November 30th, 2025: Ezekiel's Vision | Ezekiel 37:1-9, 12

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. (Psalm 46: 1-5).

The last chapters of the book of Ezekiel are all about a renewed hope, a new Jerusalem, a new temple, and the return of God’s chosen people to their God. As you read the lesson today, keep in mind that this is a prophecy yet to be fulfilled.  Although there are numerous opinions and  possibilities of how things will happen, the events of chapters 40- 48 have not all occurred. The glimpse we get is one of great rejoicing for the family of Israel. God again dwelling with His people and keeping His promises. 

Ezekiel’s last chapters give a glimpse into what many call the “third temple”, or “Ezekiel’s Temple.”  Chapter 40 gives us much detail about the measurements and the singers and priests who will tend to this Temple.  The sons of Zadok the priest represent those priests who did not fall into idolatry or false worship. These are those who remained faithful even in the most difficult of circumstances. It is interesting to note that when the second temple was built, the nation of Israel was not ready and did not use the instructions of Ezekiel. Today, there are faithful Jews (known as the Temple Institute) who study expressly the words of scripture for the building of the next temple. They have created the instruments, the incense, and even have a choir prepared.  Recently, a red heifer was bred in America that is needed for the cleansing ritual before any sacrifices can take place. 

To Christians, this poses a dilemma. Why should God require sacrifices when we are told explicitly in the New Testament that the blood of animals could not save from sin?   That is truly a question that we can speculate on from many different angles. Keep in mind, this is not a vision for the church (although we get the same benefits). This vision is for the nation of Israel.  We know that there will be another temple because Ezekiel describes it in great detail, and the book of Revelation tells us that sacrifices will begin and the antichrist will break the covenant with Israel during the great tribulation, sitting in the temple as if he were God. Why would God ask this of Israel?  It may be that the nation of Israel needs to pick back up where they left off, as we all do when we fall into sin and failure.  It could be part of the writing that Daniel was asked to seal up and not share. Regardless, it is recorded for a purpose. 

Ezekiel is told to remind Israel in these last chapters that there will be a time to teach the people discernment, to recognize right and wrong, and separate the profane and the clean.  Woven within the last chapters of Ezekiel are the words also found in Isaiah, Daniel, Joel,  Zechariah, and John the Revelator.  Ezekiel’s writings are great chapters to compare and contrast with the other writers of scripture. As you compare them to Revelation, we find that the church is not left out of the glories to come.  Pray for understanding and discernment, but most importantly, remember that God is in control.  With God, all things are possible, and His will be done - whether we understand every detail or not.

Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.

Does this sound familiar? It should maybe just a little bit. In the Garden of Eden, there was a river that flowed in the midst of the dwelling place of God. The start of this story was the creation of a perfect place and a residence with God.  But sin enters the world, and things become cursed.  We are getting to see the beginning and clear to the  end of redemption and  returning to walk with and know the Lord.

The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth out of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim. (Joel 3: 16-18).

And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.

The abundance of God does not run out. He keeps his word. The fountain will be opened to the house of David. Israel, blinded for our sake, will learn, will understand, and know the price of their salvation.  It is the same for every believer; we all get there the same way- Jesus!  Interesting that the river has many trees on the river banks.  

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3). 

It is the knowledge, statutes, testimonies, and commandments of God that will fill this place.  What a glorious place to be!

Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.

The key words here are “healed, liveth, moveth, and great multitude.”  All the wrongs will be righted.  All the sins will be forgiven. These waters flowing in abundance will clean, correct, and bring new life. They will cover the whole land. Anyone drinking from these waters will have no want or thirst.  But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14).

And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

The lesson skips to verse 12.  Leaves for the healing of the nations. Fruit on the trees every month. Why?  Because of the loving kindness and goodness of God.  Our creator. Our Father. These waters are available to all who seek. He will restore what was broken.  Fix all the wrongs.  It is the Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17). We will get to see the same things Ezekiel saw when we enter eternity.  This is a vision I truly look forward to seeing!  Our little problems here will be as nothing compared to the glory ahead.  Praise Him!  Thank Him for his goodness and the promises that He keeps!

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!