S) "35 'The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the name of the city from that day shall be, 'The LORD is there.'"
Ezekiel 48:35 (NASB)
O) This is from the final chapter in Ezekiel, and it's interesting that this final chapter doesn't seem to be written as a final chapter. The last few chapters have all been descriptions of how the holy city should be arranged. There are lots of repetitive measurements, and schematics, and divisions of land. This final chapter is simply more of the same. Even the verse above, which is the last verse in the book, seems devoid of typical statements of closure. There is no final prophecy declaring God's goodness. There is no recap of Ezekiel's life or death. Throughout the book, the LORD repeatedly called Ezekiel "son of man" without any clear definition. Many believe this was a way of keeping him humble, to remind him that he was chosen to deliver a message by God's sovereignty, not because Ezekiel was special. It seems fitting, then, that there would be such a nondescript end to his book of prophecies. However, when we ponder this last verse, we can understand it as the full closing statement I think it was meant to be. So much of man's desire has to do with understanding who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. All of those questions are answered in the LORD If we can only know who He is, and how to find Him, we can have all of our deepest desires met, and our greatest longings can be satisfied. when those concepts are kept central, we can see that the last several chapters are not just about city planning. The last several chapters are a treasure map. It was intended to be given to the people, so they would have the best possible chance of learning, "The LORD is there."
A) This is one of the most fundamental ways the gospel changes our lives. In Jesus Christ, the Immanuel, we no longer have to search for a holy city. We no longer have to find a holy temple, where God's presence is manifested. In Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God is with us. When He came, lived a perfect life yet died a sinner's death, taking the sins of the world upon Himself, He was the final payment of sin. When He rose from the grave on the third day, He conquered sin and death. In the process, He provided that all men could come to the Father through the Son. Now, to find Jesus is to find the LORD. Jesus is found in the gospel, because He lives even now. Putting our faith and trust in Jesus, means the Holy Spirit will also be within us. We, as the body of Christ, are the church. We, even as individuals, are temples of the Holy Spirit. The last few chapters of Ezekiel remind me that I am living with the Holy One every day. I don't have to make a pilgrimage. I don't have to make atonement for my sins. Jesus Christ lives in me. That alone inspires me to a life of worship and obedience
P) Father, thank You for the grace of the gospel. It is such a blessing, knowing that my sins have been atoned. There is such a relief in that grace. There is such peace in my redemption, and knowing it can never be reversed or negated. You are so perfect in Your ways. Help me focus on the gospel, to be motivated to good works. Help me to focus on the gospel, to walk in self discipline. You are sovereign, and I want You to accomplish Your will. But, You are also a gracious and good master, and I want to accomplish Your will, with You. Be glorified in my life. Thank You for bringing Your presence here, in me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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