Read Ezekiel 43
Highlights:
Vision of God's glory filling the Temple; ordinances for the priests; land for the Sanctuary and city described.
So the Spirit took me up . . . into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the House. And I heard Him speaking unto me out of the House; and the Man stood by me (Ezek. 43:5-6).
Many people gathered in this Temple — the place dedicated to God — but their attention was directed to idols and not to God. Sadly, Ezekiel was the only person who was listening to the Lord. He said: I heard Him speaking unto me. At least forty-four times in the forty-eight chapters of this book, Ezekiel said that he heard the voice of the Lord.He was used of God because he was intent on listening for God's voice.
On one occasion, the Lord told Ezekiel to withdraw from the crowds: Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee (3:22). Even though he was a forced captive in the land of the Chaldeans, he was able to hear The Word of the Lord (1:3).
The problem with most of the people of Israel was, unlike Ezekiel, they were never listening to God. Not even the leaders or the priests truly cared if God was speaking to them. They had become intent on going their own way and doing their own thing. They wanted to serve gods they could see and touch. It is no wonder that they were deceived so easily. Many Christians are much like the nation of Israel today. We forget to take the time to listen to God. We want our answers instantly and on our own terms; even looking to some false god for answers. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (I Tim. 4:1).
God has something to say in every chapter of His Word, and the spiritual power we have is in direct relationship to how much of His Word saturates our lives. We need to let the Word of God come into every aspect of our lives. Listen in your heart for God to speak and you will hear Him. And when he putteth forth his sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice (John 10:4). The Lord wants a personal relationship with us. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me (Rev. 3:20).
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the Word of Truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise (Eph. 1:13).
Thought for Today:
We speak to God in prayer; He speaks to us through His Word. Are you listening?
Christ Revealed:
As the glory of the Lord (Ezek. 43:4). Jesus is the brightness of His glory (the glory of God), and the express image of His Person (Heb. 1:3).
Word Studies:
43:4 whose prospect is, which faces; 43:12 whole limit, whole border, territory; 43:13 higher place of, height of; 43:14 settle, ledge on which the priests stood; 43:17 squares, sides; 44:18 bonnets, turbans, headdresses; 44:22 put away, divorced; 45:24 meat, grain/cereal/meal.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Thursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Rep. Peter J. Roskam (IL) and Rep. Cedric L. Richmond (LA) • Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China • Major language: Mandarin Chinese • Religious freedom • 80% “Chinese Religions” (Buddhist/Taoist/Confucian); 4% Christianity; .2% Muslim; 14% Atheist; 1.8% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord for your redemption (Ps. 103:4).
Optional Reading: Revelation 18
Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:4