Susan R. Beebe
Today we arrive at the end of the book Ezekiel. The journey has been difficult, but it has brought us to a mystically beautiful place.
Remember the valley of dry bones back in chapter 37? Ezekiel prophesied, “Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves… I will bring you back to the land of Israel…I will place you on your own soil.” Today we catch a glimpse of this promise fulfilled. Israel’s borders are established once again as they were in the book of Joshua.
There are a few differences, but for the most part. God’s people are returned to the boundaries of old.
But chapter 37 spoke of more than just restoration to the land. It promised that God’s very presence would remain forever in Israel’s midst: “[I] will set my sanctuary among them for evermore. My dwelling-place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Today’s reading provides a vision of this prophecy fulfilled as well. The temple is established in Jerusalem. An ever-deepening river flows from the sanctuary all the way to the Dead Sea, where it brings life to that which has been stagnant and dead. The book of Ezekiel closes thus: “the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord is There.” The presence of the living God is the greatest gift, and it shall never again be taken away.
Psalm 91 and Revelation 15 speak of God’s presence as well. Revelation reminds us of God’s power as the temple fills with smoke from God’s glory. But the psalmist reminds us of the comfort in drawing near to God as well. We are encouraged to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, where salvation and safety are found.
I am grateful that in Christ Jesus we may draw near to God with confidence no matter where we find ourselves. Today may each of us dwell in that powerful, comforting presence.
Today we arrive at the end of the book Ezekiel. The journey has been difficult, but it has brought us to a mystically beautiful place.
Remember the valley of dry bones back in chapter 37? Ezekiel prophesied, “Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves… I will bring you back to the land of Israel…I will place you on your own soil.” Today we catch a glimpse of this promise fulfilled. Israel’s borders are established once again as they were in the book of Joshua.
There are a few differences, but for the most part. God’s people are returned to the boundaries of old.
But chapter 37 spoke of more than just restoration to the land. It promised that God’s very presence would remain forever in Israel’s midst: “[I] will set my sanctuary among them for evermore. My dwelling-place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Today’s reading provides a vision of this prophecy fulfilled as well. The temple is established in Jerusalem. An ever-deepening river flows from the sanctuary all the way to the Dead Sea, where it brings life to that which has been stagnant and dead. The book of Ezekiel closes thus: “the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord is There.” The presence of the living God is the greatest gift, and it shall never again be taken away.
Psalm 91 and Revelation 15 speak of God’s presence as well. Revelation reminds us of God’s power as the temple fills with smoke from God’s glory. But the psalmist reminds us of the comfort in drawing near to God as well. We are encouraged to dwell in the shelter of the Most High, where salvation and safety are found.
I am grateful that in Christ Jesus we may draw near to God with confidence no matter where we find ourselves. Today may each of us dwell in that powerful, comforting presence.
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