READING: Ezekiel 46-48
The book of Ezekiel ends with a sentence that captures so much of the beauty and blessing of the gospel: “And the name of the city from that time on will be: ‘The Lord is There’” (Ezek 48:35). It is a dramatic reminder that God will not only draw His people back after judgment, but He will also forgive them. He will not only continue to love them, but He will also restore them. He will not only invite them to the city, but He will be there. Judgment has turned to renewal; separation has been replaced with relationship. As we’ve seen throughout this book, He does not turn His back on those who turn their backs on Him.
There is much that is hard to fathom in this text, not the least of which is God’s amazing grace. It is incredible indeed that God will someday make His dwelling place among people, where He will be their God (Rev 21:3). The water of life will flow from that city, just like the water that flowed from the temple in Ezekiel’s vision (Rev 22:1, Ezek 47:1). The tree of life will spring eternal in that city to bring healing to the nations, just as the fruit trees Ezekiel saw would bear never-ending fruit and provide healing in their leaves (Rev 22:2, Ezek 47:12).
But, do you know what most astounds me this day as I read these chapters? It is that the Lord who is there will allow me to be there! I am just as sinful as the Hebrews. I am just as guilty of idolatry, though my idols may be different. I am so grateful that the God who loved His people in Ezekiel’s day is the same God who loves His people today. He loves me that much, too!
The Lord will be there, and He invites us to join Him. Amazing.
ACTION STEPS:
- Yesterday, you read the picture of Revelation 21-22. Today, praise God that He is there — and that you will be, too, if you are a follower of Jesus.
- Consider the billions of people around the world who have no such hope for eternal life with God today. Pray for missionaries serving among them.
PRAYER: “Lord, I cannot put into words my wonder over how much You love me. Your patience astounds me, and your mercy melts me.”
TOMORROW¹S READING: Daniel 1-3