Ezekiel 46-48
Identification, Transformation
As Ezekiel continues with his vision regarding the millennial reign of our Lord and King which begins at the end of the Great Tribulation, we read in Chapter 46 of the Prince entering through the East Gate to offer sacrifices on the Sabbath. Why would the King of Kings have to offer sacrifices? I suggest it is for identification.
When Jesus was baptized it was not because He needed to repent. It was for John to identify and testify as to who Jesus is. He is the Lamb of God who will be sacrificed for our sins. John was told that when he saw the Spirit descend on Jesus as a dove this would be the sign. Although Jesus is God, He came in a human body and suffered the same things we suffer in this world. In this He identified with mankind. Hebrews 2
When Jesus was crucified, buried in a tomb, raised to life after three days, and then taken up to heaven, those who see, understand, and commit their life to Him, are identified with Him. As people truly encounter Jesus they are never the same as was symbolized with the people coming in one gate and going out another. Jesus remains the same. As he came from heaven so He returned.
Jesus said in John 7:37&38, “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If any man is thirsty let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the scripture said, From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’”
In Chapter 47 we read of a trickling flow of water that grew larger and larger as it progressed from the temple mount toward the Dead Sea. By the time it reached the Dead Sea it was a river that transformed the Dead Sea to a sea teaming with life. As Ezekiel looked back he saw on the bank of the river many trees that were growing on the bank. This reminds me of Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17:7&8
Our walk with the Lord should be like this flow of water. We begin by being born of the Spirit, babes in Christ. As we begin our walk with Jesus, the more we trust Him the more of the Spirit will flow into our lives bringing blessing, growth, and fruitfulness. Where the Holy Spirit flows ministry takes place. John 15:5
At some point in our walk we should be able to look back and see that we are like these trees, green and growing, producing fruit and full of life! I am at the age where many of my peers have been retired for some time. Retirement from secular work may be a good thing but I don’t think retirement from serving the Lord is an option, at least not for me. As I look back I see that my walk with the Lord is stronger and healthier than ever before and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. I do have a regret though. I wish I had not slowed the process of growth by dragging my feet and being distracted in those early years.
What about you? If your walk with the Lord were like a tree, would you be green and growing or brown and wilting? My prayer is that we are all hungry and thirsty for righteousness, for the Lord promises to fill those who are with Living Water.
Be Blessed!
Pastor Dave