Main Idea: The Lord will dwell with His people.
A Look at the Text:
Yesterday’s text concluded by describing the borders for the new Israel (Ezek. 47:13-23). Today’s text then divides up the land amongst the twelve tribes of Israel (Ezek. 48:1-29). With this, Ezekiel sees in his vision that the holy city would be in the middle of the land with three gates on each of its four sides for the various tribes of Israel (Ezek. 48:30-34).
Furthermore, in the holy portion of the land, the sanctuary would be there in the midst of it (Ezek. 48:8). As such, God would hold the central place amongst His people once again, and “The Lord is There” would be the name of the city (Ezek. 48:35).
In Ezekiel’s vision, just as the tabernacle complex used to reside at the center of the Israelite encampment in the wilderness, so now the temple with the Lord’s presence would reside centrally in the holy city.
Bringing it Home:
Throughout the Bible’s storyline, there is a consistent theme of God’s dwelling with His people. From the Garden to the tabernacle, to the temple, to Christ, to the new creation—He is a God who dwells. It is this hope of a future dwelling that spurs on the church even today as we await the moment when it will be said:
Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God (Rev. 21:3).
He is a God who loves us and longs to be with us.
Ezekiel’s book opened with a glorious picture of God’s throne-chariot but then tragically revealed the Lord of Glory would be departing from His temple. As we have now reached the end, Ezekiel’s book encourages us that God’s departure was not permanent. He would return. The glory of God would come to reside amongst His people once more.
Separation from God wouldn’t be the end of the story. He would draw near again.
Let us rest assured that the same God who promised to return to Jerusalem is the same God who has promised to us that He will never leave nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). One day, this will be experienced to the fullest degree in a new creation in which righteousness dwells (2 Pet. 3:13). In that day, and in the God who keeps His promise, we can hope.
Challenge:
Do I long for the future presence of God as much as I long for future peace?
Amen amen!
And a great challenge at the end!