Day 246, September 3 Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Ezekiel 47–48
The Ideal Retirement Center
What is your idea of the perfect retirement center? Plush gardens with a fountain of youth? Golfing every day? Excellent fishing? No crime? Luxurious accommodations with excellent management? The best of health with no sickness? Fine restaurants? Sounds good, doesn’t it? There is something much better.
A Real Utopia
The Bible describes the future nation of Israel as the land of milk and wine (Joel 3:18), meaning it will be fruitful and prosperous. There will be a river of life flowing from the throne of God in the temple. It will course west to the Mediterranean Sea, east into the Jordan Valley, and south to the Dead Sea. Its life-giving waters will heal the Dead Sea, so there will be excellent fishing. Along the way are trees with fruit, which will be absolutely delicious, and its leaves will heal all ailments (Ezekiel 47:1-10).Never again will there be in it [Jerusalem] an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth; he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed (Isaiah 65:20, NIV).
This is not Israel’s situation when Ezekiel prophesies to them—she is cursed for her evil ways! Her people are in exile in Babylon, and their homeland is destroyed. The Israelites are grieving the losses of their homes, relatives, and land. In their time of trouble, an angelic man comes to Ezekiel and describes a great future for her.
Today’s Bible reading describes their beautiful land and its boundaries. In the coming lessons, however, we will learn that Israel does not fully obey the LORD, so these promises remain unfulfilled.
Jesus will be king
When Jesus comes back to rule and reign, God’s promises will be fulfilled. On that day, Israel will be in her own land. All twelve tribes will be re-unified and at peace with one another, and they will all be living together on the western side of the Jordan River.
Their territory will extend from Syria to Egypt—farther than it has ever stretched—even more than in the days of King Solomon. The Jews will have their own land, according to their tribes, and in equal parts (see map). They will receive the inheritance which was promised them from the days of Abraham (Genesis 17:8).Gentiles (non-Jewish people) will be welcomed to live among them and also receive their place in the land (Ezekiel 47:22-23).
Even the future name of the city will encourage Jewish exiles. The presence of the LORD had departed from Jerusalem many years before. But, in that day, the name of the city will be “THE LORD IS THERE” (Ezekiel 48:35).
In that day, there will be a worship center, the temple, where the LORD God will be present in a personal way. It will be a place of sacrifice, feasting, and praise (Ezekiel 46). The most incredible worship music ever played or sung will adorn the majesty and holiness of God.
In that day, The Lord Jesus will reign as king. There will be no crime in the world but peace. Even vicious animals and reptiles will live peacably beside lambs, and parents will not need to worry about them harming their children (Isaiah 11:5-9).No Evil
Perfect justice all over the world will be exercised because his dedicated followers will help him govern the people of the earth (Revelation 20:6). Satan, that great enemy of all, will be bound—he will not be able to exert his evil influence on the world (Revelation 20:1-3).
For one thousand years, the world will be peaceful and prosperous. What a great retirement for believers, both Jewish and non-Jewish believers! Will we be one of them? (more...)
Discussion
What are some of the elements of the perfect utopia that will appeal to people?
What are some things which will happen when Jesus comes back?
Focus Verses
1Peter 1:3-4 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for you.
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Looking Ahead: Egypt is great and powerful but Babylon will conquer her. Nebuchadnezzar, having conquered most of the kingdoms of the known world, is proud and, like King Jehoiachin of Judah, must be humbled. Learn how God shows them Who is King.
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