Read Ezekiel 43:1-12
Ezekiel returns to the beginning of his tour of the temple only to see God’s glory revealed. The message I take away here was to be given to the people of Israel to expose their sinfulness, call for holiness, and point them toward the promise of being with God forever in his kingdom.
This is a key passage in the book of Ezekiel for us to ponder. We have a vision within a vision. While Ezekiel is still in this place he has been taken to, he is now taken into the inner court where he sees yet another vision of God taking possession of this temple.
The significance is rich in this prophetic vision. Just as Ezekiel witnessed the presence of God leaving the temple heading east in Ezekiel 11:23, he now returns with the promise to live with his people forever. That verse from Chapter 11 says, “Then the glory of the Lord went up from the city and stopped above the mountain to the east.” Now God’s message is this. “And this is the basic law of the Temple: absolute holiness! The entire top of the mountain where the Temple is built is holy. Yes, this is the basic law of the Temple.”
Ezekiel’s visions have come full circle in terms of the glory of God. Was this the same glory or presence of God that had led Moses through the wilderness, had come upon Jesus’ mother, Mary, to impregnate her, had shone like the sun during the transfiguration of Jesus in Luke 9, and had been present when Jesus ascended to heaven? Such crucial moments in history when God revealed himself.
How did Ezekiel respond to God’s glory? He said, “I fell face down on the ground.” I imagine I would react in a similar fashion. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to see the face of God in all his shining brilliance? Take a moment to just close your eyes and let yourself dream of that moment.
It’s humbling to realize God has invited us to spend time with him. We can enter his presence when we pray, when we worship. What are some of your favorite times to be with God? If you’re like me, you can’t get enough of it. Like a person starving for food, God wants us to hunger for him.
How does it make you feel to read that God will be with us forever? Take time today to reflect on your response to God.
Let’s pray. LORD, I am humbled when I think of how you love me. Protect me and guard me from the temptations and distractions of this world. Help me to resist the powers of darkness trying to keep me from drawing nearer to you. Give me the words to help others to see you clearly and rekindle their desire for you. I long for the day when I will see the brilliance of your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
