Ezekiel 45-47, Job 16, John 12:1-11, 1 John 5:1-5 Ezekiel 45-47: The first two chapters of this section further describe the division of the land, the temple, the prince, the priests, and the responsibilities and duties in a way that suggests that the fulfillment of these matters is surely in a future gospel state that will far expand beyond the boundaries of the Old Testament. We read of these facts and figures, and other spiritual type, and in further fulfillment in the person of Christ and the gospel church, and see the scale of this gospel church that goes out to all nations, and is finally fulfilled in the New Heaven and the New Earth. Similarly, in chapter 47, Ezekiel’s vision of the holy waters, which if literally interpreted would not be so much sweet as foul, draining away the dregs from all the sacrifices, and seem most likely to have that meaning find its landing place in the progress of the gospel, and the gifts of the Spirit, that went out from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. Ezekiel is given these words and vision to furnish the living rooms of our mind with tangible picture language of blessing and stability and flourishing. This is to both call us to faithful living (note the clarion call to better behavior given to the princes: “Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and execute justice and righteousness. Cease your evictions of my people, declares the Lord GOD,” 45:9), and also to encourage us with a future trajectory of a gospel progress that can excite us and motivate us. This kingdom, this temple, this glory, this people, this future gospel honor to God—all of which are here predicted, fulfilled in Christ Jesus, is the inheritance of God’s people. We are called upon in our faithfulness of living and lifestyle to go up and go in, further up and further in, to enter into all that God has promised for us with diligence and zeal. To receive God Centered Bible devotionals directly in your inbox, sign up here.]]>