New Year - New Hope

Nº 388

“Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.” - Augustine

Ezekiel prophesied during Israel’s exile in Babylon. His writing is filled with curious images such as dry bones rattling, connecting and coming to life, and wheels in wheels soaring into the heavens. His writing is filled with painful symbolism including the death of his beloved wife and the glory of God departing the temple.

But Ezekiel’s final chapters, 40-48, focus on a new temple that will someday be restored. Interestingly, the vision and prophecy about the new temple begins with the words, in the 25th year of our exile, at the beginning of the year (Ezekiel 40:1). This detailed account of a massive and magnificent new temple came to Ezekiel at a time of frustration and anguish. His nation was in exile, and his wife was dead. Yet, the start of a new year brought hope.

Amidst the pain of Ezekiel’s circumstances, God gave him a glimpse of an amazing future. Out of this temple would flow a redemptive river bringing life and refreshment to everyone who came near.

Start this new year with the hope of Ezekiel. Circumstances may be excruciating, dreams may have died, but God is in the business of bringing life and refreshment to those who stay close to him.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin