The departed glory of God (Ezekiel chapters 8-11) has returned (44:1,2), and His dwelling, the temple, is in the very center of the district given over to the Lord. This final verse of Ezekiel provides the consummation of Israel’s history – the returned presence of God!
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Ezekiel 48:35.
The Spirit of God begins to prepare for the great reality that God will have a sanctuary in the midst of His people and will dwell with them. God promised to dwell with man on earth (Ezekiel 47:1-12). This has been God’s desire in all epochs: 1) before Moses (Genesis 17:7,8); 2) in the Mosaic era (Leviticus 26:11-13); 3) in the church era (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19); 4) in the Millennium (Ezekiel 37:26-28); and 5) in eternity future (Revelation 21:3).
Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Ezekiel 37:26.
Ezekiel 18:23
Ezekiel 7:19 describes sadness of people when they feel helpless and frightened. In their distress, they realize the uselessness of the things that they had put their trust in.
Ignorance of the future is mankind’s terrifying reality, particularly in times of stress. Understanding God (through Scripture) and placing your belief and trust in Christ allows you to ‘see’ God, who holds the future in His hands.
Trusting in ‘things’ is a costly mistake, since they cannot deliver us from trouble and instead often can bring trouble. Mainly, as a result of keeping our focus OFF of God. When this happens we can miss all of the real treasure that is meant for us, from God. When there is complete trust in Christ, there is no need to trust in anything else.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He renews my life;
He leads me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even when I go through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff-they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
as long as I live.
But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions. Don’t be afraid of their words or be discouraged by [the look on] their faces, for they are a rebellious house. But speak My words to them whether they listen or refuse [to listen], for they are rebellious.
Ezekiel 2:6-7
Love isn’t warm feelings, instead it’s an attitude that reveals itself in an action. We can demonstrate Christ’s love by helping others-even when not convenient, by giving-even when it hurts, by devoting energy to others’ welfare-rather than our own, by taking hurt-and not complaining or fighting back, by telling others about what Christ did-even if they reject or hate us for it. This is tough love-tough for the giver. This is the reason why people notice it, and how people will know that we are following Jesus. It’s so tough that a man cannot do any of this on his own, but only via a supernatural source-the Holy Spirit.
When we are in daily communion with our Lord, we can more easily accept that He is in absolute control of everything facing us. Whether we are pummeled by adversity or overwhelmed with joy, God has our circumstances well in hand. Spending regular time with the Father allows us to bring Him all of our concerns and feelings. Then He can rejoice with us or cradle us according to our need.
Praying through Scripture and asking God to speak to our heart about what we read is our privilege as Christians. When we’re quiet before the Lord, we have the opportunity to receive His guidance and power for navigating our circumstances. Consequently, God restores our weary soul and renews us for another day. Quoted from Charles Stanley/In Touch Devotional, September 3.
-Word- pictures by DLink 