One of the key images in the book of Ezekiel involves the presence of God among his people. This presence is manifested as “the glory of the Lord.” In the early chapters of Ezekiel, God reveals the many sins of the people of Judah and warns of the judgment that is coming as a result of it. Incredibly, the abominations had grown to involve the temple of God itself, which was the earthly dwelling place of God’s glory (7:20 - 8:18). The Lord had been patient, but the desecration of the temple was the last straw. In chapter 9, the executioners are summoned and the glory of the Lord begins to vacate the premises by standing at the threshold of the temple (9:1-3). From there, he mounts his heavenly “chariot” and proceeds to the east gate (10:18-19). God’s glory is last pictured as leaving the midst of Jerusalem and hovering over the mountain east of the city (11:22-23). Then, He is gone. The city is abandoned to it’s iniquity and resulting destruction.
But, thankfully, the story is not over! Before the book ends, Ezekiel is given a new vision to relay to the refugees of Judah who remained as captives in Babylon. Given all that had transpired, they likely felt that God had left them forever. But such was not the case. In the vision, Ezekiel is taken to the east gate to witness the return of God’s glory (43:1-5)! Once again, “...the glory of the Lord filled the house.” Once again, God expressed His desire to dwell among them forever, conditioned, of course, upon their recommitment to Him and willingness to turn away from their sin (43:6-9).
As New Covenant disciples, we are God’s dwelling place (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:22). But like Judah of old, we must guard against giving ourselves over to sin and rebellion to the point that God can no longer stand to be among us (Hebrews 10:26-31).
But, thankfully, the story is not over! Before the book ends, Ezekiel is given a new vision to relay to the refugees of Judah who remained as captives in Babylon. Given all that had transpired, they likely felt that God had left them forever. But such was not the case. In the vision, Ezekiel is taken to the east gate to witness the return of God’s glory (43:1-5)! Once again, “...the glory of the Lord filled the house.” Once again, God expressed His desire to dwell among them forever, conditioned, of course, upon their recommitment to Him and willingness to turn away from their sin (43:6-9).
As New Covenant disciples, we are God’s dwelling place (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:22). But like Judah of old, we must guard against giving ourselves over to sin and rebellion to the point that God can no longer stand to be among us (Hebrews 10:26-31).
God loves you!
Mike
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