READING: Ezekiel 41-43
Every year when I read Ezekiel 43, I return to this devotion. And, to my regret most of the time, I still need to spend more time on my face.
Begin with me by reading this text: “He led me to the gate, the one that faces east, and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice sounded like the roar of mighty waters, and the earth shone with His glory. . . . . The glory of the Lord entered the temple by way of the gate that faced east. Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the inner court, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” (Ezek 43:1-4)
Read it again. The glory of the Lord filled the temple.
Ezekiel did what all of us, I trust, would do if we saw the glory of God: he fell facedown (Ezek. 43:3). As he had done the first time he saw God’s glory (Ezek 1:28), and like John years later on the Isle of Patmos (Rev 1:17), Ezekiel could not stand in the presence of the holiness of God.
This holy God would hold on to His unholy followers, bringing them to anguish over their sin and ultimately establishing His kingdom. He is a God whose voice is like many waters, whose glory will shine throughout the earth.
He is a God who dwells among us. And within us.
I need to lie on my face more.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you, too, need to lie on your face more?
PRAYER: “Father, teach me again and again how holy You are. Take me to my face before You.”
MONDAY’S READING: Ezekiel 44-47