Lesson 44: Every Thing Shall Live Whither the River Cometh

Purpose: To encourage class members to partake of the life-giving, healing powers that are available in the temple.

Have you ever been excited while watching a sporting event or some other kind of entertainment? Have you ever been so excited at such an event that you stood and shouted or cheered? There are several sacred events that have been or will be accompanied by enthusiastic expressions of joy and gratitude. Some of these events include:

a. The creation of the earth (Job 38:4–7).

b. The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:12–16).

c. The Second Coming of Christ and the Resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

While the excitement of sporting events or other entertainment is temporary, the joy associated with sacred events is eternal. During the dedication of a temple, the congregation participates in a great expression of joy called the Hosanna Shout. They show their joy and gratitude by standing, shouting, and waving.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT - Study the following scriptures:
**It is helpful to keep in mind what we talked about today, that Ezekiel was called as a prophet to the Jews who had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. He served the exiled Jews in captivity for 22 years. When Ezekial was called by the Lord he said, "I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel" (Ezekiel 3:17).

a. Ezekiel 43:1–12; 44:6–9, 23. Ezekiel is shown a vision of the temple in Jerusalem.

b. Ezekiel 47:1, 6–12. Ezekiel sees a river flowing from the temple that gives life to the desert and heals the Dead Sea.

c. Ezekiel 47:2–5. Ezekiel measures the river’s depth and discovers that the water gets deeper each time he wades into it.

What do you learn about the temple from Ezekiel 43:1–12 and 44:6–9, 23?

According to Ezekiel’s vision, what changes will take place in the Judean wilderness and the Dead Sea, which are east of Jerusalem, because of the river flowing from the temple? (See Ezekiel 47:6–12.) How does the water of life available in the temple heal and give life to marriages? families? our ancestors? the Church?

The TAKE AWAY: The Lord has called the temple “a place of thanksgiving” (D&C 97:13). I am thankful for the blessings that come because of the temple. I hope you will take time this week to reflect on how the temple has impacted your life.