vision from God – Be Still…

Ezekiel 45:1-8 – Fairness of God

Read Ezekiel 45:1-8

There’s land to distribute again. When the Israelites first took the Promised Land, the land was intentionally distributed among the twelve tribes. I couldn’t help but remember that story. However, this is different because it speaks of the holy land that will house the temple of God’s presence, a place for the priests, the princes, and the people. God’s place is discussed first.

Nobody has been left out. All have a place and a purpose. That’s God’s fairness. After all that the people have gone through, God wants to restore them in the land. There is a great promise here. If only they would listen to him this time and not try to figure things out on their own. Continue reading “Ezekiel 45:1-8 – Fairness of God”

Ezekiel 44:1-31 – Prince and Priests

Read Ezekiel 44:1-31

This was an interesting part of the vision because it we see how God’s holy presence is set apart in the temple as well as who can approach him there. While some might see this distinction as limiting or menacing, it is really quite reassuring and encouraging. God wants to be with his people, and he is setting out the expectations for how it all works.

There is a bit of rebuke here against priests who fell away and reward for those from the line of Zadok who stayed faithful during those years of idol worship that led to God’s fury and discipline. These priests are in the line of Levi, not necessarily those we see in churches today. Continue reading “Ezekiel 44:1-31 – Prince and Priests”

Ezekiel 43:1-12 – A Vision Within a Vision

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. Continue reading “Ezekiel 43:1-12 – A Vision Within a Vision”

Ezekiel 41:1-26 – Even Palm Trees

Read Ezekiel 41:1-26

I have always loved palm trees. Growing up in Iowa I didn’t see many unless I was on a trip to a tropical paradise. I must admit I was a bit surprised to see that palm trees were specifically part of this vision of God’s new temple. He must like them, too! God loves all of his creation, but not all trees are singled out to adorn the walls and inner sanctuary.

More and more details are revealed in this reading, but it was the palm trees that spoke to me. What would be the significance? Again, we can marvel at how God thought of everything to help his people succeed at worshipping him, all the way down to the palm tree decorations. Continue reading “Ezekiel 41:1-26 – Even Palm Trees”

Ezekiel 40:1-37 – What Do You See?

Read Ezekiel 40:1-37

First and foremost, we need to remember this is a vision God gave to Ezekiel for a purpose. These are God’s designs for a temple that has not yet been built! The first thing I notice other than this is another vision where Ezekiel is transported to a new location, was that it was twenty-five years into his captivity. That is a long time. Ezekiel’s ministry is apparently alive and well.

God was clear that this message was meant for the people of Israel. Yet, we know that the temple rebuilt by the Israelites returning to Jerusalem led by Ezra years later did not match these criteria. I find that a bit curious. But God’s plans are always perfect, so the second temple was apparently not meant to be constructed from this temple’s design. Continue reading “Ezekiel 40:1-37 – What Do You See?”