November 12

In Ezekiel 46–48, the prophet’s vision of restoration reaches its beautiful conclusion. He describes worship in the new temple, the order of offerings, and a land perfectly divided among God’s people. Then, in one of the most powerful images in all of Scripture, Ezekiel sees a river flowing from the temple. It begins as a trickle but grows into a deep, mighty stream that brings life wherever it goes. The water makes the salt sea fresh, trees grow on its banks, and fruit flourishes in abundance. The vision ends with these words: The Lord is there. It is a picture of complete renewal—God dwelling with His people, restoring life and blessing to every corner of creation.

In John 16, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. He promises that though sorrow will fill their hearts for a time, joy will come again. He tells them that the Holy Spirit will come, guiding them into all truth and filling them with peace that the world cannot take away. Just as Ezekiel saw a river of life flowing from God’s temple, Jesus promises the Spirit who will flow from within every believer, bringing renewal and strength. The presence that once filled the temple now lives in us.

Together, these passages remind us that God’s plan has always been to bring life where there was death, hope where there was despair, and joy where there was sorrow. The river from the temple and the Spirit from Christ both represent the same truth: God’s presence brings life. When we allow the Spirit to flow freely in us, He revives what has grown dry and empowers us to bring His life to others.

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