Have you ever tried reading through the Bible in a year? While some books and chapters are easy to breeze through, there are parts that can make your eyes glaze over a little.
For me, Ezekiel 40 is one of those chapters. The building instructions for the temple aren’t a super interesting read. It’s easy to feel more like you’re standing in a home improvement store than reading the inspired Word of God. But God has been showing me He has something for us to learn here, too.
In Ezekiel 40 and 41, the people of Judah are twenty-five years into their Babylonian exile. It’s then that God gives Ezekiel a description of a temple restored where His presence would dwell. And in Ezekiel 41:4, God makes a statement that I’m sure not even Ezekiel fully understood at the time. He said,
“This is the most holy place” (Ezekiel 41:4).
What they didn’t know in the middle of their exile was the incredible gift to come for God’s people. The gift wasn’t just their restoration. It was the coming of Christ and the Holy Spirit.
No longer would they have to come to a building to present a sacrifice and be set right with God. God would become human. And through His sacrifice, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit—God dwelling inside of us (John 1:14). In the New Testament, Jesus Christ speaks of a temple that is not a physical place but His body (John 2:21). He has become our Temple and High Priest.
But first, His people had to wait.They had to fully experience exile as they waited for the promise.
Not sure about you, but this is something I can relate to, especially during this Lenten season. None of us like waiting, but the waiting time and reflecting are often when God shows us His grace!
We may experience painful, frustrating waiting times while we wait on God to rebuild what was lost. But often, He has something so much better planned than what we once had. Something different than what we’ve ever seen or experienced before because that’s just how God works.
Have you ever had to wait a long time to see the fulfillment of one of God’s promises found in Scripture? The waiting is hard. And in the middle, in that awkward space, it can be hard to imagine anything being better than what you had before. But even in the waiting, before you see the rebuilding, He offers grace upon grace. That means it’s constant, and it doesn’t run out. It’s more than we could ask for or even begin to understand (John 1:16).
As we spend time reflecting, we are reminded that God works in the details at all times, even when we don’t see yet what He is building. Will you trust Him with the details and accept His grace in the middle?
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37 thoughts on "The New Temple"
Did anyone else notice the different numbers of steps? Wonder if there is any significance.
REBECCA- praying for your son as he continues taking steps to freedom from addictions and that he may see God’s gracious hand in it.
LESLIE GRAY- so frightening for her sister, and heartbreaking. Praying a safe stay and return for her.
That verse- “This is the MOST holy place.” Ez 41:4, (Emphasis mine). Just 2 nights ago my 10 year old girl read a verse about Jesus dying and the curtain being ripped in two, from top to bottom. She looked at me and said “Huh??? WHAT curtains??” I explained about the 4” thick, 60’ tall curtain that God’s presence existed behind. And only 1 person, only 1 time a year could have that access. It was holy and protected and honored. And the second Jesus died, God said “NOPE!” and ripped the barrier in half. We now have direct access, 24-7 to our God.
Our bodies are now the “temple”- the Holy of Holies lives in us. Our bodies are now “THE MOST HOLY PLACE”. We are LITERALLY His vessel on this earth and my brain honestly can’t even fully process that right now. But I think for myself to start praying through what that means and how I should represent that is a wise step…
Unbelievable. We have a God that’s so unbelievably personal… LIVING. INSIDE. EACH PERSON. How do you get more personal?!
**So my niece’s friend, who is still in rehab facility, hasn’t responded to me in a while. I know she’s having a hard time and I get to hear about her thru my niece as they are still in communication with each other. She has little to no support outside of that facility. Pray for a refresh of her spirit and cleansing of her mind and heart… to see and BELIEVE God is pursuing her. Idk… ask God what He knows she needs prayer over. Definitely concerned about her…
❤️
The description of the temple and surrounding area relayed by Ezekiel – amazing level of detail, complexity of construction. One thing that caught my eye were the beveled window frames, and also the archways. There are many descriptions throughout the Bible of skilled craftsmen making all sorts of things – and it makes me think, wow, our minds are so capable of figuring out unbelievably complicated things, creating beautiful works of art, calculating, analyzing and deciphering numerical mysteries and scientific wonders – but so many times not realizing, admitting, understanding, embracing the awesomeness of God’s love, forgiveness and provision for us. So thankful that He continues to pursue us, so that we will know that He is the Lord.
DOROTHY – thankful for good news about Finley
HEIDI – continuing to pray for your niece and her friend, and safe travels for you
LESLIE GRAY – praying for the Ukrainian woman, and for all the people of Ukraine
“God works in the details at all times, even when we don’t see yet what He is building. Will you trust Him with the details and accept His grace in the middle?”
Yes, Lord.
Did you notice that Ezekiel did NOT say this temple was in Jerusalem? With all the details, that seemed to be a glaring omission to me.
LESLIE GRAY – praying for your husband’s coworker and the many like her who have lost family in this war. May the Lord protect her and give her sister peace until she hears from her.
Amen- yes I will wait for God, have grace and faith in the middle and be eagerly awaiting the fulfilment of the promise❤️❤️
I’ll admit this scripture passage was not easy to read today- I appreciate the commentary around it and how we can apply it to our lives!!! It is hard to wait on God- but through life I have found out that HIS way and plan is always better than anything I can dream up or plan!!! Wait on the Lord!!!
I know that for some things I will be waiting until Jesus’ return. But what Hope I have! Many have no hope. Hallelujah! Blessed Friday to you dear Sisters. Keeping you all in my prayers.