Ezekiel 43-45; Psalm 135; John 15
Continuing the description of the new temple that will be built before the millennial kingdom, Ezekiel speaks of it being filled with the glory of God. Just as God’s glory left the temple and Jerusalem before the Babylonian captivity, it will return from the east (Ezek. 43:2-5). This will happen when “the people of Israel will no longer defile My holy name” (Ezek. 43:7), referring to Israel’s repentance that will occur during the Great Tribulation.
Ezekiel gives a detailed description of the altar and sacrifices in the new temple. Since the primary purpose of the millennial kingdom is to fulfill God’s promises to Israel, everything within it will involve restoring most aspects of Judaism, including sacrifices. Just as in Old Testament times, these sacrifices will point to the Messiah—previously pointing forward, but in the millennial kingdom, pointing back to what has already occurred.
Psalm 135
Admiration for the greatness of God, Jehovah. The main reason is His sovereign rule over the universe: “The Lord does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths” (Ps. 135:6). The psalmist then provides numerous examples of God’s rule, highlighting what He did during Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt and their settlement in the Promised Land.
John 15
Continuing His conversation with the disciples on the final evening before His crucifixion, Jesus describes the spiritual connection between Himself and His believing disciples. He compares this relationship to a vine and its branches bearing fruit. The fruitful life of Christians will always result from their personal, spiritual interaction with Christ. The outcome of this interaction will be: 1) being filled with Christ’s love (15:9), 2) obedience to Christ’s Word (15:10), and 3) possessing Christ’s joy (15:11).
Christ’s understanding of friendship is not based on expecting something from friends but on a loving, sacrificial, and transparent attitude toward those He considers His friends (15:13-15).
Followers of Christ should expect that they, too, will be hated by the world, just as He was hated by it (15:18-25).
Ezekiel gives a detailed description of the altar and sacrifices in the new temple. Since the primary purpose of the millennial kingdom is to fulfill God’s promises to Israel, everything within it will involve restoring most aspects of Judaism, including sacrifices. Just as in Old Testament times, these sacrifices will point to the Messiah—previously pointing forward, but in the millennial kingdom, pointing back to what has already occurred.
Psalm 135
Admiration for the greatness of God, Jehovah. The main reason is His sovereign rule over the universe: “The Lord does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths” (Ps. 135:6). The psalmist then provides numerous examples of God’s rule, highlighting what He did during Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt and their settlement in the Promised Land.
John 15
Continuing His conversation with the disciples on the final evening before His crucifixion, Jesus describes the spiritual connection between Himself and His believing disciples. He compares this relationship to a vine and its branches bearing fruit. The fruitful life of Christians will always result from their personal, spiritual interaction with Christ. The outcome of this interaction will be: 1) being filled with Christ’s love (15:9), 2) obedience to Christ’s Word (15:10), and 3) possessing Christ’s joy (15:11).
Christ’s understanding of friendship is not based on expecting something from friends but on a loving, sacrificial, and transparent attitude toward those He considers His friends (15:13-15).
Followers of Christ should expect that they, too, will be hated by the world, just as He was hated by it (15:18-25).
Posted in Reading Bible Together