“In the 25th year of our captivity… the visions of God brought me to the land of Israel… and a man said to me, ‘Behold with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I will show you… declare all that you see to the house of Israel.’” (Ezekiel 40:1-4).
These four verses sum up the purpose of prophecy. Ezekiel and the captives had another 45 years of captivity to go. God had told them they would be exiled for 70 years, yet He wanted them to have hope in their future – and not just any future – a future sharing the glorious reign of Messiah, where He would dwell among them and rule the nations. God’s plans for them would prevail. They were to “set their hearts” upon it… “And the name of that city from that day shall be called, ‘The Lord Is There’” (Ezekiel 48:35).
We don’t have another 45 years. We’re at the end of the end. People can hope and plan for all kinds of earthly ambitions, but the last sands of the hourglass are slipping away. Prophetic events are taking center stage before our eyes, and the Bible tells us also to “establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is drawing near” (James 5:8).
The One who loved us and washed us from our sins in HIs own blood, will not let evil prevail... “Let the people praise You, O Lord; let all the peoples praise You; O let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously and govern among the nations on earth. Selah!” (Psalm 67:3,4)
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