Not only does our look at the 47^th chapter of the prophecy of Ezekiel signal the closing of our series of messages for the past nine weeks, it also represents the conclusion of his teaching and vision. What began in the first few chapters as an explanation of the change in world events and its impact on the “House of Israel”, now concludes (beginning in chapter 40) as a reminder that Yahweh still has plans for his people.

If we read a bit of chapter 40, the beginning of this closing section, we see that our prophet hero is much further along in his career (year 25 of the exile), around 573-572 B.C.  Through this we realize that the exiles have a long way to go before Cyrus defeats the Babylonians and gives them a degree of freedom to return home.  Also, in chapter 40 we read that our friend is now being led by a heavenly guide (see 40:3, “I saw a man …”).  All these things give us a bit of context to this current passage.

But the words that stand out are the very beginning of chapter 47;

The man brought me back to the entrance of the Temple, and I saw water …

Now most of us must admit that “seeing water” is not always a welcome sight if it’s not where it should be … but for people like Ezekiel, used to living in an arid or semi-arid climate, the presence of a water source would most often be very encouraging.  Jerusalem was not known for its abundance of water … so this vision certainly would have caught Ezekiel’s attention.

What made this observation even more notable was that the water was flowing out of the Temple … and so we begin to see the point of this vision.  Part of the promise Ezekiel had been sharing with his fellow exiles was the rebuilding of the Temple, the centre of Hebrew society.  Of course, it was the place of worship for the inhabitants of Jerusalem and anyone else who was able to make a pilgrimage to the “foundation of peace.”  But it was more than that … the presence of the Temple symbolized the very presence of Yahweh in the life of the nation.  A good summary of how the idea of “presence” was to affect the Hebrew people can be found in Deuteronomy 6;

“Always thinking about the Lord’s guidance to you,
teach His word to your children,
talk over the things of His word
when you are at home or out walking,
at bedtime and before breakfast.
Let your whole life give evidence
that God’s word is at its centre.” 

— Deut. 6:4-8

From the above passage, as well as the one we are studying this morning, it is obvious as to what should animate the people of God … not statehood, or military strength or the wealth of the land; just the truth of Yahweh’s presence with his people.

As we read through this passage, we are struck by the waters growing deeper and deeper (v. 3-5) indicating that the supply of such “presence” is really inexhaustible.  The passage ends with a question (v. 6) one that could be asked of us today … Son of Man, do you see this?”  As Ezekiel reaches the end of a generation-long ministry to the exiles, it is imperative that he grasps the end goal of his service.  It’s not just telling the House of Israel where they have erred … it’s the sharing of the new promise that Yahweh has for his people, bound up in the image of water flowing from the Temple.  Would Ezekiel see this … or would he remain mired in a type of “blame game?”  As we look into our future, as we try to separate simply making a living from triumphant living, the question is for us as well.  Do we truly see this?

It might help if we understand what the image of water, flowing from a rebuilt Temple, means in this passage.  Certainly, all of us relate the presence of water with growth and refreshment.  We see its effect on our gardens and fields.  What’s more, the effect of water on the parched landscape of Israel plays a prominent role in the exiles’ return;

The Lord will surely comfort Zion
and will look with compassion on all her ruins;
he will make her deserts like Eden,
and her wastelands like the garden for the Lord. 

— Isaiah 51:3a

Perhaps we can readily relate this promise to the current state of Israel.  Through hard work and irrigation, the country has indeed bloomed and become an agricultural power house like never before.  But Ezekiel’s words transcend that simple explanation.  The prophet explains the impact flowing water will have on the vegetation surrounding the re-built Temple;

Fruit trees of all kinds will grow
on both banks of the river.
Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. 
Every month they will bear,
because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. 

— Ez. 47:12a

It doesn’t stretch the imagination far to suggest that the words here relate to more than the growth of plants.  Rather, as the water flows from the Temple its most important application is in a spiritual realm.  It is to this type of “refreshment” that the Psalmists gives witness;

He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers. 

— Psalm 1:3

Should not this suggest to us that the local church (our modern-day Temple) should be the source of such refreshment and growth?  Is not this type of power and renewal at our very fingertips within our ministry?  Of course, we as the fellowship of believers in every community perform lots of good, charitable acts to add value in the places we are rooted … but we must never forget what the church is about, at its core.  People simply come alive when they hear the good news of the Father’s love and forgiveness to us.  Breaking the bread of life in the teaching of scripture across the board to all ages is still the main work of any “Temple.”

The second meaning of the water image just may have to do with healing, as we read in the second part of v. 12;

Every month they will bear,
because the water from the sanctuary flows to them.
Their fruit will serve for food
and their leaves for healing.

This corroborates with the apostle John’s revelatory vision of the purpose of the “tree of life” … and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2b).  Our world needs healing alright, and not just in a physical or medical sense.  The need for people of character is as great today as ever … but how do we shape our society in such a way that the important traits of honesty and integrity can become a dominant part of the human psyche?  Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney reflected on this challenge in a speech given in 2016 on the financial sector … but with implications for all of us, whether our influence is large or small;

“Virtue cannot be regulated … (Even) strongest supervision cannot guarantee good conduct.  Essential will be the rediscovery of core values and, ultimately, this is a question of individual responsibility.”

What a golden opportunity for the church!  “Good conduct”, as Mr. Carney describes it so basically, resides in the lives of individuals cleansed by the presence of the eternal God, through the Spirit.  It is evident that voices from the highest levels of society are crying for it … and a loving Father has promised to provide it.  We need look no further than last week’s scripture to find this promise, stated hundreds of years ago;

I will put my Spirit in you
and you will live. 

— Ez. 37:14

Finally, we must recognize that the image of the Temple as a source of flowing water is provided for us as a visual, the sight of which, itself, should inspire and encourage.  Old Testament scholar and professor Ron Clements, in reflecting on the impact of the physical Temple to each member of the House of Israel, thought of it this way;

The Temple was a point of orientation.  For those close enough to see physically, it would signify the center of Jewish life.  Yet for those who were too distant to see the building directly, it would nevertheless be a source of life and vitality.  It expressed hope and new life simply by the knowledge that it was there. 

— p. 205, Ezekiel – Westminster Bible Companion, Ronald E. Clements

This comment may remind us that buildings are simply tools for ministry.  Of course, the “church” is not a building … but congregations use buildings to build ministries that bring refreshment, character and healing to the lives of so many, just like Yahweh used the Temple to remind Hebrew nation and the world of his presence.

When God blessed the Banwell Community Church with a wonderful building we hoped it would be a blessing both to our congregation and to the community.  Of particular interest to us were the many non-profits in our area which could not afford to rent space at a local mall, arena or grocery store.  We decided to make our space available to these groups even during peak hours … and a wonderful partnership developed between the church and the diabetes support group, twelve step programs and others.  As busy as our congregation was with our own “care and feeding” programmes, we managed to fit in other groups as well … and, as hectic as it sometimes was, it was a blessing to all.

When people look at the building of First Baptist Church Kingsville, what do they see?  I’ve gotten to know your reputation of care and ministry through the years.  For the folks who call this congregation their church home, you have ministered effectively by breaking the bread of life to all ages, fostering healing, character development and refreshment to so many.  I also know about your nutrition ministry with the public school next door, your VBS outreach within your community, and your commitment to the STEP program with CBM which has extended your outreach beyond your own community to South America.  I have a feeling that, when people see our building, they have some sort of idea what it stands for … a God who cares and a people willing to spend some of their precious time to act on his behalf.  What an inspiration for any community!