December 1, 2006 - Ezekiel 40-41 and II Peter 3
It is hard for us to conceive of the end of the world as we know it, but it is coming to a definite end. Part of that end will be the restoration of Israel spoken of here in Ezekiel and a time of great trouble on the earth. When the time is just right Jesus will return to set up His kingdom that will last for 1,000 years. That will be a huge change. All eyes will be on Jerusalem and the Temple, as Jesus reigns. The passages we read today speak of those changes that are coming. I pray that each of us is ready for the end to come, because it could happen any day.
Ezekiel 40 and 41 speak of the Temple that will be built at the end of time. Some people call it the Millennial Temple, because it will be used during the 1,000 year reign of Christ on the earth. Ezekiel is given a vision of this Temple, and he is told to measure it, so the correct dimensions will be known for those who build it. We can tell that it is something for the future, because it is quite different from any of the Temples which have been built before. It seems to be larger to accommodate the nations coming to Jerusalem to worship Jesus.
Then, II Peter 3 gives us several more truths about the end of the world as we know it. There will be scoffers who say that Jesus is not coming again, since it has been so long and things are staying consistently the same since the creation. (v.3,4) The one thing they forget is the flood of Noah. That was not "life as usual." God can and will bring things to an end, but this time with fire. (v.7) Jesus is waiting, because He does not want anyone who will turn to Him to be lost. Therefore, He is waiting for that last person to accept Him. Then, the Father will tell Him to come. Eventually, this earth and the present heavens will be burned up, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. (v.13) God does not tell us His future plans for the new earth, but I am sure He has a wonderful plan. We ought to live for Him now with all of our hearts, so we will be ready to reign with Christ then. (v.11,14,18) I believe this passage should cause all believers to reject materialism and strive for godliness in all we do, as we prepare for eternity with Jesus.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 42-44 and I John 1.
Ezekiel 40 and 41 speak of the Temple that will be built at the end of time. Some people call it the Millennial Temple, because it will be used during the 1,000 year reign of Christ on the earth. Ezekiel is given a vision of this Temple, and he is told to measure it, so the correct dimensions will be known for those who build it. We can tell that it is something for the future, because it is quite different from any of the Temples which have been built before. It seems to be larger to accommodate the nations coming to Jerusalem to worship Jesus.
Then, II Peter 3 gives us several more truths about the end of the world as we know it. There will be scoffers who say that Jesus is not coming again, since it has been so long and things are staying consistently the same since the creation. (v.3,4) The one thing they forget is the flood of Noah. That was not "life as usual." God can and will bring things to an end, but this time with fire. (v.7) Jesus is waiting, because He does not want anyone who will turn to Him to be lost. Therefore, He is waiting for that last person to accept Him. Then, the Father will tell Him to come. Eventually, this earth and the present heavens will be burned up, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. (v.13) God does not tell us His future plans for the new earth, but I am sure He has a wonderful plan. We ought to live for Him now with all of our hearts, so we will be ready to reign with Christ then. (v.11,14,18) I believe this passage should cause all believers to reject materialism and strive for godliness in all we do, as we prepare for eternity with Jesus.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 42-44 and I John 1.