Bible Pathways - September 14, 2005

September 14

 

Read Ezekiel 46

 

In Today's Reading:

 

Worship of the prince; river flowing from the Temple; boundaries and divisions of the land; gates of Jerusalem

 

The first part of Ezekiel's final vision from God described the Temple (Ezekiel 40 — 43); the second part described the worship and the character of the worshipers (44 — 46). The final part tells us of life-giving waters that issued out from under the threshold (doorway) of the House eastward (47:1-12) and of the boundaries and divisions of the land (47:13 — 48:29). The further this water flowed, the deeper it became. Among other things, it symbolizes our continued walk with the Lord for, as we experience more and more the all-sufficiency of His provision, we also come to realize that The Lord is there (48:35). This brief statement is the confirmation that during the thousand-year reign of Christ, He will not only supply all of our needs in abundance, but the far greater blessing of the presence of the Lord.

 

The description of the land and the city are very different from either ancient or present-day geographical Israel. This is a vision anticipating the glorious future that all believers in Jesus as the Messiah will experience. All who know and love Him as their Savior will enjoy the new promised land during the millennial reign of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Ezekiel was led by his guide to the front of the Temple. The water apparently emerged from under the Eastern Gate as a small stream that flowed a thousand cubits, little less than a third of a mile (47:2-3). Ezekiel then records: The man . . . brought me through the waters. Ezekiel states that it was ankle-deep. The same process was repeated at a second and at a third distance, each measuring a thousand cubits. At these locations, the water was found to be to the knees and then to the loins (47:4). At a fourth distance of a thousand cubits (47:5), the water had become a river that could not be passed over because of its depth.

 

Water provides life for the trees which bear wholesome fruit (47:9,12; compare Revelation 22:1-2). This is what the Holy Spirit does in the lives of those who belong to Him. We begin to experience His gracious supply as a small stream which flows out from Christ the Fountainhead, and it continues to increase in preciousness as we daily walk in the light of His Word.

 

Our loving Father has provided His people with a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding (flowing) out of the throne of God and of the Lamb (the Lord Jesus Christ). . . . And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:1-17).

 

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 Revelation 21 — 22).

 

Word Studies:

 

46:7 as his hand shall attain unto = as he is able; 46:24 places of them that boil = kitchens; 47:2 utter = outer; 47:12 according to his (its) months = every month; 48:20 holy oblation = sacred district.

 

Prayer Needs:

 

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Mrs. Ruth Rofstad and in honor of Bonnie Wilhite · Staff: Beth Carlton · Government Official: Rep. Ron Lewis (KY) · Country: Netherlands (16 million) in northwestern Europe · Major language: Dutch · Religious freedom · 39% Roman Catholic; 29% Protestant; 2% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Pray in such a manner that others would be encouraged to praise and glorify God also (Jude 1:24-25).

 

Optional Reading: Revelation 19

 

Memory Verse for the Week: Titus 2:12