Daniel 8 “The Vision Interpreted by Gabriel”

Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, that suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me,”Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end.” Now, as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me, and stood me upright. And he said, “Look, I am making known to you what shall happen in the latter time of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be. (vv.15-19)

Daniel was still in the midst of his vision when he saw himself on the shores of this Persian river. He heard someone instruct Gabriel to "explain the vision to Daniel." Gabriel assured Daniel that this vision had to do with end times, a latter time of the indignation. This is a problem for some, because we see that the prophecy of Daniel 8:1-14 was fulfilled in the days of the Medo-Persian and Greek Empires, especially in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. The terms "time of the end" and "latter time of the indignation" commonly refer to what we think of as the end times, not events fulfilled more than a 100 years before the birth of Jesus.

Though this prophecy was fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes, it also has a later fulfillment in the Antichrist, referring to "the time of the end." Antiochus Epiphanes is sometimes called the “Antichrist of the Old Testament.” He prefigures the "Antichrist of the New Testament." And, just as Antiochus Epiphanes rose to power with force and intrigue, so will the later Antichrist. As Antiochus persecuted the Jews, so will the Antichrist. As Antiochus stopped sacrifice and desecrated the temple, so will the Antichrist. And as Antiochus seemed to be a complete success, so will the Antichrist.

For us, Daniel’s prophetic vision of the “time of the end,” draws nearer every day. His vision prefigures the rule of the Antichrist in the coming end of days. He shall come to power through flattery (a smooth talker), striking a covenant with Israel (Daniel 9:27), deceiving many, looking like the man of peace, having the power of Satan to do signs and lying wonders. He will exalt himself, he will sit as God in the temple of God, showing himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). But he will eventually be defeated by the hand of Christ (Revelation 19:20).

Daniel’s vision will have it’s ultimate fulfillment in the not so distant future. Therefore, let every man who has an ear to hear, hear this, and keep your eyes on Israel, the center of all this future action.

The Truth: “ But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.” (Revelation 19:20-21)

Daniel 7 “Daniel’s Vision”

 “But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.” (v.18)

Daniel 7 records an unusual vision that he received in the first year of the Babylonian king Belshazzar (555-556 B.C.). The vision predicts major world empires and events from the time of Daniel to the second coming of Christ. The vision ended with Daniel saying, “My thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart” (v.28). What did Daniel see?

In our text, Daniel records, “And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.” Those great beasts, “are four kings, four empires, which arise out of the earth” (v.17).

The first beast: the Chaldean or Babylonian Empire, the second the Medo-Persian Empire, the third the Greco-Macedonian Empire, and the fourth beast was the dreadful and terrible Roman Empire, of which Daniel says, “It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns” (v.7), meaning a confederation of ten nations.

Daniel then says, “As I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.”

This little horn (the anti-christ) makes war against the saints, speaks pompous words against God, intends to change times and law, and persecutes the saints for a “time and times and half a time” (literally three and a half years, but using the day-for-a-year principle of Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6, 1,260 years).

However Daniel also saw the conclusion concerning the “little horn” when Jesus Christ returns, “the court [judgment] shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever” (v.26; Revelation 18:2). But Daniel does not stop there. He goes on to describe what happens next, “Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him” (v.27). That’s us. Hallelujah!

The Truth: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6,7)

Daniel 6 “Daniel's Loyalty Rewarded”

“Now Daniel so distinguished himself … that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.” (v.3)

Clearly, King Darius caught on to Daniel's value, appointing him as one of three rulers over all his other administrators and even eyeing him for a position over the entire kingdom (v. 3). Daniel wasn't just a great man of faith; he was an all-around great man. He had always stood out from the other wise men in the kingdom, and Darius noticed. As he had done so many times before, Daniel proved his worth to his king and was rewarded for it. With reward, though, came the downside: envy.

Not only did he instill so much confidence in King Darius that he was in line to be the first in command (v. 3), but Daniel’s worst enemies were unable to find fault with him (v. 4). Misguided as his fellow administrators were, they understood Daniel well—his allegiance to God and His Word took precedence over his loyalty to the king (v. 5).

So the plotters coerced the king into issuing a temporary ban on any prayer to any being, and Daniel’s response was predictable. He did exactly what he had been doing before the decree was issued. Without protest, without compromise, without fear, Daniel prayed. He knew the consequences of his actions. He prayed, gave thanks to God, and asked Him for help (vv. 10-11).

