The altar stands at the center of the temple. In the days of old there had been a stream flowing from the temple hill, little more than a brook. Now, however, the stream is to possess miraculous qualities and will leave nothing untouched by its healing powers. Do we have such a center of renewal in our life? Israel will withdraw from contact with the heathen world, put itself into the hands of God, that he may give it what shape he will. The new Israel will not demand respect of earlier boundaries or preserve tribal dignities. God will be free to shape the nation according to His plan. How willing are we, in the name of unity, willing to give up our long held traditions and beliefs? The new Israel is not exclusive, not missionary, but hospitable to those from outside. “And the name of the city henceforth shall be, The Lord is there.”
The altar stands at the center of the temple. In the days of old there had been a stream flowing from the temple hill, little more than a brook. Now, however, the stream is to possess miraculous qualities and will leave nothing untouched by its healing powers. Do we have such a center of renewal in our life? Israel will withdraw from contact with the heathen world, put itself into the hands of God, that he may give it what shape he will. The new Israel will not demand respect of earlier boundaries or preserve tribal dignities. God will be free to shape the nation according to His plan. How willing are we, in the name of unity, willing to give up our long held traditions and beliefs? The new Israel is not exclusive, not missionary, but hospitable to those from outside. “And the name of the city henceforth shall be, The Lord is there.”
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