Today's lesson comes from Ezekiel 47: 5-12. In the chapters preceding today's lesson, Ezekiel gives a detailed description of a future temple, worship, and Jewish homeland. Some believe these descriptions are symbolic, while others believe they describe actual places during the Millennial Reign of Christ. Chapters 40-43 give the measurements of the new temp[le. Chapters 44-46 set forth the service of worship. Chapters 47 and 48 describe the geography of the Holy Land--the life-giving river, boundaries and city gates of Jerusalem. We know from Ezekiel 10:18 and 11:22, 23, that God's glory had departed from the temple. However, that is not the ending as we shall soon see.
The first section is "A Life-giving River." vv. 1-5 In the Scriptures, a river is often typical of a life-giving source. The first river mentioned in the Bible watered the garden of Eden. Psalm 1 refers to a life-giving river. The description of the river found in Ezekiel 47 is very similar to the river described in Revelation 22. A heavenly messenger had led Ezekiel on a tour of the new temple. As they walked, measurements were taken of all the courts, the temple the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. The tour ended at one of the corners of the outer courtyard. There Ezekiel saw something he had not previously seen. Waters came under the house. He had not seen water up to that point. When Solomon's temple was built, water had to be brought in by aqueducts. The water would have been very surprising to Ezekiel. The water flowed through the inner court, and passed the "south side of the altar." Ezekiel's guide measured the stream . He and Ezekiel waded across the stream that was ankle level. Then the water grew to knee deep. They wen t further and the water was waist deep. After the fourth thousand cubits, the water became a mighty river. The Hebrew word for water was "a torrent." The river was a continuous flow that did not decrease, only increase. Albert Barnes, the commentator said, "The deepening of the waters in their course shows the continual deepening of spiritual life and multiplication of spiritual blessings in the growth of the kingdom of God."
The second section is "Fruitful Trees." vv. 6,7,12 Ezekiel is brought to the "brink of the river." He sees many trees on both sides. Verse 12 describes how wonderful the trees are. The trees will not have seasons of dormancy. They will be vibrant all year around. The reason for this continued vibrancy is that they are drawing water from that which "issued out of the sanctuary." There will be no famine with these trees. There will be fresh fruit and the leaves will be "for medicine." The same principle applies to believers that draw their strength and power from the Holy Spirit and walk in holiness. Our lives will be fruitful as we stay connected to God. Sin will separate us from His blessings and provision. The sanctified life will be a fruitful life.
The third section is "Healed Waters." vv. 8-11 As Ezekiel is admiring the trees, the messenger tells him that the waters of the river will continue to flow eastward "into the dessert." "Ee whither the river cometh." The water will bring life and productivity. The Dead Sea has six times the amount salt in its waters. Nothing can live there because of the salt content. However, when the river from the temple merges with the Jordan, they will flow into the Dead Sea and "the waters shall be healed." "Most interpreters agree that these waters signify th gospel of Christ, which went forth fro Jerusalem, and spread itself into the countries about, and the gifts and powers of the Holy Ghost which accompanied it." (Matthew Henry) The clear message is that the gospel of Christ take that which was dead and impart life and bring healing. What a Saviour! What a Gospel! It truly is good news. Jesus Christ is the living water. (John 7: 37-39) He will bring healing. The vision of the temple water is manifest in Jesus Christ!
The Golden Text is "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Rev. 22:17) The offer of salvation is to all men. John Wesley spoke of prevenient grace. This is the grace that God gives to the lost sinner to enable him to come to Christ. Thank God for His grace. Without the grace of God, no person would be saved and sanctified. Let us take time today to thank Him for His grace that enables us to be saved.
Next week's lesson is "Faithfulness Rewarded." Daniel 1: 8-21
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
No comments:
Post a Comment