But, to the surprise of King Darius, Daniel was thrown to the lions, sealed in, and imprisoned overnight for breaking the trumped-up decree. However, an angel of God had shut the lions’ mouths—but did not take away their hunger. For the animals feasted on Daniel’s enemies, who were punished for their wicked schemes, and Daniel escaped without a scratch.

Think about this, all Daniel did in this story was pray. God was glorified, the king praised His name, the wicked were judged, and a new decree was issued - all because Daniel prayed. O that we were a praying nation that trusted in God like Daniel.

The Truth: “In You our fathers put their trust; they trusted and You delivered them.” - Psalm 22:4

Daniel 5 “Belshazzar Found Wanting"

“And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (vv.25-28)

Belshazzar, the last king of Babylon, knew the power of God, but he chose to ignore it. He was well aware of the things that happened to his grandfather, king Nebuchadnezzar, through the written records his grandfather left behind, as a written testimony of his life. The madness that he experienced until the seven seasons had passed over him, his restoration, and the proclamation that his grandfather made, "there is no god in all the earth like the God of Daniel who is able to set up those whom He would and bring down those whom He would. And sets in authority those whom He will" (v.21).

Belshazzar knew all of this, including that the vessels he used for his feasting were from God’s holy temple in Jerusalem. Yet, he blasphemed God anyway (by desecrating the sacred goblets looted from the temple in Jerusalem for his partying), the God in whose hand his very breath was in. (v.23)

Now during this fest, a supernatural hand appeared and wrote an inscription on the wall, which no one could interpret. So Daniel was called in to give the interpretation. He told the king that God had “numbered” or “counted out” his kingdom and finished it. In other words, God was saying, “It’s over Belshazzar,” your time is up – Both Babylon and Belshazzar were about to face God's judgment that very night (v.30), as the Medes and the Persians would overtake Babylon and execute the king.

There will always be people like Belshazzar who will belittle the existence of God. People who seem to be so forward in their mockery, ridicule, and blasphemy of God, that they have no fear of Him within their hearts at all - just brazenly living in open denial. Are these people beyond His reach?  Absolutely not, but all of our days are numbered, each one of us has a limited amount of time on this earth, to change the course of our lives. And God alone knows the length of time given to each person.  

Therefore, I pray the Lord of the Harvest to make himself known to all those who need to be humbled in your life - for there will come a time of judgment when every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is LORD. Better to do it now as a part of His family, than to hear those chilling words, “I never knew you, depart from Me, you workers of iniquity” (Matthew 7:23).

The Truth: "Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)

Daniel 4 "God Humbles Men"

“And those who walk in pride, He is able to humble.” (v.37)

King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the Babylonian empire, and the most powerful ruler in the history of the world, struggled with pride. What a shock! We’ve all heard it, “power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Pride is the foundational sin of everyone who is not saved, and a stumbling block to those who are. Pride is what caused the fall of Lucifer, thinking he could exalt himself above the stars of God. (Isaiah 14:13) The moment any of us begin to think more highly of ourselves than we should, you can be sure a correction is on its way.

This king was humbled through a series of dreams given to him by God and interpreted by Daniel, which came to fulfillment as prophesied. This led the king to say, “and those who walk in pride, He is able to humble.” And boy was He. God will do whatever it takes to bring people to a place where they see their need for Him. He did it to king Nebuchadnezzar, he did it to me and at some point,  He will do it to you as well, or maybe He already has.

At that point it becomes decision time, will you accept Him as King of your life, or in your pride remain in your corruption. But make no mistake about it, whichever you choose, there will come a day in which all will call Him LORD, for scripture tells us that, “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is LORD” (Romans 14:11). Better to humble yourself now and fall on your knees in repentance, than to allow pride to keep you from salvation.

The Truth: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18,19)

Daniel 3 “I Am He Who Saves"

“What god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” (v.15)

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon commanded the world's most powerful military, had the strongest economy, and could impose his cultural values on the whole world, except Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – three Jews taken captive from Judah who refused to bow to his statue. They were willing to lose their lives that day rather than bow before a statue saying, “We will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (v.18)

Nebuchadnezzar was furious at their defiance of his order, and ordered them bound and thrown into a furnace. The king took their moral stand as a challenge to his authority. He then upped the ante by heating the furnace seven times hotter than normal and said, “What god will be able to rescue you now from my hand” (v.15).

