Throughout the Bible, God is called several names. Each of these names has a different connotation, pointing out a different character quality of the Almighty. The last verse in Ezekiel's prophecy contains such a reference. The literal name of God in this verse is Jehovah-shammah.

Much of the prophet's writing declared some really bad stuff that would affect the people of Palestine. But for every bad time, there seems to also be a corresponding "good" time. That is, when God' s favor once again shined on the prodigal nation called Israel. In fact, almost everyone bears the same testimony after a visit to the Holy Land. Amazed to see the stark contrast between the fruitful vegetation in one place and the dry desert area that defines a border to it, there seems to be a physical correlation to the spiritual truth of Ezekiel's words.

The prophet's testimony is true: for all the bad stuff Israel deserved, God's mercy is greater. For the deep mistakes the people made, God's forgiveness is deeper still. As wide as the margin of error in the faith of His people, God's faithfulness is wider yet. It's no surprise to find that this roller-coaster of a spiritual journey will one day end in Jerusalem where Jesus, the Star of David will rule in perfect peace and security. Literally, the desert will overflow with the presence of God in His holy temple.

We Christians, while not the prime benefactor of God's promise to Israel, have an even greater promise than a Jew. While we don't know where heaven is, or when we will get there, we know Jesus is there and wherever He is, that's where we'll be when we die. But we take joy that not only will He be there in the end, but He's living in us today through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our heart.

The next time you pray, Christian friend, know that you don't pray to a God who will BE THERE in Jerusalem some day, but One who IS HERE right now! In the season of thanksgiving, why not speak His name: Jehovah- shammah. Thank Him for being there, not only when you think need Him, but all the time. Revelation says there will be no need for the sun to shine by day in Jerusalem because the Lord will be the Light of the city. For those in whom the Holy Spirit is living, He is the Torch by which God shines on all men - today! That makes us a torch bearer to bring the Light to a world living in darkness.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ez. 47:1-48:35 1 Pt. 2:11-3:9 Ps. 119:53-70 Pr. 28:12-13 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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