October 15 -- "The LORD is There"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 48

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In Ezekiel 48, the prophet concludes his vision of the restored Temple and the future glory of Jerusalem with a profound statement: "And the name of the city from that time on shall be, ‘The LORD Is There.’" The Hebrew for this phrase is "יהוה שָׁמָּה" (pronounced as "Yahweh Shammah"). 

The Old Testament is rich with various names and titles for God, each one revealing a unique aspect of His character and nature. Throughout the Old Testament, we see how Yahweh (translated “the LORD” in English), the ever-becoming One, assumes different roles to meet His people's needs. In today’s verse He is "Yahweh Shammah" becoming the God who “is There” at the future Temple for His people.

The word "Shammah" doesn't just imply a physical location but denotes God's active, abiding presence among His people. This declaration encapsulates the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people, signifying His presence and sovereignty over them.

For modern-day Christ followers, the significance of "The Lord Is There" extends beyond geographical boundaries. Through Christ's redemptive work, believers experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, making each one of us a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19). This reality underscores the intimate relationship believers have with God, regardless of external circumstances. Just as Ezekiel's vision provided hope and assurance to the exiled Israelites, recognizing God's presence today offers comfort, guidance, and strength amid life's challenges.

Consider the story of Corrie ten Boom, a Christian who endured imprisonment during the Holocaust. Despite the horrors she faced, Corrie found solace in the Lord who was there with her through her whole ordeal. Her unwavering faith and reliance on God's strength sustained her through the darkest of times, inspiring countless others to trust in the Lord's faithfulness.

In light of Ezekiel’s vision, we are encouraged to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in our lives. This entails nurturing a consistent prayer life, studying God's Word, fostering community with fellow believers, and being led by the Holy Spirit. Moreover, it prompts us to relinquish control and trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is with us every step of the way as Jesus promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). As you embrace the reality that "The Lord Is There," may you find peace in His presence and courage to walk boldly in faith, regardless of the circumstances you face.

October 14 -- "Waters of Life From the Dead"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 47

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Close your eyes and step onto the shores of the “Salt Sea.” Its name echoes barrenness—a cosmic paradox. Today, we call it “The Dead Sea.” A place where salt reigns supreme, where aquatic life dares not venture. The water’s embrace is harsh, its touch unforgiving. It’s a symphony of desolation.

In Ezekiel's vision, the Dead Sea, once a symbol of desolation and barrenness, is transformed into a vibrant, life-filled landscape. This transformation is made possible by the waters flowing from the Temple, which bring healing, restoration, and abundant life to all they touch. This vision is a powerful illustration of the spiritual renewal and transformation that will occur in God's kingdom.

The Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, with a salinity of around 34%. This extreme salt concentration makes it difficult for most plants to thrive in the immediate vicinity, and it sustains minimal aquatic life. However, in Ezekiel's vision, the waters lose their saltiness, and the Dead Sea becomes a thriving ecosystem, teeming with plant and animal life. Suddenly, life stirs—a crescendo of green shoots and darting fish. 

In the prophetic timeline, this transformation aligns with the return of Jesus Christ. Sin and death retreat like shadows before dawn. The Dead Sea becomes a symbol—an anthem of God’s reign. Abundance spills forth. This is a vision of the future that God has in store for His creation..

As we look to the prophetic timeline, the transformation of the Dead Sea serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how desolate or lifeless our circumstances may seem, God has the power to bring about restoration, renewal, and transformation. Through the work of His Son, Jesus Christ, God can turn even the most barren and desolate places into vibrant, life-filled landscapes.

Hold onto this vision of transformation and hope, and eagerly anticipate the day when the Dead Sea will be transformed into a symbol of God's glorious reign over all creation. May you be filled with hope and anticipation as you look forward to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan!

October 13 -- "Leaving Differently"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 46 

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Imagine stepping into a sacred space, a sanctuary where the very air is thick with the presence of the divine. This is the world Ezekiel paints for us in Ezekiel 46, where the entrance and exit paths of worshipers are carefully choreographed to mimic the transformative journey of encountering the holy. It's as if the very architecture of the Temple is designed to guide us on a pilgrimage of the heart.