God responded by not only saving the three, but they didn't even smell like smoke. The Lord had saved His servants by His mighty hand, and everyone who was anyone in Babylon was there to see it. Their obedience led to their protection and praise to God out of the mouth of Nebuchadnezzar himself saying, “Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way.” (v. 29).

What a change!

The Truth: “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.” (Isaiah 59:1)

Daniel 2 "Seeking God"

 “So Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, that he might tell the king the interpretation.”(v.17)

Chapter 2 concerns itself with king Nebuchadnezzar's reoccuring dream which troubled his spirit so much that he could not sleep. So he calls on his magicians, his astrologers, his sorcerers, and the Chaldeans (renown astronomers) to test their abilities saying, "I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream" (v.3). "If you tell me the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive gifts, rewards, and great honor, but if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap" (vv.5-6).

Scripture goes on to tell us that the Chaldeans answered the king, "There is no man on earth who can tell the king's matter except the gods, whose dwelling is not with man" (vv.10-11). This response so angered the king that he commanded the execution of all the "wise men" of Babylon (vv.12-13). Before this order could be carried out, Daniel hears of the impending executions (which included him) and seeks an audience with the king.

Wow! What great courage and confidence Daniel displays here under these circumstances – seeking an audience with the very king who wanted to kill him. Daniel was young, probably in his early twenties, and different than most of the king’s advisers.  He lived a separated life (Daniel 1:8). Not a part of the king’s court and all the partying, but a life devoted to seeking the Lord, which probably did not go over well with those around him, but found favor with the kings guard for his convictions.

So Daniel, showing great wisdom (along with his faith of an expectant answer), asks the king for time to hear from his God - to wait on the Lord – to receive the expected outcome – both the dream and the interpretation. Daniel knew God would speak to him, of that he had no doubts. So he separated himself form them, went to his house, and sought the LORD with his companions. (vv.17-19) Then, the king's secret was revealed to him in a night vision which he was able to both describe and interpret for the king (vv.24-45).

Separation and Expectation are the two key components in hearing from God, along with devotion to His living Word. I employ you, in these uncertain times, to find time for all three, that you too may hear from Him as well.

The Truth: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5,6)

Daniel 1 "Daniel’s Resolve"

“But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.” (v.8)

Daniel was a captive in a foreign land, but he did not forget his religious principles. He could not in good conscience eat meat that had been dedicated to a pagan god and had not been slaughtered in accordance with Hebrew laws. He asked for a simple fare of vegetables and water, and the steward risked his life to honor his request. I believe he did this because Daniel’s noble conduct had earned his respect.

The world looks with disdain on Christians who do not live by what they say they believe. That’s why we should remain true to our convictions. Consistency of character is what gains the respect of others. When the challenges come, and they will come, believers can be "strong in the Lord" and press forward in their convictions by "the power of His might." Rather than being overcome by the crowd, we can be over-comers. Nothing should deter us in our Christian walk, nor divert us from our prescribed course. We don't have to give in to any temptation or foe.

Therefore, "Be strong in the LORD, and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10), and unlike rivers, which have no choice in the matter, we can remain straight by refusing to follow the path of least resistance.

The Truth: "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them (false prophets), because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) 

Galatians 6 "Love One Another"

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (v.1-2)

There’s an old saying, “kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.” Here in out text Paul is encouraging the Galatians to do just that, to come along side someone who is struggling under the weight of a burden and provide relief.

Maybe someone in your world needs an act of kindness. You may be the one who could help lighten their load. By giving a little bit of yourself or your resources for the comfort of another person, you will fulfill the law of Christ, the law of love.

John’s gospel tells us that sacrifice is the greatest demonstration of love, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (15:13). And, while very few of us may ever find ourselves in that situation, kindness is a trait that we all can share to relieve the struggles of those around us.

Remember, you don't have to have a special talent or gift. You don't have to have much money. You don't even have to be well-known. All you need is a willing heart. Maybe someone in your world needs an act of kindness. Keep your heart open as to how you may help lighten their load, especially during these difficult times. "Never grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap a harvest if we do not lose heart." (v.9)

The Truth: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Galatians 5 "Walk In The Spirit"

“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (v.16)

To walk in the Spirit is to be under the control of the Holy Spirit. In contrast, to walk in the flesh, is to be controlled by our worldly desires and inclinations towards sin. The struggle to do what is right, to live holy lives, and to be obedient to Jesus Christ is the battle between the two.

