READING:
One-year plan: Ezekiel 45-48
Two-year plan: Jeremiah 25:1-26:6, 2 Timothy 4:9-22
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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).
And, the Lord will be there, and He invites us to join Him. Amazing.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you amazed by God’s willingness to be with us?
PRAYER: “God, You are amazing. Amen.”
MONDAY’S READING:
One-year plan: Daniel 1-4
Two-year plan: Jeremiah 26:7-28:17, Titus 1
MEMORIZATION VERSE (September 1-15)
“For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life?” (Mark 8:36)