Everything will live where the river goes. Ezekiel 47: 9 NASB
Ezekiel prophesied that when Jesus returns, the earth will also return to Eden-like conditions. Trees will bear fruit for food in season and out of season. Their harvest will be lush, tasty, and plentiful and their leaves will be for healing. Furthermore, God’s presence will return to Israel. The name of the city from that day forth shall be YHWH Shammah, “The Lord is there.”
We have been granted a promise. Everything will live where the river goes.
God sent His only Son to be born in a lowly manger and die a criminal’s death so that we may live. He was crucified; and His shed blood paid our sinner’s debt. Forgiveness was guaranteed. We deserve the barnyard stall and stench and painful death. Yet, Jesus was born to bear it all. He set an example of love, mercy, and humility during the thirty-three years He walked the earth.
Jesus’ disciples were commanded to leave their families and livelihood behind and follow Him. Some dropped their nets, while Matthew, a tax collector, said good-bye to a sordid past. Luke, a physician, came to understand that only Jesus could immediately heal a person whole. Yet, Jesus made them all fishers of men.
Today, Jesus calls His followers to consider the cost of discipleship.
Are we willing to lay everything down to follow Him? Discipleship is work. We’re called to intimacy, care and accountability, to teach and speak hard things; and so, loneliness often parallels in the shadows.
Jesus drew the curious and hungry crowds, but He wasn’t always welcomed or appreciated. He ate with the odious outcasts, corrupt, needy, and disturbed. He was cornered and questioned and dismissed! But it is the sick and wearied who need a physician.
Jesus has also made us fishers of men.
I’m not sure what side of the river you find yourself on this year. Maybe it doesn’t matter. Any divide and devastation can be unbearable. Whether or not your family has been struck with the aftermath of disease or sickness, divorce papers have hit you square in the face, or a few spewed words have left you winded, life may seem hopeless. But we live with the knowledge that one day, “Everything will live where the river goes.”
From that day forth the city shall be called, “The Lord is there!”
Let the gospel Truth spur your ministry on . . . in your homes, church, and community.
We are not alone.
Our debt has been paid in full.
The Lord is returning soon.
There is work to be done!
Take courage,
Lily Mae