However, Paul assures us that this battle is evidence that Christ lives in us. Were there no regeneration by God’s Spirit, there would be no war! The desire cannot be prevented, but its fulfillment can certainly be withheld. And until we allow God to change our desires, our flesh will win the battle.

So what does it look like to walk with the Spirit and allow God to capture more of your soul and take it under His control? It’s a process of surrender. It begins with repentance, praying honestly, confessing you have hung on to some desire to long, then turning it over to Him. It also entails renewing your Spirit daily in His Word to strengthen your inner man for the battle against the flesh.

Satin will always try and tempt us, and temptation itself is not a sin, but we must put on the whole armor of God daily so as to “walk in the Spirit” and not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

The Truth
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)

Galatians 4 "Adopted Sons"

“But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a women, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” (vv.4-5)

At just the right time, Jesus Christ came to purchase all who were under the law, who were trying hard to obey it, but powerless to do so. The law was powerless to save us from our sin, it could only confirm it. A blood sacrifice was always necessary for the redemption of sin. So in the fulness of time, God sent His Son as a sacrifice for all mankind. The Son of God took our position on the cross (alter), so that we might in turn take the position as, adopted sons of God.

Adoption is not the means of entry into God’s family, but the privilege and standing we receive within God’s family. The only means of entry, as Jesus told Nicodemus in John chapter 3 is, “One must be born again.” The moment that happens we are placed in an adopted state, heirs to the riches of the Father, and have the Spirit of His Son in our hearts. Therefore, we can call God “Abba, Father” (v.6) – and He will respond. What a gift, but like all gifts, it must be received.

If you would like to receive this great free gift from God, and become adopted into His family for all eternity simply pray the prayer "Connect with God," found on the right hand side of this page. God Bless.

The Truth: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:14-17)

Galatians 3 "A Call For Unity in Christ"

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Jesus Christ. (v.28)

The Christian gospel celebrates unity and equality of all people in the name of Jesus Christ. Differences based upon ethnicity, economic status, and race, do not exist in God’s eyes. His family members are all equal to one another.

This concept was radically new for the believers in Galatia, who were undoubtedly quite familiar with first-century attitudes. It was common for the Pharisees in Paul's time to give thanks to God that they were not Gentiles, slaves, or women. Clearly, a great deal of prejudice existed against these groups (as well as others) at that time. Some would argue that not much has changed today.

But Paul argues (vv.26-29), when we declare faith in Christ, we are baptized into Him, are guaranteed to inherit all the divine promises of Abraham and are then fully and completely adopted by God into His family. In this family, it does not matter if one is Jew or Gentile, a slave or free, man or woman, white or black, because what becomes the most defining piece of our identity is that we are “Christian,” (Christ like).

The message of unity in Paul’s letter is still relevant today. True unity comes from our recognition that we are all recipients of saving grace from God through Jesus Christ. It is not the Christian gospel that has caused division among races, nor the Church itself, but our own selfish pride and superior attitudes, those who would call themselves Christians and yet hold themselves above their fellow man.

To be outside of God's family is to have your identity of the world, leaving your actions in support of the world and its agendas, not God's. Is it any wonder then that anarchy and lawlessness will follow when man believes he knows better? What this country needs is not division but unity, not restrictions but revival, not fear but faith. No political party or person has all the answers, but God does. Get on your knees Christian and pray for unity.  

The Truth: “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Galatians 2 "Crucified With Christ"

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (v.20)

Here in chapter 2 Paul is making his case for, “justification through faith." Paul taught that, everyone who believes in Jesus (Jew or Gentile) is a member of God’s family based on faith in Him, not because they followed the law. For the law could not be kept, it proved our guilt, pointed to our sin, and showed the need for a savior.

What Paul is communicating in our text is; he is now dead to the external rules of the law, but alive to the internal rule of Jesus in his heart. This new life in Christ and His presents in our lives, is the free gift of the Holy Spirit, given to all who believe. Therefore, enjoy God’s grace and freedom today, and do not add works to the finished work of Christ. (see connect with God to the right on this page)

The Truth
“But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.” (Romans 7:6)

Galatians 1 "Freedom in the Gospel"

"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel.." (v.7)

Paul wrote this letter to a group of fledgling churches in the region of Galatia (located in present-day Turkey) in order to address some serious issues facing the early church. The primary problem concerned the status of Gentile Christians. At issue was the question of the relationship of newly converted Gentile believers to the practices of the Law.

