water apparently emerged from under the eastern gate as a small stream that flowed a thousand cubits, a little less than one-third of a mile (47:2-3). The prophet's guide caused him to pass through the waters and Ezekiel found that they were ankle-deep. The same process was repeated at a second and at a third distance, each measuring a thousand cubits. At these locations the waters were found to be to the knees, and then to the loins (47:4). At a fourth distance of a thousand cubits (47:5), the waters had become a river that could not be passed through because of its depth. This river suddenly and miraculously broadened and deepened, illustrating something above and beyond both the past and present natural geography of Jerusalem.
We see a growing spiritual experience in the deepening of the river going beyond its ability to merely provide life. In addition, its waters provide life for the trees which bear abundant, wholesome fruit (47:9,12). This is what the Holy Spirit does in the lives of those who yield to Him. We begin to experience His supply as a small stream which flows out from Christ the Fountainhead and which continues to increase in depth and preciousness as we walk in the Spirit and in the light of His Word.
These blessings of eternal life flowing from the throne of the Glorified Lamb of God will flow to all the world, which shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9; compare Joel 3:18; Zechariah 14:8). Our loving Father has provided His people with a pure river of the Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. . . . and on either side of the river, was the Tree of Life, which . . . yielded her fruit . . . the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. . . . Whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely (Revelation 22:1-2,17).
Christ Revealed: Through the river of living waters and in the name of the city, which is also one of the names of God, Jehovah-Shammah -- the Lord is there (Ezekiel 47:1-12; 48:35; also Rev. 21 -- 22).
Word Studies: 46:7 as his hand shall attain unto means as he is able; 46:24 places of them that boil means kitchens; 47:2 utter means outer; 47:12 according to his (its) months means every month; 48:20 holy oblation means sacred district.
Prayer Needs:
Government Official: Rep. Ron Lewis (KY) · BPM Staff: Barbara Jean Jackson · Pray for Bible Literature International · Country: Albania (3 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Albanian and Greek · Newly opened to evangelism · 40% Muslim; 11% Albanian Orthodox; 7% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Realize that prayer is one of the ways God uses to strengthen you in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:18).
Optional Reading: Revelation 19
Memory Verse for the Week: II Thessalonians 1:8,10
