Connect Ezekiel 11:16 with God's promise of presence in Matthew 28:20. Setting the stage The Babylonian exile left Judah without land, king, or temple, yet God spoke hope through Ezekiel. Centuries later, the risen Christ sent His followers into every nation. In both moments the Lord anchored His people with the same assurance: “I am with you.” Reading the verses • Ezekiel 11:16: “Therefore declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Though I removed them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I will be a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.’” • Matthew 28:20: “and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Shared theme – God’s unfailing presence • Both texts speak to people on the move—exiles in Babylon and disciples sent to the world. • In Ezekiel, God Himself becomes the “sanctuary,” replacing a destroyed temple. • In Matthew, Jesus pledges His continual personal presence as the disciples leave Jerusalem. • Either side of the cross, geography cannot cancel fellowship with the Lord (Psalm 139:7-10; Acts 17:27). From exile to commission – continuity of promise 1. Old-covenant exile – Judah is scattered (2 Kings 25 : 11). – God promises, “I will be a sanctuary.” The Hebrew term implies a holy place of refuge. – Presence is mobile, not chained to stone walls (Exodus 25:8; Jeremiah 29:14). 2. New-covenant mission – The risen Jesus gathers a new people through the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). – “I am with you always” echoes the sanctuary promise but extends it “to the end of the age.” – The Holy Spirit mediates this presence (John 14:16-18; 1 Corinthians 6:19). 3. Thread of literal fulfillment – God literally sustained the exiles; a remnant returned and rebuilt (Ezra 3:1-6). – God literally indwells believers today, making each congregation a living temple (Ephesians 2:19-22). – His Word stands unchanged; what He pledges, He performs (Numbers 23:19). Implications for believers today • Worship is possible anywhere because God Himself is our sanctuary. • Mission is possible everywhere because Christ is always present. • Hard seasons—displacement, opposition, isolation—do not negate divine nearness (Hebrews 13:5). • The promise fuels courage: the church moves forward in confidence, never abandonment (Isaiah 41:10). Key takeaways – Ezekiel 11:16 and Matthew 28:20 form one continuous promise: God’s people are never alone. – The Lord’s presence is literal, personal, and perpetual. – Whether scattered by judgment or scattered for evangelism, believers carry the sanctuary with them, and the sanctuary carries them. |
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