The book of Ezekiel can really be divided into two parts: Ezekiel the Priest and Ezekiel the Prophet. As the priest, Ezekiel is given a vision of the Babylonian captivity and judgment on Israel for their disobedience. The latter half of the book is dedicated to Ezekiel the Prophet, who is given a vision of hope for Israel and all of humanity.

In Ezekiel 44-46 (today) and 47-48 (tomorrow) we pickup in the middle of Ezekiel’s vision of a new temple and the new hope for all of humanity after Israel’s judgment From a very broad stroke culminating in the new river of chapter 47 (that's tomorrow) we see the restoration of all things. The temple is restored all the way down to the kitchens! The beauty to behold in this complex imagery is that our God restores things to their former glory and beyond! The priesthood – restored. The temple – restored. Israel – restored. The list goes on. Our God did and still does restore things to their former glory and beyond!

I have a friend that buys trashed homes, restores them, and then rents them out. He recently bought one with the entire floor rotted out. I asked him why on earth he bought the home and he replied, “Sometimes the biggest messes make the best canvases.”

This is true with Israel, Moses, David, Israel again, Saul (then Paul), and Peter, all the way to us today. God is in the restoration business, and His restorations are always better than before. Welcome that temple-rebuilding vision of restoration and grace into your life today!