PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Ezekiel 11-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.” (Ezekiel 11:16)
In the midst of these stern words, we find this encouraging reminder.
For those who trust in God, God will be their sanctuary, even in exile.
As Jesus followers, we are also scattered throughout the nations.
We build our buildings when and where we can, but they are not our sanctuary.
The Lord is our sanctuary, and we are his sanctuary.
We have the Lord with us wherever we go, for his Spirit is in/with us.
Granted, we are not at home in this world as it is… but we do have a home.
But our home is in the Lord, and the Lord makes his home in us.
As Jesus followers, we are able to relate with the Lord at all times.
When life in this world gets hard, when temptations get strong.
Yet some christians seem to live as if the Lord were not with them.
Either they do not talk with him, or they do things as if he wasn’t there.
The Lord’s sanctuary promise is real, he is with and in us!
But are we offering our own hearts to him, as his sanctuary?
PRAYER
Lord, you have given yourself to me, but do I give myself to you? May I not close my eyes tom your glory in, and may your glory not depart from me because I do not embrace it!
“Then you will know that I am the Lord…The vision he sees is for many years from now” In reading the old testament record I can’t help but note God’s tremendous patience in the face of flat our spurning of His will. Yet punishment is coming yet people think – its for the future. Do I delay? Now it the day of salvation – I need to live in the presence of Jesus now – why wait? Life without Jesus is not better – it is worse. Yes there are many things that make me happy and delight me – but they don’t last – and they eventually lose their luster/delight. Rather, I have hope in something that lasts and allows me to appreciate all the beauty around me as I see the hand of the creator. This vision is for now and for the future!
Once again the people have eyes but do not see and ears which do not hear. The people have gone astray, their own way. They are captive to their own schemes. But our security, my security is in the Lord. His word will come to pass. Serve Him. Open the eyes of my heart Lord that I may see You in all I do and say.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see You
I want to see You
To see You high and lifted up
Shinin’ in the light of Your glory
Pour out Your power and love
As we sing holy, holy, holy