The book of Ezekiel is probably my favorites in the Bible. The colorful imagery pairs with the powerful message given during one of Israel's darkest times. Ezekiel was one of the first to go into exile, part of a national dispersion, an exodus away from their home. Jerusalem was besieged and the temple was laid to ruin. All of Israel lost hope, most believing their God had been killed by the gods of Babylon.
It feels now more than ever that society has been able to relate to the conditions of biblical characters. Paul under house arrest, the disciples locking themselves in their homes, and an exile from the religious center of life.
Right now, we're in an exile of sorts. Forced away from our communities, our churches. As predicted, theres been an increase in depression and anxiety. Our nation has succumbed to hopelessness.
It is in this context Ezekiel speaks to his people. He says not only is there still a God, but He can raise you from the place of distress. Not only is there a God, but He will restore you to your home. Ezekiel says in his final chapters, that there will be a new Jerusalem. He says to the people who lost their homes, there is a place where you can lay your head. He says to those marching through the desert, there will be streams of life giving water.
Ezekiel says this city will be a place for worship. Even though their temple, the very core of their religion, was just destroyed and stripped for gold, this new city will have all the glory the old one had and more.
Even though we cannot meet. Even though we cannot worship in church, there is still a God. There is still a city which the Lord has prepared for us. And that is the salvation we have through faith in Christ.
"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns." ~Psalm 46:4-5
While we are in exile, under house arrest, and locked away from people, we still have a God. Remember it's in the context of the exile that Israel is restored. It's in the context of imprisonment that Paul preaches joy. It's in the context of the disciples locking themselves from society that Jesus rose from the dead.
"And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord is there." ~Ezekiel 48:35
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