READING: Ezekiel 10-13
Ezekiel 11:14-20 is God’s promise to His exiled people that He would not forever abandon them. He had sent them into exile under judgment, thus reminding them and the nations that He alone is Yahweh (Ezek 11:10-12). He scattered them among the nations — far from the city of Jerusalem — and yet He would be their sanctuary wherever they were (Ezek 11:16).
In the distant lands, some would recognize their evil and turn back to Him. They would learn there that they need not be in Jerusalem to worship the God who is not limited to a city or a building.
Maybe today you feel like you are in exile somewhere. You pray, but you wonder if God hears. Perhaps you’re paying a price for your past sin, bearing the consequences of your wrong. Or, maybe you’ve been faithful to Him but still long for days gone by. No matter where you are today, Yahweh can be your sanctuary. Indeed, in a miracle more clearly evidenced in the New Testament, He lives within us through His Spirit. We can worship Him in Spirit and truth (John 4:21-24) wherever we are because He is there.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much difference does it make to you that God is with you wherever you are?
PRAYER: “Thank You, God, for being our sanctuary.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 14-16
*Portions of this devotion first published in 2015
