God Speaks
The LORD Announces the Boundaries and Procedures of the New Nation of Israel, Its Tribal Assignments and City
Verse of the Day: [May the life of each believer in the LORD be like this city. From now on may it be said of us:] “The name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.” [Quotes in the original.] (Ezekiel 48:35b NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 254
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Ezekiel 46-48:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Ezekiel 46
1. The temple is God’s house; therefore, He is the one who gets to say who and how people should enter and leave and what they can or cannot do there.
2. People should show their profound respect for God by how they behave in His house.
[Ezekiel 47-48 will be treated as a unit describing the boundaries of the land of Israel, the locations of the tribes and the dimensions of the capital city during the millennial reign as directed by God.]
1. God can and will create a new stream of water flowing from the Temple to freshen the Dead Sea and to nurture trees for food and for healing.
2. People should observe the boundaries of the land of Israel as directed by God. As to the non-Israelis living there, they should be treated civilly according to Ezekiel 47:23.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Ezekiel 46-48?
O Gracious and Mighty God, Lord of the universe, You are holy and wholly set apart from all Your vast creation, but You have chosen to interact with the human beings that You created. Throughout the Bible, You tell us how to show the awe and respect You deserve. The Temple described by Ezekiel is Your house. You are the one who gets to say who and how people should enter and leave and what they can or cannot do there. May all who worship You show their profound respect by how they behave, whether in that Temple or in their daily lives. In Ezekiel 47-48, You describe the boundaries of the land of Israel, the locations of the tribes, and the dimensions of the capital city during the millennial reign as You direct, LORD God. Thank You for the stream of water flowing from the Temple to freshen the Dead Sea and to nurture trees for food and for healing. Thank You for all that You provide for our benefit and enjoyment. Please help people to establish and maintain the boundaries of the land of Israel and the location of the tribes as You direct. As to other people living there, may they be treated civilly and fairly according to Your lovingkindness. May our daily lives reflect the Holy Spirit’s presence because truly the LORD is there. May everyone’s life bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Ezekiel 46-48? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will strive to show profound respect for God when I gather with His people in His house.
- I will calmly state the historical facts when discussing issues of conflict in the Middle East and elsewhere.
- I will pray for the Holy Spirit of God to work in the minds and hearts of all involved in bringing His peace to Israel and Jerusalem.
- I will pray for God to rescue and bless those who have been kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.