October 7, 2018
What does it say?
The Lord gave Ezekiel instructions for future allotments of Israel’s land: first to the Lord and then to the priests, the prince, and the Israelites.
What does it mean?
First and foremost, Israel will offer a portion of land to the Lord to be used for holy purposes. Even though the whole earth belongs to the Lord, this offering is essential as an act of obedience and worship. This sacred area will be the site of the temple, and its central location will provide equal access to all. The temple’s location wonder- fully illustrates the fact that God must be the center of the lives of His people. Ezekiel used the future blessings of inheritance and a fair government to urge the leaders of his day to repent of their oppressive ways and to begin protecting the people’s rights.
How should I respond?
What do you own? Maybe you began mentally listing your possessions, or maybe you responded with, “Everything I have is mine.” However, Psalm 24:1 tells us that God owns everything. He has graciously entrusted you with what you have during your time on Earth. As you give to further His work and help others, you are worshiping the Lord through your gifts. Keeping an open hand after receiving God’s blessings allows you to release those blessings as gifts back into His service, but a closed hand cannot. Which “hand” does the Lord see when He searches your heart?