Day 260

The Lord Is There

Read: Ezekiel 46-48

In these closing chapters of the vision, the similarities to the holy city of the book of Revelation become more and more evident. Water flowing from the temple becomes a mighty river, like that of “the water of life . . . flowing from the throne of God” (Rev. 22:1). There are trees on both sides of the river in both cases, trees which bear fruit every month and have leaves with healing power. In both cases the city has three gates on each side representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Great blessings flow from the presence of God. Now fruit trees only give fruit for a short season. Yet there the blessings will be continuous, and all the hurts of life will be healed.

But the most wonderful part of this eternal reality is found in the very last words of this book, “The Lord is there” (Ezek. 48:35). And in the book of Revelation, the most wonderful thing about the holy city is the glorious presence of God and of the Lamb. The pearly gates and the golden streets are symbolic of how wonderful a place the new heaven and the new earth will be, but by far the most wonderful feature is this: “The Lord is there.” As Revelation says, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them” (Rev. 21:3). By faith Jesus is with us now; then we shall see him face to face!

PRAYER
Father, may the assurance of future glory enable us to face the difficulties of today. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.