Some of the first Christian leaders concluded that Gentiles needed to observe the ritual of circumcision as prescribed by the Old Testament Law, in order to participate fully in the salvation offered by the gospel. However, Paul came to a different conclusion. He presented an extended argument for the full acceptance of Gentile believers, apart from such practices as circumcision (“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law”).

As we read together through the book of Galatians, we will see that Paul’s response to those who would try and hold the Gentiles to Jewish Law is clear and firm–to require Gentiles to submit to the Law contradicts the freedom of the gospel. He even went so far as calling their's, “a different gospel” stating that, “some are throwing you into confusion and trying to pervert the gospel message” (v.7).

I praise God for people like Paul who are the watchdogs of truth, who have been entrusted with the gospel, and dare to proclaim it fully without adding to or subtracting from it. Bottom line; Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!

The Truth
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)

Ezekiel 48 “The LORD is There”

"The city shall be 18,000 cubits round about; and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘The Lord is there.’ "(v.35)

This final chapter of Ezekiel goes into the division of land in the new Jerusalem among the tribes of Israel. The first eight verses describe the land set aside for the seven northern tribes. Next comes the area set aside to the LORD, along with the holy district which shall belong to the priests, and the sanctuary of the LORD in which the sons of Zadok will minister (vv.9-12).

Continuing on in the chapter we find opposite the border of the priests, the land set aside for the Levites, who would serve at the temple to support and assist the work of the priests (vv.13-14). Ezekiel then continues on with a description of the portion of land set aside for the general use of the city, for dwellings and common-land, which shall be in the center about a mile and a half square (vv.15-20). Ezekiel then completes his description of land allotment with the portion set aside for the prince (Messiah’s appointed ruler vv.21-22), and the five southern tribes (vv.23-29).

Throughout the larger section of Ezekiel 40-48, the name of the new city of Jerusalem is never specifically mentioned. We now we discover why; God will give the city a new name. It will be known as Yahweh Shammah, “Yahweh is There” (v.35).  In that day, the overwhelming character and idea of Jerusalem would be that, God was there. This is final word of the prophet Ezekiel.

The Truth: “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3)

Ezekiel 47 "The River of Life"

God is the ultimate giver and saver of life, and is described here in Ezekiel’s vision of the river of life as, "the giver of healing water from His throne" (47:1–12). 

This recurring image in prophecy can also be found in Revelation 22:1–2. In those verses, the Apostle John also describes the “River of Life,” flowing from the throne of God and is of the Lamb (Jesus Christ). Also, on either side of the river, is the "Tree of Life," which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 

Throughout scripture, "the lamb" is always a reference to Jesus. It was His sacrifice on the cross that made atonement for our sin. And because of that, Jesus is often referred to as, "the sacrificial lamb." Scripture also makes note of the fact that during His crucifixion, a sword was thrust into His side to make sure He was dead, and out of it (His side, His body) flowed blood and water.

This makes John's reference of, "the River of Life, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb" (Jesus Christ), very interesting indeed. For we see this very river, with healing waters, coming from the temple (God's Throne room) foretold by Ezekiel, here in chapter 47. In both references, the water’s main properties are that it heals and gives life, suggesting a renewal of not just the physical creation, but spiritual vitality as well. 

The Truth: Christ Himself is the Living Water: “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:7–14).

Ezekiel 46 "He Is With Us, Always"

 “When they go in, the prince shall go in among them; and when they go out, he shall go out.” (v.10)

There is much ceremony described in our reading today, along with guidelines, expectations, and commands. But here in our text, Ezekiel describes for us the ingress and egress of the temple worship. What a beautiful description of how God meets us there, in our place of worship, and goes with us when we leave. His promise of, "Where two or more are gathered together in My name, there I will be also"(Matthew 11:28), extended not only to the Jews, but to us (gentiles) as well.

In our churches today where many are being restricted by state regulations from; gathering in groups, singing and worshiping the LORD, for fear of spreading COVID-19, many have continued their services via live-streaming platforms. And even when we meet in such a way, He is with us. Yes it has been a difficult adjustment, especially when it comes to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, but our LORD has been there every step of the way, ministering to all who simply come.

