New Jerusalem – Be Still…

Ezekiel 40:1-37 – What Do You See?

Read Ezekiel 40:1-37

First and foremost, we need to remember this is a vision God gave to Ezekiel for a purpose. These are God’s designs for a temple that has not yet been built! The first thing I notice other than this is another vision where Ezekiel is transported to a new location, was that it was twenty-five years into his captivity. That is a long time. Ezekiel’s ministry is apparently alive and well.

God was clear that this message was meant for the people of Israel. Yet, we know that the temple rebuilt by the Israelites returning to Jerusalem led by Ezra years later did not match these criteria. I find that a bit curious. But God’s plans are always perfect, so the second temple was apparently not meant to be constructed from this temple’s design. Continue reading “Ezekiel 40:1-37 – What Do You See?”

Zechariah 2:1-5 – Think Bigger

Read Zechariah 2:1-5

On my first read through this reading, I couldn’t help but wonder, “God, what do you want for me to reflect on?” Then I realized I needed to think bigger, just like the man with the measuring tool trying to measure Jerusalem. He was measuring what was left, as if to reconstruct exactly what was there before.

That man wasn’t doing anything wrong, but he was limiting what God could do. Jerusalem had laid in ruin for 70 years. Now the people were returning. I imagine it was something like a “homing device” calling the people back to their homeland. Zechariah’s vision speaks to just how many people. “Jerusalem will someday be so full of people and livestock that there won’t be room enough for everyone! Many will live outside the city walls.”

Isaiah 11:1-9 & Revelation 21:1-7 💛 What Will It Be Like?

Read Isaiah 11:1-9 and Revelation 21:1-7

a blue sky with clouds and a blue cross in the middle with light beaming off it

Our final readings for the theme, “Seeking the Kingdom of God” come from both the Old and New Testament. Each are beautiful glimpses into what we’ll see when God’s kingdom is fully revealed. These images should be enough to whet our appetites to not fear that day but look forward to its revelation.

We’re living now in the “in between time” waiting for the big reveal! We’re anxious and we want more! We can only imagine the ultimate splendor God will one day reveal. That’s why Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 ring out to us as a clear reminder of what we need to do while we wait. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”