Read Ezekiel 46:1-24
So much detail is given by Ezekiel about this temple including its size, construction, purpose, and the people who would be tasked in particular ways. And yet, this temple has not yet been built. We can’t help but ask, “why did God give Ezekiel this vision, and will it ever be constructed?”
Perhaps that isn’t the point. Perhaps God gave Ezekiel this vision to be more of a grounding force to help the people in exile start their lives anew when the time of restoration began. Please know I am only speculating because I certainly don’t have any answers. I’m as perplexed as most people trying to make sense of these chapters.
What I do see are the patterns God has designed for obedience and worship. Whether this physical temple exists or not, honoring God is always the best choice for us.
Today, let’s focus on worship. We know from other Bible texts, including one of the Commandments, that God designed the Sabbath for us to rest in him. Ezekiel calls out the Sabbath as a holy day, along with new moon festivals. It might help to know that the Israelites used a lunar calendar in those days and the phases of the moon would have meant something more to them than to us today.
When we set aside our time, making time spent with God a priority, we are taking our Sabbath rest in him. We see from Ezekiel’s vision that worship was not for the priests and prince alone, but for the common people, too. “The common people will bow down and worship the Lord in front of this gateway on Sabbath days and the days of new moon celebrations.”
An act of worship spelled out here with much specificity is that of presenting offerings. Today, many churches still include an offering as part of their corporate worship service. Recently, I’ve attended two churches who simply have a collection box in the back of the church for people to give less publicly than “passing the plate” during the worship service itself. One of these churches was in Iowa and the other in London. My home church in Mexico has each of us coming forward in prayerful giving posture to put our tithes and offerings on the altar. No matter the practice, we should give with a worshipful heart.
What do you think about daily worship? In this text there was to be an offering every morning. For me, I know my day goes so much better when I start with prayer and dedication to the LORD each morning. The world can be a scary place with so many distractions and temptations. I would much rather enter into that arena with thanksgiving and praise to God on my lips.
Psalm 145 is a great psalm of praise. The first three verses set the tone like this: “I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness.”
Let’s pray. LORD, you are greater than all that exists and I praise your name. Thank you for how you have blessed me this day and each day. I am grateful for all your provisions. Help me to navigate today, keeping me safe from harm. May I shine with your light so that others can see you and praise you, too. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
