Jehovah Shammah: The LORD is There!

Ezekiel 48:30-35.

ETS: Jehovah Shammah was present among the restored Israel.

ESS: Jehovah Shammah is present with us today.

OSS: [Devotional] {I want the hearers to worship God, depending on His presence to thrust us forward in a restored life with Him daily.}

PQ: What are the implications of Jehovah Shammah?

UW: Implications

Intro.:

TS: Let us examine a few implications together now:

The sin of Israel led to a season where it seemed as though God was not there.

The history of Israel was that of following in obedience; wandering astray in disobedience and pagan worship; experiencing judgment from God; having restoration from God following repentance.

During much of Ezekiel, Israel seemed doom and gloom- the temple was in ruins; the people were in exile. It seemed to be a place/season of despair.

Often, our lives seem similar. We do well for a while- following and submitting to Christ- then we wander astray or become less disciplined; in those seasons, it can feel as though we are distanced from God.

APPLICATION: Sometimes the rhythms of our lives influence our relationship with God. It is not that He changes, but that in light of our relationship and changing obedience, perhaps the temperature of our relationship changes.

The restoration of Israel was assured with God’s presence being among them.

Much of the latter part of Ezekiel is centered on the restoration of Israel and the reconstruction of the temple. This is great news and encouragement to the Israelites who had been in exile and gloom for years, yet, the key is not the building of the temple as much as the reality of God’s presence with them, Jehovah Shammah.

This vision is fulfilled, ultimately, in Jesus, who is Immanuel, God with us. Jesus dwelled among men, and He was there with men.

Yet, still, there is the coming fulfillment where Rev. 21 is reflective on and benefited from the vision of Ezekiel, whereby the New Jerusalem is reality.

It is there, that the ultimate fulfillment of Jehovah Shammah is reality for all of eternity. The LORD is there among us.

APPLICATION: Israel was restored upon repentance. The same is true of us. When we repent, we are restored, and the LORD is with us. Even still, there is coming a day when all things will be made new, and Jehovah Shammah is going to be there among us.

CONCLUSION:

[1] Have you experienced a season of exile?

[2] Are you in need of restoration and assurance that the LROD is there?