I thank God for these platforms which have allowed not only churches to continue connecting with people but families, schools, and businesses as well. Staying connected in these difficult times is so important; to hear an encouraging word, to be able to lighten our stressful burdens with loved ones, or to pray corporately with others, is invaluable.    

The Truth: "Come unto Me all who are weary and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)  

Ezekiel 45 “A Call For Justice and Fairness”

‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Enough, O princes of Israel! Remove violence and plundering, execute justice and righteousness, and stop dispossessing My people,” says the Lord GOD. “You shall have honest scales, an honest ephah, and an honest bath.” (vv.9-10)

In the previous verses God spoke of the coming "righteous age" connected to Ezekiel’s temple, and said it would be a time when “princes shall not longer oppress the people of God” (Ezekiel 45:8). That vision of a future righteousness could inspire the leaders (princes) of Ezekiel’s time to remove violence and plundering, execute justice and righteousness, and stop dispossessing God’s people in their own day.

God cares greatly about simple honesty and integrity among men. Scales and every measure should be righteous and fair, as well as the judgments made by princes. Violence, plundering, the oppression and dispossessing of God’s people would cease in the new "age of righteousness."

O how we could use a measure of His righteousness today in many cities throughout our land. Pray for such wisdom, fairness, and righteousness in our leadership today. That our leadership would benefit all, not just an agenda; that their motivations would be pure, not driven by selfishness; and that their council would come from God's Spirit, and not man's desires.

The Truth: "When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." (Proverbs 21:15)

Ezekiel 44 "The Sons of Zadok"

“But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the sons of Israel went astray from Me, shall come near to Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me to offer Me the fat and the blood,” declares the Lord God. “They shall enter My sanctuary; they shall come near to My table to minister to Me and keep My charge." (vv.15-16)

Back in chapter 43 Ezekiel witnessed the glory of the Lord filling the new temple and he fell facedown in worship. Now with the new temple comes new instructions for the Levites and the priests concerning a new order of service which will emphasize the necessity of pure hearts when coming into God’s presence. The sons of Zadok will kept charge of the sanctuary, for their hearts stayed near the LORD when others went astray (v.15).

This would fulfill an ancient promise that, “The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love Him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live” (Deut. 30:6). Thus all who have trusted Christ for salvation are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that [we] may be declared the praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Each of us has a responsibility to cultivate righteousness and purity in every dimension of our lives. And like the sons of Zadok, may the LORD guide and direct our steps that when in the midst of temptation we may remain faithful with our lives as a witness to His lordship of our hearts.

The Truth:  "Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. And we are His house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory." (Hebrews 3:6) 

Ezekiel 43 “Vision of the Glory of God Filling the Temple”

Then he led me to the a gate, the gate facing toward the east; and behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east. And His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory. And it was like the appearance of the vision which I saw, like the vision which I saw when He came to destroy the city. And the visions were like the vision I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face. And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate facing toward the east. And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house. (vv.1-5)

Having completed the description of the new temple, the prophet now tells how he saw Jehovah return to His House. As in the days when Moses completed the Tabernacle, and Solomon the Temple, the glory of Jehovah came and filled the House. It was that manifestation of the Presence, which had constituted the real value of Tabernacle and Temple; and so it will be in the new Temple.

When Ezekiel saw God’s glory return to the temple, and he fell to the ground. Someday we, who have been redeemed by Jesus, will experience that inspiring sight, and probably the same reaction. God’s glory will shine in the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10-11), then we will see our risen and glorified Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!

The Truth: "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2).

Ezekiel 42 "Our Bodies Are God's Temple"

“It (the Sanctuary) had a wall round about . . . to make a separation between them which was holy, and that which was common. “ (v.42)

The Temple was a place of purity, a place of worship, a place where God’s glory dwelt. So the wall provided a separation, a distinction between that which was common, and that which was holy.

So too, as Paul reminds us as Christians, our bodies are God’s temple, and His Spirit lives within us (1 Cor. 3:16). Therefore, we too need a wall of protection (His Holy Word) to insure our temple stays holy. For we were bought with a great price and should honor God with our body, and not bring Him into any form of sexual immorality (1 Cor.6:19-20).

The Truth: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)