How does Ezekiel 47:11 encourage us to trust in God's ultimate plan? Setting the Scene - Ezekiel is shown a literal future temple from which a river flows, bringing life wherever it goes (Ezekiel 47:1-12). - Verse 11 inserts a striking exception: “But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt.” - In God’s perfect, life-giving river, certain pockets remain salty by His own design. The Curious Detail of Salty Marshes - Fresh, healing water everywhere—yet God purposefully preserves areas of salt. - This is not a flaw in the vision; it is part of the plan. - Salt in Scripture often speaks of preservation, judgment, and covenant faithfulness (Leviticus 2:13; Mark 9:50). Lessons about God’s Sovereign Plan • God plans every detail. Nothing is arbitrary; even the marshes serve His purpose (Psalm 139:16). • Blessing and judgment can coexist. The river heals, yet the salty pools remind us that sin and its consequences are still judged (Genesis 19:24-26). • God keeps covenant. Salt points to an enduring, trustworthy covenant relationship (Numbers 18:19). • Ultimate restoration does not erase God-ordained distinctions; He determines what is healed now and what waits for the final consummation (Revelation 21:1-5). Why This Builds Our Trust - If God controls both the life-giving river and the salty marshes, He controls everything in between (Isaiah 55:8-9). - The preserved salt shows that unfinished or “unfixed” parts of our world are not outside His plan (Romans 8:28). - We can rest knowing that God’s timing is perfect; some things remain as they are until they fulfill His larger redemptive purpose (2 Peter 3:9). - His faithfulness in small, specific details assures us He will be faithful in the grand redemption He has promised (Psalm 33:11). Living it Out Today • Trust God with the “salty marshes” in your life—areas that seem stagnant or unresolved. • Remember that unseen purposes may be at work; hold fast to His promises of ultimate renewal (Jeremiah 29:11). • Celebrate the fresh, healing streams He provides now, while patiently waiting for the complete restoration still to come (Revelation 22:1-2). • Let the certainty of His precise, dependable plan fuel worship, obedience, and hope each day. |
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