Read Ezekiel 46
Highlights:
Reminders of our Lord Jesus Christ. We see the Prince of Peace (Ezek. chap. 46), the River of Healing (chap. 47) where He healed them all (Matt. 4:24; 8:16; 12:15; Luke 4:40; 6:19; 8:47), the land (Ezek. chap. 48) with the Temple in the center (48:8), and The Lord is there (48:35).
In a vision Ezekiel saw the waters of life flowing into the Dead Sea, bringing forth fresh, life-giving water where there had once been death and desolation. Death passed upon all. . . . death reigned from Adam. . . . even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 5:12-14,21). Behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the House (Ezek. 47:1). Everywhere the river flowed, it brought life (47:9).
The progress of these waters was gradual but constant. They began at the Altar, symbolic of the cross. Ezekiel first stepped into waters reaching to the ancles (ankles), then to the knees, then to the loins; and then they became a river (47:3-5). They flowed gradually and constantly in the ever-deepening stream. This illustrates, among other things, God in the House (Temple) releasing the water of life (Rev.. 21:6; 22:1,17) at the Altar (Cross) through Christ and His Church as well as eternal life (John 3:15; 17:2) flowing through missionary activities throughout the world. The Gospel, which is now reaching the entire world, had a small, insignificant beginning with earnest fishermen, and was opposed by both religious and political powers conspiring to crush it.
The River of Life has its source in Christ who created all life and whose glory filled the Temple then spread among all nations of the earth. Similarly, the growth of grace in the individual life is a progressive work, beginning with a small stream from Christ the Fountainhead but increasing in depth and preciousness. Our spiritual insight from the Word of God, like the waters of the Temple, is shallow at first but grows in depth and preciousness as we continue to read His Word and become dispensers of the Water of Life to others.
All the blessings of life come through Christ, who is the Source of the Water of life (Eph. 3:8; John 4:13-14; 6:27; 10:28). His River of Life has no limitations. He can cleanse the most vile sinner — no exceptions. His Water is equally available to all who forsake their sinful ways and desire Him to be Savior and Lord of their lives. As Lord, He expects you to read the Scriptures. The verses and chapters are easily understood when you let the Holy Spirit teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance (John 14:26).
Thought for Today:
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2).
Christ Revealed:
Through the river of living waters and one of the Names of God, Jehovah(Yahweh)-Shammah, meaning: The Lord is there (Ezek. 47:1-12; 48:35; also Rev. 21 — 22).
Word Studies:
46:7 as his hand shall attain unto as much as he can afford; 46:24 places of them that boil where the Temple servants are to boil the sacrifice; 47:2 utter gate outer gate.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Ruth Allen • Staff: Rita Guerra • Country: Vatican City (900) in Rome, Italy • Major languages: Italian and Latin • Religious freedom • Approximately 100% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: All men need to pray to the Lord, who hears prayers (Ps. 65:2).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
John 1:11
