Oct 12

God's eternal plan included not only the death of Jesus on the cross but his resurrection. What men see as the end to God's interference in their own plan to run this world, by putting to death the One who dared to interrupt their plans, is not the end. Death and the grave are the end only for those who cannot see eternity. But for those who see beyond, even death cannot stop what God has planned for this world.

Vision plays such a crucial part in seeing reality as it really is. Those who limit themselves only to what can be seen in this world will never be able to see the much broader reality of which this world is only a part. But when the eyes of understanding are opened through the Holy Spirit, that vision expands tremendously and one sees as God sees.

God gave such vision to Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 37:1, Ezekiel says that God "brought me out . . ."That is the phrase he uses, but no explanation is given as to what this phrase means. Brought him out of what, or out of where?

The context of the rest of the verse implies that this was simply a transfer from one place to another, from where Ezekiel was at that moment to a valley or plain elsewhere.

But it has spiritual applications as well. Ezekiel's eyes were opened; he was brought out from his lack of seeing into a a state in which he could see what God was going to show him. We all need this type of vision to see what God wants us to see. And only the Spirit of the Lord can give this vision to us. He gave it to Ezekiel; he gives it to us in Christ.

Scripture for today: Ezekiel 37:1
Thought for today: We need the Spirit of God to see the things of God.
Prayer for today: Lord God, I praise you and thank you for giving me the ability to see your plan for me and all reality in Jesus Christ.

OCT 12