Read Ezekiel 45:1-8
There’s land to distribute again. When the Israelites first took the Promised Land, the land was intentionally distributed among the twelve tribes. I couldn’t help but remember that story. However, this is different because it speaks of the holy land that will house the temple of God’s presence, a place for the priests, the princes, and the people. God’s place is discussed first.
Nobody has been left out. All have a place and a purpose. That’s God’s fairness. After all that the people have gone through, God wants to restore them in the land. There is a great promise here. If only they would listen to him this time and not try to figure things out on their own.
We can be guilty of that, too. How many times in your life have you ventured out into new territory, confident in your own ability to find the perfect place to live, or make the right life choice of some kind? If you haven’t sought God’s guidance, you’ve likely missed out on seeing what God can do.
God’s plans are always better. God’s fairness may not make sense to us every time, but when we seek to his will for our lives, we can be confident in God’s perfect provision. It may look totally different than anything we could have imagined. So, too, this large plot of land he’s talking about in this vision.
I’ve always liked the promise in Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Did you know Jeremiah was sharing a message to those in exile with this verse? Ezekiel was doing the same, only his vision shared more of the specifics of what the people should do with God’s fairness and provision.
When we walk through hard times in our life wondering what God wants us to do, remember Paul’s counsel in Romans 8:28. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” In other words, love God and trust God, it’s all going to work out.
Ezekiel’s vision of the temple and all the associated instructions may be hard to figure out. Ask God to show you what the message he wants you to take away. For me, I’m so glad that God continues to provide for me. It’s my job to love him, trust him, and obey him.
Let’s pray. Thank you, LORD, for revealing yourself to me and giving me the assurance that everything is going to work out. Forgive me for the times when I feel anxious and alone. In those moments, help me to focus on your great love for me and the promise I’ll be with you forever. No matter the calamities that surround me and am grateful for the peace I find in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
