THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 43-45
“And the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” (Ezekiel 43:5)
This vision was meant to inspire the Jews with hope.
Israel’s temple was about to be rebuilt, God’s dwelling place.
God’s glory was going to return (2 Chronicles 5:14, Ezekiel 10:15-19).
So did this happen, did God’s glory return to the temple?
The Jews would say no, and orthodox Jews still wait for this to happen.
But Jesus followers believe that God’s glory has appeared in the temple.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
In Jesus, God moves in among us, makes His home among us.
God’s glory surrounds Jesus, but not in an old covenant way.
God’s glory is seen in His grace and truth, in what He says and does.
God’s glory is seen in gracing the sick, the poor, the marginalized.
God’s love appeared, and all who received it became children of God.
We have seen, we have experienced, His glory, and it is awesome!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, having You in me is my hope for glory! May the glory of Your grace and truth fill me, and overflow in me, that others may experience it too.
God living among His people . . . and there were specific instructions for His people serving Him. God dwelling among His people – grace and truth marking the way.
God still dwells among His people showing the way through Jesus Christ. Emmanuel, God with us. And in Him we have ‘instructions’ on how to live for Jesus. Grace and truth still mark the way for His people today.
Living not for self
but
living for Jesus.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
For Thy name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.