READING: Ezekiel 40:38-43:27
As I train pastors, I encourage them to watch for just “glimpses” of God’s glory in their work. It’s easy to get focused on only the problems and pains of ministry, and it’s perhaps even easier to get discouraged when we don’t see God’s hand working among us. What I want pastors to do is see just the glimpses, realize that God’s up to something, and press on in hope and faith.
Of course, today’s reading in Ezekiel shows something much more than a glimpse of His glory; it’s the picture of His glory returning to the Temple. In some ways, it’s the most dramatic vision in the prophet’s book.
What I had not considered in some time, though, was the reason God told Ezekiel to describe the temple to the people: ”. . . so that they may be ashamed of their iniquities” (Ezek 43:10). The picture was a reminder that God keeps His promises to His people—even a people who had previously defiled the temple and the area around it. It was a picture of reconciliation and renewal of the people of God, not because of their goodness but because of God’s steadfast love.
When we “see” that love in front of us like Ezekiel and the people did (and like we do today through His Word), surely we see our iniquities more clearly, grieve them in shame, and turn back to Him in repentance.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How does God catch your attention to push you to see your sin?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, do whatever You wish today to let me see my sin.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 44:1-46:24