Monday, August 21, 2006

New Jerusalem

Ezekiel 48:30-35 (NIV)
30 These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which is 4,500 cubits long,
31 the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. The three gates on the north side will be the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah and the gate of Levi.
32 On the east side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin and the gate of Dan.
33 On the south side, which measures 4,500 cubits, will be three gates: the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar and the gate of Zebulun.
34 On the west side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be three gates: the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher and the gate of Naphtali.
35 The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.

Yesterday, Faith Church was blessed to have southern gospel singer Darla McFadden share her testimony in word and song. One of the songs she chose to sing was entitled “Jerusalem”. The words of the song described the New Jerusalem, and the hope of all who seek eternal relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ.

The prophet Ezekiel was taken into captivity in Babylonia around 597 BC, after the defeat of young King Jehoiachin. Ezekiel grew up in Judah, and was preparing for a vocation in the priesthood when he found himself transplanted to a foreign land. God gave Ezekiel a vision and directive to take His Word to the captives. Ezekiel listened to God and obeyed. He challenged the people to repent, turn around, and worship God.

Have you ever turned and walked away when God was calling your name? Sometimes it is far easier to walk away, or run as fast as you can, than to listen and follow the call of the Lord upon your life. Because Ezekiel chose to obey, God sent an angel with an amazing vision of the promise for a new temple and a New Jerusalem. The vision was specific, providing detailed measurements, naming each gate after a specific tribe of Israel. The best part of the vision is the name which God gave the city, “The Lord Is There.”

When the Israelites ignored God’s voice, His holy presence departed from them. If you find yourself feeling a little lost and alone today, confused about the direction in which you should go, invite Jesus into your life and ask Him for directions. He is there, calling out your name.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: People who have lost their way