Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
What the people in Ezekiel's day longed for, was for God to once again be with his people in their land. So in this vision Ezekiel is taken to Jerusalem, where he sees a new temple - the place of God's presence. It's possible this was to encourage the returning exiles to rebuild the temple, as they did. But it may be this vision was given simply to symbolise God again residing with his people, rather like the detailed image of a new Jerusalem in Revelation symbolising the people of God (Rev 21v1-21). The thickness of the wall may imply it is impenetrable, and the recesses for guards may also speak of its security. The point would be that God's presence will remain. The symmetry throughout, probably signifies the exact perfection of God’s plan for his people, and the utter holiness and order that accompanies his presence. The palm tree decoration implies the temple is like a mini-Eden and a picture of the new creation to come. In seeing this portrayal of the temple as figurative of God’s future presence with his people that is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, we should note that this will involve no animal sacrifice as this has been superseded by Christ’s own sacrifice. Rather, we should understand the description of sacrifices as using concepts that would have been familiar to the Israelites, to make the point that sufficient means of atonement would then be instituted to ensure God’s presence could remain with his people. There is much in the symbolism that brings home God's holy purity and the need of purity to draw close to him. Whilst the altar in front of the temple, stresses that sacrifice would make that possible. As you read note the significance of the detail.
Ezekiel 40
Ezekiel 40
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.