It’s All About God.

“The distance around the entire city will be six miles. And from that day the name of the city will be ‘The Lord Is There.‘” – Ezekiel 48:35 NLT

The book of Ezekiel has finally come to an end. It has been 22 years since Ezekiel first saw his vision of God and received his commission as God’s prophet to the people of Judah. His ministry began with an unbelievable glimpse of the glory of God. He was given a word to deliver from the very mouth of God, predicting the coming siege of Jerusalem, the destruction of the Temple and the deportation of the people of Judah to Babylon. In chapters ten, Ezekiel was shown the real tragedy of it all – the glory of God departing the Temple. The very presence and power of God was being removed from their midst due to their sin and rebellion. But two decades later, God gave Ezekiel another vision of a rebuilt Temple, a restored Jerusalem and a revived relationship with the people of God. The book of Ezekiel ends with the city of Jerusalem referred to by the name, “The Lord Is There,” and if the Lord is there that means His glory has returned once again to the city. This book began with the glory of God and end with it. God will one day reestablish His permanent residence in the city of Jerusalem. The abiding presence of God is a powerful image with which to sum up this book. While God had to punish His people for their sins, He never abandoned them completely. He remained faithful and committed to His plan for them. Even while they were in exile, He sent His prophets to communicate His message to them. And ultimately, God returned them to the land. But there is a day yet future when God will complete His plan for the people of Israel and fully fulfill His promises to them. He will once again make His place among them, so that the city of Jerusalem can truly be called, “The Lord Is There.”

Father, how amazing it is to think about Your faithfulness. To read about the sins of the people of Israel and Judah and to imagine how You, as a righteous and holy God, must have felt as they repeatedly proved themselves unfaithful to you is hard to imagine. Yet You remained faithful. And You will one day restore this rebellious people to a right relationship to You – not because they deserve it, but simply because You are faithful. Thank You for reminding me of just how faithful and trustworthy You are. Amen

Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org