Highlights In Today's Reading:
Remember the Presence of God leaving the Temple (10:18)? Well, one day God will say: "I'm back" (Chapter 43).
Only the Spirit of God could lead Ezekiel to where he could see the glory of the God of Israel. . . . Behold, the glory of the Lord. . . . And He said unto me, Son of man, the place of My throne, and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever, and My Holy Name, shall the House of Israel no more defile (43:2,5,7).
Ezekiel records the departure of the glory of God (10:18). The glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon He was, to the threshold of the house. And He called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side. . . . And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city (9:3; 11:23).
The glory of the God of Israel had abode in the Temple in fulfillment of His promise (Exodus 25:22). We discover that the glory of God moved from the Temple to the Mount of Olives, which is on the east of Jerusalem.
This route was followed by Christ in His resurrection body from Jerusalem to the mountain on the east, from which He ascended to heaven (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9).
One of the serious errors of Ezekiel's day was much planning without praying — a dependence upon the head more than upon the heart. How can we expect Him to listen to us when we do not allow Him to speak to us? We speak to God in prayer; He speaks to us through His Word. None of the religious heads of authority in Jerusalem could discern the presence of the Lord nor hear Him speak. God could use Ezekiel because the prophet had a desire to please God. It is the one whose heart is filled with His Word of love that can say: I heard Him speaking unto me (Ezekiel 43:6). In fact, it is only obedience to His Word that makes it possible to serve our Lord acceptably. Jesus said: Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:14). God has something to teach us in every chapter of the Bible; and our spiritual power is in direct relationship to how much time we spend in His Word with a desire to obey Him.
It was a heart of love that drew the Son of God from Heaven to die for our sins and provide a Guide on how we are to live. The wise disciple will study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth (II Timothy 2:15). It's an insult to Christ to neglect parts and choose to read only portions of the Bible.
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (II Peter 1:4).
Thought for Today:
True spiritual power comes as we make obedience to his Word a way of life.
Christ Revealed:
As the glory of the Lord (Ezekiel 43:4). Jesus is the brightness of His (God's) glory, and the express image of His Person (Hebrews 1:3).
Word Studies:
43:4 whose prospect is =b> which faces; 43:12 limit =b> border, territory; 43:13 higher place of =b> height of; 43:14 settle =b> ledge; 43:17 squares =b> sides; 44:18 bonnets =b> turbans, headdresses; 44:22 put away =b> divorced; 45:24 meat =b> grain/cereal/meal.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts for two weeks sponsored by Mrs. Carr Dodson • Bible Pathway Accountant: Joe Sarsfield • Government Officials: Rep. Lincoln Davis (TN) and Rep. Peter Roskam (IL) • Country: Estonia (1.47 million) northeastern Europe • Major languages: Estonian and Russian • Religious freedom • 38.4% Protestant; 20.3% Orthodox; 1% Roman Catholic; 1% Muslim; .3% Jewish; 39% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord; He will never forsake you (Psa. 9:10).
Optional Reading: Revelation 18
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 1:24