Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
The book ends recording the division of the land, but not just for Judah, for the northern kingdom too (two portions are to be given to Joseph because his two sons were originally given a tribe’s portion each). As the northern kingdom no longer existed, the Lord must have been predicting the reunification of the nation in Christ, including those from the nations. It is just this that we see in the book of Acts. And the man tells Ezekiel that the latter group in particular are to be considered as equal as native-born Israelites, sharing equally in the inheritance, which through Christ encompasses the entire earth renewed (Mat 5v5). We should be much encouraged. Finally, we read of how the gates to the city will be named after the tribes of Israel, and the city itself be a square of 4500 cubits on each side (about 1.5 miles). This is far smaller than the New Jerusalem of Revelation 21, but the note about the gates is the same (Rev 21v12). The point in Ezekiel is that the city represents the entirety of God’s people. And critical is its name: “The LORD is there.” This is the key thrust of Ezekiel’s vision and his entire message of hope. God will return to his people, and his presence is what will guarantee the fulfilment of his promises. We should marvel that just as the New Jerusalem is the bride of Christ (Rev 21v9-10), this title now refers to the church, guaranteeing all God’s promises to us. As you read note how the people would be encouraged.Ezekiel 47:13-48:35
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.