Ezekiel shows a God who wants to be near to His people, but will not compromise His character, even for the ones He so dearly loves. The goal of God’s judgment wasn’t to banish His people from the land forever. It was to show the people their sins, and in doing so to motivate them to return to keeping the covenant that they had with the Lord. In this last section of Ezekiel, we get a marvelous picture of God’s glorious return to His temple and to His people.
His voice sounded like the roar of a huge torrent, and the earth shone with his glory.
—Ezekiel 43:2
What a joy for Ezekiel to see and hear the signs of God’s return instead of the previous visions that showed God’s presence departing the temple and from the city of Jerusalem. Now, in today’s reading, God returns to the temple, where His presence will remain. And He calls for His people to return to Him, promising the nearness of His presence in His temple (Ezekiel 43:9).
In his letters to various churches, Paul reveals something new about the temple, something new about God’s people. We are His temple; His Spirit lives in us (1Corinthians 3:16). Let that sink in for a minute. For centuries, the temple was the chosen meeting place for God and His people. It was the sacred space that housed God’s presence. But because of Jesus, we no longer must go to a temple or any other physical location in order to approach God. We are that sacred space, marked by His presence.
Just as the earth shone with God’s glory in Ezekiel’s vision, we have the opportunity to shine with God’s glory—for our lives to reflect His holy character (v.17). The temple was beautiful, a sight to behold. We are also beautiful, but in a different way. As God’s redeemed people, our story is marked by grace and forgiveness and redemption.
We are not as perfect or as smooth or as finely chiseled as the stones that made up the temple. But what a wonder we are—broken and flawed people whom God has made beautiful by His grace. We “are no longer foreigners and strangers” (Ephesians 2:19). We now belong to God’s spiritual household. And as His living temple, we continue to grow together through the Spirit in beautiful ways—in the beauty of holiness (v.20).
Good morning. I am weary today. Physically. My son contracted scarlet fever last week and I caught strep from him. The past 3 days I’ve been in pain, and limited mentally and physically. I am grateful of the reminders of my limitations. Because I know the glory of His strength. My weaknesses are a beauty because they confirm my constant need of Him. They remind me that my place is not to be all things for all people all of the time. That the world and my family can survive when I’m not at 100%. Because I am not God. I am flesh and bone and brokenness. He is the supplier of all our needs. He sustains. He generously provides. Always, without limit. How marvelous that He never tires. Thank you Abba for showing me your strength through my limitations. For caring for me and others, always – without fail or fumbling. Please continue to grow my wisdom in my fallacy and Your holiness. My favorite space is between your arms. Continue to guide me.
Good morning She’s!! Praying for you all today. Been back at work and haven’t had a chance to comment in the mornings! Everything is going well, still thinking about and trying to apply what I learned on my mission trip. Thankful for my church in this time. Still feeling anxious at work, maybe getting a little better. I’ve been doing Christian counseling and that’s been helpful to talk things out. I know it’s not a one and done fix though, although I wish the Lord would just do that!! Tired of nervous sweating during the day and having to work so hard to be confident. I wish confidence came more easily for me. But it’s a work in progress, trying to keep trusting in the Lord’s sovereignty and praying for my face paced heartbeat to rest. Thankful that God is always with me, there is no barrier between us. We are his temple.
Father thank You for the gift of The Holy Spirit living in me. Let me shine a light to your Kingdom to Your glory always. In Jesus name, Amen
When God comes roaring back to the temple, it is His desire that the Israelites look upon the temple and feel their iniquity. He wants them to understand just how great and glorious the temple is, yes, but more so His presence. Now that our bodies are considered by God to be temples hosting His spirit, we too should be reminded that we come short in comparison to Gods glory – the 24/7 access we have available at our finger tips. Praying today to be humbled in reminders that God chose me as a dwelling place and that I can act gracefully in accordance with His desires for me.
Thank you Lord for the time with my mom and sister this weekend. I pray it will be used for your honor and glory.
Thank also for the needed rest provided by spring break.
These temples, our bodies, have been built by You, for You. May our days, weeks, and years mark a place of worship, honor and glory to You, our One and Only King. Amen.
I have so much to work on for myself. Today’s reading reminded me how far I’ve come but how far I have yet to go. We are not perfect like the stones used to build the temple and my life shows that. But I need my GOD to fill me with his spirit and continue to mold my heart.
“The glory of the Lord filled the temple.”
Fill me anew Lord that others may see only Your glory.
Today’s devotional about how we are now God’s temple, reminds me of the tearing of the veil at the temple after Jesus died at the cross. It seems to be a verse that is glossed over but what a hugely important moment— the moment our separation from God, due to our sins, came to an end and was paid for by Jesus. The moment that God torn down the barrier between Himself and us through Jesus’ death, and we became His temple. Thank you, Jesus, for your new covenant so that we now can speak directly to you, pray to you, and become your temple where your Spirit resides. Thank you for sending your son— His sacrifice, proof of your amazing love.