Main Idea: The Glory of God is what makes God’s dwelling place glorious.
A Look at the Text:
Continuing the tour of the new temple, the bronze-like man led Ezekiel to the eastern gate. There, Ezekiel saw the glory of God coming with a climactic return to His temple (Ezek. 43:1-2).
The last time Ezekiel saw Yahweh’s glory in Jerusalem, He was leaving the temple through the same eastern gate (Ezek. 10:18-19). Now, in a similar fashion, Ezekiel had a vision of the return of God’s glory (Ezek. 32:3-5).
Then, God spoke to him. God made it clear that the temple was His dwelling place and that His holy name would no longer be defiled there by His people (Ezek. 43:7).
With this hope in mind, Ezekiel was commissioned to speak to the people, making known their sin, that they might be ashamed of it (Ezek. 43:10). If they were, he would make known to them the design of the new temple (Ezek. 43:11).
Ezekiel was then informed that the eastern gate was to remain shut, except in the prince’s coming (Ezek. 44:1). For it was this same gate the Lord’s glory had entered through (Ezek. 44:2).
Ezekiel was commanded to address the people, calling them to account for letting those uncircumcised in heart and flesh to enter the sanctuary (Ezek. 44:7). Now, a new generation of priests would teach the people to distinguish between the unclean and the clean (Ezek. 44:23). Fulfilling the initial priestly mandate (Lev. 10:10-11).
Bringing it Home:
God’s return to His temple is what would make the new temple glorious. For despite all of its splendor, it would be purposeless if God were absent. Formerly, the temple was beautiful outwardly, but corrupt inwardly. Now, a new group was raised up that would honor the Lord and keep the holy and common separate.
The severity of sin is showcased in the separation it brings between human beings and their Creator. This separation was only bridged at the cross.
In Christ, we have the assurance that God will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). Nothing in all of creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38-39).
Yet, this should not cause us to excuse sin as if it is of little consequence. God yearns to dwell amongst a holy, distinct people. A people who are circumcised in heart and find their greatest delight in serving and obeying Him.
Challenge:
Do I see the purposelessness of life apart from God?