God's word is profound and enduring, and even portions of scripture which seem mundane or repetitive can be treasures hidden in plain sight for those who seek God by reading them. Instead of looking at reading the Bible as a task to be endured it is better to view it as an intentional opportunity to hear God speak into our lives today. I discovered such a passage today in the book of Ezekiel as the prophet described a vision he saw.
Ezekiel 47:2-4 reads, "He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side. 3 And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. 4 Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist." Ezekiel accompanied a man who measured the depth of living water which flowed from the temple. After 500 yards the water reached up to his ankles, and 500 yards later the water came to his knees. It must have taken a good while to wade through the water which grew in volume as it flowed towards the east and revived the Dead Sea.
During this passage Ezekiel often repeated the man he followed "brought me through." How well this statement relates to the life of a child of God! We have come to Jesus Christ through faith and He is the one who leads us through all seasons of life by the Holy Spirit. It didn't matter if the waters were to his ankles or knees: Ezekiel was brought through them--even when walking became more difficult as the water grew deeper. Looking back, we can affirm it is God who brought us through trials which seemed to go on forever, through seasons of depression and weariness. Many times we have lost all sense of direction and a Christ-centered perspective, but Jesus brought us through.
How many times does scripture illustrate the faithfulness of God to bring His people through difficulties to a place of deeper and greater blessing by His grace. God did not only bring His people to the edge of the Red Sea or Promised land but caused them to enter and He brought them through even in the midst of their enemies and idols. Moses was brought to the boundary of Canaan, and though he was not permitted to physically enter God brought him through to eternal life in paradise. Jesus did not leave His disciples perpetually toiling at the oars on the Sea of Galilee but brought them through to arrive at His intended destination. God brought them through, and He will bring you through too.
Isn't it strange Ezekiel would walk in the stream which became a great river when he could have walked on the bank? Most of us would have tried to avoid being wet, but Ezekiel was brought through in the midst of the stream. We often attempt to skirt or avoid any difficulties--even ones God has determined to bring us through for the glory of His name and the strengthening of our faith. This testimony of how Ezekiel was brought through teaches me I can trust God's leading in the present difficulty which feels like it will sweep me off my feet. Trials and pressures of life that even look like are heading for disaster are carefully measured in depth and duration by the One who leads us. Remember we can always trust Jesus Christ who will surely bring us through, and in the process we will grow in love and adoration for Him.
Ezekiel 47:2-4 reads, "He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side. 3 And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. 4 Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist." Ezekiel accompanied a man who measured the depth of living water which flowed from the temple. After 500 yards the water reached up to his ankles, and 500 yards later the water came to his knees. It must have taken a good while to wade through the water which grew in volume as it flowed towards the east and revived the Dead Sea.
During this passage Ezekiel often repeated the man he followed "brought me through." How well this statement relates to the life of a child of God! We have come to Jesus Christ through faith and He is the one who leads us through all seasons of life by the Holy Spirit. It didn't matter if the waters were to his ankles or knees: Ezekiel was brought through them--even when walking became more difficult as the water grew deeper. Looking back, we can affirm it is God who brought us through trials which seemed to go on forever, through seasons of depression and weariness. Many times we have lost all sense of direction and a Christ-centered perspective, but Jesus brought us through.
How many times does scripture illustrate the faithfulness of God to bring His people through difficulties to a place of deeper and greater blessing by His grace. God did not only bring His people to the edge of the Red Sea or Promised land but caused them to enter and He brought them through even in the midst of their enemies and idols. Moses was brought to the boundary of Canaan, and though he was not permitted to physically enter God brought him through to eternal life in paradise. Jesus did not leave His disciples perpetually toiling at the oars on the Sea of Galilee but brought them through to arrive at His intended destination. God brought them through, and He will bring you through too.
Isn't it strange Ezekiel would walk in the stream which became a great river when he could have walked on the bank? Most of us would have tried to avoid being wet, but Ezekiel was brought through in the midst of the stream. We often attempt to skirt or avoid any difficulties--even ones God has determined to bring us through for the glory of His name and the strengthening of our faith. This testimony of how Ezekiel was brought through teaches me I can trust God's leading in the present difficulty which feels like it will sweep me off my feet. Trials and pressures of life that even look like are heading for disaster are carefully measured in depth and duration by the One who leads us. Remember we can always trust Jesus Christ who will surely bring us through, and in the process we will grow in love and adoration for Him.
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