As we enter through one gate, we leave behind the mundane, the ordinary, and the familiar. We take on a new posture, one of reverence and humility, as we acknowledge the vastness and majesty of God's sovereignty. This is not just a physical act, but a spiritual one as well - we shift our perspectives, our priorities, and our very souls.

And then, as we leave through another gate, we are no longer the same. We've been changed, transformed by the encounter, renewed and empowered to live lives that reflect the glory of our Creator. It's as if we've been infused with a new sense of purpose, a new sense of direction, and a new sense of hope.

In our own Christian church gatherings, we have the opportunity to experience this transformative power. Our services are not just routine rituals or passive observances - they are sacred moments where we gather in the presence of the divine, where hearts are softened, minds are renewed, and lives are changed.

As we approach these gatherings, let us come with open hearts and minds, ready to receive the life-changing truths of God's Word. Let us come expectantly, anticipating the movement of the Holy Spirit among us, convicting, comforting, and empowering us for His purposes. Let us step into the sanctuary with the same reverence and humility as the ancient worshipers of Ezekiel's day, knowing that we too can be transformed by the encounter with the divine.

May the grace of the divine embrace you as you step into the sacred space of worship. As you leave His presence, may you be changed, renewed, and equipped to reflect the glory of your Creator.

October 12 -- "Enough!"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 45 

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God's mighty voice booms out in rebuke, targeting the corrupt leaders of Israel. These once-trusted guides, now consumed by greed and self-interest, have forsaken their duties. They've used their power to oppress and exploit, pushing the vulnerable to the brink, while lining their own pockets. The resounding cry of "ENOUGH!" echoes through time, with a loud, clear, and forceful call to these leaders who've lost their way, insisting that they put away their corrupt practices and return to practicing justice and righteousness.

Though addressed to ancient leaders, these words ring with startling relevance in our modern world. Corruption, in all its forms, persists, infecting every level of society. Political leaders abuse their positions, diverting funds meant for the people, stifling dissent, and inciting division. Corporate executives prioritize profits over people, disregarding the environment and exploiting workers. Religious leaders misuse their authority, manipulating followers for personal gain, and covering up abuse.

Enough is enough! The time has come for leaders in all walks of life to put aside their corrupt ways. Just as the leaders of Ezekiel's time needed to change their ways, so too must we in our modern world.

As followers of Christ, we're called to be different. Our Master, Jesus, demonstrated the power of servant leadership, washing the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-17). He championed the cause of the marginalized, spoke truth to power, and embodied sacrificial love. Do our lives reflect His?

We can create a ripple effect of integrity by living our lives with honesty, transparency, and authenticity. This can include everything from being truthful in our relationships to using our talents and resources to benefit others.

We can combat corruption first by combatting it in our own hearts, and then by holding leaders accountable, advocating for justice, supporting the vulnerable, and electing officials who will champion fairness and righteousness. By living with integrity and embodying the values of service, compassion, and fairness, we can work to create a world that reflects God's vision of true leadership.

May the Lord’s call to righteousness echo within your heart, and the spirit of servant leadership guide your ways. May you stand as a beacon of integrity and truth with your actions reflecting the values of our Maker's love.

October 11 -- "I Fell On My Face"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 44

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As Ezekiel gazed upon the magnificent splendor of the Lord filling the temple, it wasn't a fleeting encounter. The sight stirred such profound reverence and awe within him that he responded with the humble posture of falling on his face. This act of prostration, with arms outstretched or clasped in front, exemplifies the depth of his humility, submission, and respect for the divine presence.

Falling on one's face before the Lord is a symbol of acknowledging His holiness, sovereignty, and the vast chasm between the Creator and the created. It's a reminder that we are but sinners in the presence of a holy God, and our only response can be one of awe-struck surrender. This profound posture of worship is not unique to Ezekiel; throughout the Bible, we see other individuals falling on their faces in reverence and fear: Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Hannah, Job, Esther, Daniel, Mary, Paul, John and many others, all acknowledging God's greatness and their own unworthiness.

