Read Ezekiel 42:1-20
Oh to be an architect and be able to make sense of all these details. Being able to picture these divine plans coming to life would be magnificent. One measurement I can almost picture is the perimeter of 875 feet. This is 291 yards, so nearly three football fields! That’s a lot of real estate to cover.
Ezekiel’s guided tour is coming to an end as this reading is the last of our temple dimensions. The vision will continue to give Ezekiel purposeful instructions, but for now we see the distinction between what is holy and what is not. A separation exists between the priests and everyone else. Even the priests have a time when they are recognized as holy and an expectation of what they must be doing.
The rooms described as “holy” also have a special purpose. In some churches today, we have what is known as a “sacristy” where the priest or pastor keeps their robes and elements for the sacraments. These are holy rooms. I remember growing up that these areas of the church were off-limits to little kids. So when I became a pastor’s wife and went into those rooms I felt honored and privileged.
What does it mean to you for something or someone to be holy? The Bible answers this question time and again. Here are a few examples to reflect on.
2 Corinthians 7:1 says, “Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.”
Ephesians 4:21-24 says, “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
Leviticus 20:26 says, “You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.”
Hebrews 12:14 says, “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”
Holiness is not just for the priests. It’s for anyone God has chosen. He has chosen you. Are you acting in ways that please God? Are you acting as God’s “very own possession?” We are set apart for some special tasks as God’s representatives. Are you ready?
Let’s pray. LORD, thank you for finding me worthy to be called your child. I am sorry for all the times I fall short of your desires for me. Forgive me for my stumbles. I am so honored to belong to you. Use me so that your will may be done in this world. I want to be your hands and feet becoming more like Jesus every day. Thank you LORD for loving me and equipping me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
