“There will be swarms of living things wherever the water of this river flows. Fish will abound in the Dead Sea, for its waters will become fresh. Life will flourish wherever this water flows.” 47:9
This gentle, deep and safe water correlates with the river mentioned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10). It symbolizes life as it metaphorically conquers death.
The Dead Sea is named appropriately; nothing in this body of water can survive. Sea life, including plants near the shore, can’t survive the high salt content in it’s waters. But when this river runs through it, life flourishes. Plants thrive. Animals populate.
” And from that day the name of the city will be ‘The Lord Is There.’ “ 48:35b
Ezekiel’s message to Israel ends with a bright picture of hope and restoration. God’s presence will return to his people and the new Temple. The city will get a new name, tethered by God’s presence.
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Here are some ways to reflect on the book of Ezekiel:
- Israel’s idolatry drove God away. Ask yourself what persistent sin in your life might be preventing a deep relationship with him.
- Israel repeatedly puts their trust into the wrong hands. Where do you find your stability? In your country? In your fleeting identity? In your financial state?
- If you follow Jesus, the River of Life flows through you. Is this evident? What ‘death’ still lingers in your waters? Where does he need to get to?
Tomorrow we start our LAST book, the book of Revelation!
-Carly
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