Ezekiel 42-43 Exiting Differently That We Entered

Ezekiel had been brought into the inner courtyard through the south gate.  After moving around the inner courtyard, he’d been taken into the Holy Place and then the Most Holy Place.  But there was no mention of the mercy seat or the Ark of the Covenant. 

The angelic guide then brought Ezekiel out through the east gateway and proceeded to measure the outside of the Temple area.  “Then the man led me to the outer east gateway and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east.  It sounded like the roar of rushing water, and its brightness made the earth shine … The glory of the Lord came into the Temple area through the east gateway.”

It sounds like God’s glory must therefore have passed right by Ezekiel as he was standing near that spot!

Then the guide said, “Tell the people of Israel about the Temple so they will be ashamed of their sins.  Let them think about the plan of the Temple … let them know the design of the Temple … Show them its exits and entrances …”

My friend Ronnie Hill said after looking at all of this and thinking about it, he noted that we are to depart differently than we entered.  We are to experience God’s glory while there.  Do we have that happen each time we come to worship?  Do we experience God’s presence in our worship?  Are we different when we come out?  He believes that is an important teaching God wants us to see from these chapters.

Father, help me to not leave the same as I was when I entered, when I come to worship You.  Help me to watch for You and to experience Your presence in my heart as I offer myself, my worship, and my offering to You.  Let me be changed by that experience every time!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford