Returning of God's Glory

O. T. #1938  "Returning of God's Glory"

May 11, 2021

Ezekiel 43

LET IT GLOW

Do you feel like you are in a dry, thirsty wilderness? Has your joy departed?

David wrote Psalm 63 reflecting on his experience in the Wilderness of Judah when he was king of Israel. (verse 11) He fled Jerusalem because David's son, Absalom, rebelled and desired to take David's place as king. What does David do?

• He prays, earnestly searching and seeking God, for his soul thirsts for God. (verse 1)
• David had seen the glory and power of God in His sanctuary, so he longs for it again. (verse 2)
• Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee. (verse 3)
• Better than life itself is the faithful and unfailing love that God shows toward those who fear Him. (verse 3)
• David says he will praise God as long as he lives, lifting up his hands to God in prayer.(verse 4)
• He realizes that God satisfies more than the richest feast, so David praises his God with songs of joy. (verse 5)
• During the night, David meditated on God because He is his helper, so David sings for joy in the shadow of God's wings. (verses 6-7)
• Then God's right hand of sovereign power supports David securely. (verse 8)
•  David had been chased away from his throne in Judah and hunted like an animal, but certain that his enemies would be defeated. (verses 9-10)
• But the king will rejoice in God. All who trust in him will praise Him, while liars will be silenced. (verse 11)

Did you notice that David declares God is powerful, glorious, faithful, loving, silences liars, as well as in charge? David says he will praise God, sing His praises, and have joy from Him. How about us, friend?  

LET IT GROW

Ezekiel had seen God's glory leave the Temple before His judgment fell and the Temple was destroyed. Now the glory of God is returning back to His house in an awesome display of majesty (during the Millennial reign). The sound of His coming was like a roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with His glory. (verse 1-2)

In this vision, what did Ezekiel do? He fell face down on the ground as the glory of the LORD came through the eastern gate. What happens next?

• Jesus tells the prophet, while in the inner court, that it was the place of His throne, where He will rest His feet. Also, God would dwell with His people forever. (verse 7)
• There would be no more defiling God's holy name with idol worship there.
• The Jews would be ashamed of their sins of idolatry and what they had done. (verse 10)
• Ezekiel was told to write down all the specifications, laws, and decrees so they would remember and follow them. (verse 11)
• The basic law of the Temple is absolute holiness!

God is holy, perfect, and blameless; so we are to be holy. (1Peter 1:15-16) We are holy when we are separated from sin and devoted to God. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that makes us holy and righteous with His righteousness. Have you come to Jesus by faith, confessing your sins, asking His forgiveness and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness? He will and is waiting. (1John 1:9)

 

 

LET IT GO