Ezekiel 43:4-7

December 1, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. While the man was standing beside me, I heard one speaking to me out of the temple, and he said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever. And the house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their whoring and by the dead bodies of their kings at their high places.” (Ezekiel 43:4-7)

This feels like the punchline of all these measurements. Ultimately, God was revealing to Ezekiel the details of the place he would once again dwell among Israel.

The first thing that stood out to me was that the glory of the Lord will enter from the east. When the glory of the Lord departed the temple, He left toward the east (Ezekiel 10). Similarly, when Jesus ascended to heaven, He took off from the Mt of Olives, the mountain to the east of the Temple. (Acts 1)

The second thing that stands out is that this is the place where God will dwell with Israel FOREVER! Things have come full circle. God dwelt among His people, but they rebelled against Him. He sent them away as punishment. Then, He promised to regather them in their land. Now, He says He will dwell with them forever. That means Israel will be redeemed and restored. This is the group into which we will be grafted in (Romans 9-11)!

Father, thank you for the promise of redemption. Help me live today like I believe I will dwell with you forever. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Old Testament, Prophecy, Restoring Israel

Ezekiel 42:20

November 30, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“He measured it on the four sides. It had a wall around it, 500 cubits long and 500 cubits broad, to make a separation between the holy and the common.” (Ezekiel 42:20)

The last clause caught my attention. “To make a separation between the holy and the common.” In the midst of lots of measurements of many rooms and walls, we see that God is interested in separating the sacred from the secular.

I think this stands out to me because I have seen in my short life a deemphasis on acknowledging any distinction between the secular and the sacred. I suspect some of the changes were well-intended efforts to move away from legalism. However, to arrive at a place where nothing is sacred (set apart) is an over-correction. Now we are in the other ditch.

As Christians, we are supposed to be different. We are called to be in the world, not of it. My true citizenship is in heaven. But so often I live like my greatest allegiance is to this world. I try so hard to fit in that I lose my unique flavor as a Christian.

This morning, I will sit and listen to my pastor preach. Will my heart anticipate that as a word from God – a sacred moment – or will it be no different than listening to the news? One is a report about religious things, the other a report about what’s going on in town. A better approach would be to listen to the sermon as a word from God, shaping my heart so that I know how to listen to and respond appropriately to the news.

Father, please help me understand a proper distinction between secular and sacred. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Ezekiel, Old Testament

Ezekiel 41:5

November 29, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“Then he measured the wall of the temple, six cubits thick, and the breadth of the side chambers, four cubits, all around the temple.” (Ezekiel 41:5)

Like chapter 40 – but only more – this chapter is filled with specific details of a Jewish temple. It can be easy to lose interest because … who really cares how thick a wall is? Or, how wide is a room?

Since God showed Ezekiel these blueprints and told him to declare this information to the house of Israel (40:4), we need to guard our hearts so that we do not dismiss this information as irrelevant to us.

This vision occurred while the Jews were in Babylon, and Jerusalem had been destroyed. We know the vision wasn’t of the then currently destroyed temple. Apparently, it was of a future temple. When the Jews returned to Israel, they restored Solomon’s temple, which differed from Ezekiel’s vision. In about 20 BC, Herod began a significant remodeling and expansion of the Temple Mount. The outcome of his project also differed from Ezekiel’s vision. So, we can conclude that there remains yet another temple to be built.

Since this temple has yet to be built, we should watch its construction. I’m not certain whether it is earthly or heavenly, though. Let’s keep watching.

Father, help me to anticipate the future with excitement. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Ezekiel, Faith, Israel, Jerusalem, Old Testament, Prophecy, Restoring Israel, Temple Mount

Ezekiel 40:4

November 28, 2025 by Leave a Comment

“And the man said to me, ‘Son of man, look with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart upon all that I shall show you, for you were brought here in order that I might show it to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel.’” (Ezekiel 40:4)

This is interesting. Although this was a vision, Ezekiel was told to see with his physical eyes and hear with his real ears. The details will be clear to Ezekiel.

Second, Ezekiel was told to declare the content of the vision to the house of Israel. Since this appears in the Bible, it seems that Ezekiel obeyed. Question: How many in the house of Israel have any idea of this vision? Very few.

Similarly, many who identify as Christians have little to no idea what the Bible says. Me included. So rather than throw stones at the Jews, I need to look in the mirror and get busy knowing and obeying what my own book says.

Father, help me to live in a way that says I really believe in you and that I know and understand your book. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Ezekiel, Israel, Old Testament, Prophecy

Ezekiel 39:1-3

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment

““And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. And I will turn you about and drive you forward, and bring you up from the uttermost parts of the north, and lead you against the mountains of Israel. Then I will strike your bow from your left hand, and will make your arrows drop out of your right hand.” (Ezekiel 39:1-3)

The first thing mentioned here is that God is against Gog. That is obvious. What may be less obvious is that God will drive Gog toward Israel. And what may be less obvious is the self-deception of Gog to think he is destined to defeat Israel, only to find out that he will be divinely disarmed and defeated.

How many folks live in the deceived mindset today? They think they are living their best life now in opposition to God. They appear to be winning, but will one day be disarmed, defeated, and judged.

Father, please help me to have a greater heart for the lost. Help me be more faithful in sharing Christ. Amen.

Filed Under: devotional thoughts, Evangelism, Ezekiel, Old Testament, Prophecy, Thinkers
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