In our own lives, falling on our faces before the Lord represents our need to humble ourselves before Him. It's a recognition that He is worthy of all honor and praise, and that we are utterly dependent on His mercy and grace. This act of worship is a reminder that, despite our imperfections and shortcomings, God invites us into His presence and offers forgiveness and restoration.

Ezekiel's response challenges us to examine our own posture before God. Do we approach Him with humility and reverence, acknowledging His holiness and our need for His grace? Or do we come to Him with pride and self-sufficiency, treating Him as merely a cosmic vending machine for our wants and desires?

May we learn from Ezekiel's example and cultivate a heart posture that falls in reverent awe before the glory of the Lord, acknowledging His supremacy and surrendering ourselves fully to His will. As we do, may we discover the transformative power of humility, the joy of surrender, and the deep satisfaction of being in the presence of the One who created us and loves us beyond measure.

October 10 -- "The Sound of Many Waters"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 43

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In Ezekiel 43:2, the prophet Ezekiel experiences a profound vision of the glory of God filling the Temple. This vision occurs in the context of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry during the Babylonian exile, a time when the Israelites were far from their homeland and the Temple lay in ruins.

In the vision, Ezekiel sees the glory of God in all its brilliance entering the Temple from the east, symbolizing the return of God's presence to His people. The glory of the Lord fills the Temple, illuminating the space with His radiant presence.

"The sound of many waters" evokes the imagery of powerful, rushing waters, reminiscent of a mighty river or waterfall. The water symbolizes life, purification, and the presence of God. The image of "many waters" conveys the abundance and immensity of God's glory and power.

In Revelation 1:15 and Revelation 14:2, similar imagery of "many waters" is used to describe the voice of Jesus and the sound of the redeemed singing praises to God in heaven. This reinforces the idea that the sound of many waters represents the majestic and awe-inspiring nature of God's presence.

The imagery of seeing God's glory filling the Temple and hearing the sound of many waters is a powerful reminder of His holiness, majesty, and sovereignty. It underscores the importance of God's presence in the life of His people and the centrality of worship and obedience to Him.

For modern-day Christ followers, this vision serves as a reminder of the significance of God's presence in our lives. We are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit, inviting God to dwell within us and transform us from the inside out. Just as the glory of God filled the Temple in Ezekiel's vision, God desires to fill our lives with His presence, empowering us to live for His glory and honor. 

October 9 -- "Boundaries of Holiness"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 42 

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In Ezekiel 42, we find the prophet sketching the outer court's perimeter, emphasizing the separation between the temple's sacred space and the surrounding areas. This distinction reminds us of the temple's sanctity and the reverence with which God's dwelling place was regarded.

As we contemplate the significance of this outer wall, we realize its role in creating a boundary between the sacred and the secular, the holy from the ordinary. The concept of distinguishing between the holy and the unholy is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

In Leviticus 10:10, the Lord instructs the Israelites to differentiate between what is holy and what is common or unclean. This directive is part of the broader framework of purity laws in Leviticus, which regulated various aspects of Israelite life to maintain ritual purity.

The call to separation is also echoed for Christ followers in 2 Corinthians 6:17, where believers are encouraged to "Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." This New Testament passage emphasizes the idea of spiritual purity and separation from worldly influences.

1 Peter 1:15-16 reiterates the call for believers to live holy lives, mirroring the holiness of God himself. This involves setting boundaries for separating oneself from sinful behaviors and attitudes, seeking righteousness and purity in all aspects of life.

God establishes these boundaries out of love and concern for His people. Boundaries protect God's people from spiritual harm and contamination. Just as a fence keeps animals or crops safe from predators, spiritual boundaries keep believers safe from the influences of the world. By setting clear guidelines, He equips us to live lives that honor and please Him, and to walk in the fullness of His blessings and purpose.

As Christians, we are called to separate ourselves from practices incompatible with our faith. Just as the outer wall encircled Ezekiel's future temple, so too must we establish boundaries in our lives to safeguard our relationship with God and protect the sanctity of His presence within us.

May the boundaries of holiness guide your steps, as you seek to separate the sacred from the profane. May your life reflect the purity and righteousness of Christ, and may you draw nearer to the presence of God in every moment.