October 30

In Ezekiel 19–21, God reveals the sorrow and seriousness of sin. Israel’s leaders are described as lions and vines—once strong and fruitful, now torn down and burned because of their rebellion. God commands Ezekiel to declare that judgment is coming by the sword, symbolizing His justice against those who persist in idolatry and wickedness. Yet even in His anger, God’s purpose is redemptive: that His people might know He is the Lord and turn back to Him.

Psalm 84 offers a striking contrast to the despair in Ezekiel. It is a song of longing for the presence of God: Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. The psalmist finds true strength not in earthly security, but in dwelling close to the Lord. Even in the valley of tears, those who set their hearts on God find blessing, because He is their refuge and their source of life.

In John 7, Jesus stands in the temple courts and calls out to the thirsty: Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. He promises that whoever believes in Him will have rivers of living water flowing from within—referring to the Holy Spirit. While Ezekiel’s generation faced the loss of God’s presence because of their sin, Jesus restores access to that presence through Himself. He invites us to come, drink deeply, and live.

Together, these passages remind us that sin leads to emptiness and judgment, but drawing near to God brings joy and life. Jesus is the way back to the presence we were made for. In Him, even our deserts can become streams of living water.

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