Today's reading is a long one, Chapters 40 through 48 of the book of Ezekiel. This vision of the temple seems at first blush to be a repetition of the temple specifications from Moses' tabernacle and Solomon's temple. But there are significant differences.
One significant difference is the river flowing from under the temple. This river seems to have healing and saving properties. It turns the salt sea into fresh so that fish of all kinds can live there. It waters the banks so that trees bearing fruit will be always green and fruitful. And the further from the source the water travels the deeper it gets. Hmm...
Somehow, I think this water may not be just physical water. To me, it seems to be a reflection of the Holy Spirit. And this temple might just be a representation of the temple we talked about yesterday - the temple of the believer.
So lets look at this picture again. The believer is in communion with God (service in the temple). But there is water flowing out from the temple (the believer interacts with the world outside the temple). Because he has come fresh from the temple, he brings refreshment to those with whom he interacts (the river freshens the salt sea into which it flows).
The water which is now fresh, teems with fish, and fishermen spread their nets all along the banks. Didn't Jesus say something about fishing for men?
Our relationship with God is for a larger purpose than simply our own salvation.
Father, God,
Help us to remember that You have other fish for us to draw into Your nets of salvation and love. Refresh our spirits and purify them so that we may be a representation of Your love to this hurting world.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment