October 13 -- "Leaving Differently"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 46 

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Imagine stepping into a sacred space, a sanctuary where the very air is thick with the presence of the divine. This is the world Ezekiel paints for us in Ezekiel 46, where the entrance and exit paths of worshipers are carefully choreographed to mimic the transformative journey of encountering the holy. It's as if the very architecture of the Temple is designed to guide us on a pilgrimage of the heart.

As we enter through one gate, we leave behind the mundane, the ordinary, and the familiar. We take on a new posture, one of reverence and humility, as we acknowledge the vastness and majesty of God's sovereignty. This is not just a physical act, but a spiritual one as well - we shift our perspectives, our priorities, and our very souls.

And then, as we leave through another gate, we are no longer the same. We've been changed, transformed by the encounter, renewed and empowered to live lives that reflect the glory of our Creator. It's as if we've been infused with a new sense of purpose, a new sense of direction, and a new sense of hope.

In our own Christian church gatherings, we have the opportunity to experience this transformative power. Our services are not just routine rituals or passive observances - they are sacred moments where we gather in the presence of the divine, where hearts are softened, minds are renewed, and lives are changed.

As we approach these gatherings, let us come with open hearts and minds, ready to receive the life-changing truths of God's Word. Let us come expectantly, anticipating the movement of the Holy Spirit among us, convicting, comforting, and empowering us for His purposes. Let us step into the sanctuary with the same reverence and humility as the ancient worshipers of Ezekiel's day, knowing that we too can be transformed by the encounter with the divine.

May the grace of the divine embrace you as you step into the sacred space of worship. As you leave His presence, may you be changed, renewed, and equipped to reflect the glory of your Creator.

October 12 -- "Enough!"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 45 

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God's mighty voice booms out in rebuke, targeting the corrupt leaders of Israel. These once-trusted guides, now consumed by greed and self-interest, have forsaken their duties. They've used their power to oppress and exploit, pushing the vulnerable to the brink, while lining their own pockets. The resounding cry of "ENOUGH!" echoes through time, with a loud, clear, and forceful call to these leaders who've lost their way, insisting that they put away their corrupt practices and return to practicing justice and righteousness.

Though addressed to ancient leaders, these words ring with startling relevance in our modern world. Corruption, in all its forms, persists, infecting every level of society. Political leaders abuse their positions, diverting funds meant for the people, stifling dissent, and inciting division. Corporate executives prioritize profits over people, disregarding the environment and exploiting workers. Religious leaders misuse their authority, manipulating followers for personal gain, and covering up abuse.

Enough is enough! The time has come for leaders in all walks of life to put aside their corrupt ways. Just as the leaders of Ezekiel's time needed to change their ways, so too must we in our modern world.

As followers of Christ, we're called to be different. Our Master, Jesus, demonstrated the power of servant leadership, washing the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-17). He championed the cause of the marginalized, spoke truth to power, and embodied sacrificial love. Do our lives reflect His?

We can create a ripple effect of integrity by living our lives with honesty, transparency, and authenticity. This can include everything from being truthful in our relationships to using our talents and resources to benefit others.

We can combat corruption first by combatting it in our own hearts, and then by holding leaders accountable, advocating for justice, supporting the vulnerable, and electing officials who will champion fairness and righteousness. By living with integrity and embodying the values of service, compassion, and fairness, we can work to create a world that reflects God's vision of true leadership.

May the Lord’s call to righteousness echo within your heart, and the spirit of servant leadership guide your ways. May you stand as a beacon of integrity and truth with your actions reflecting the values of our Maker's love.

October 11 -- "I Fell On My Face"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 44

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As Ezekiel gazed upon the magnificent splendor of the Lord filling the temple, it wasn't a fleeting encounter. The sight stirred such profound reverence and awe within him that he responded with the humble posture of falling on his face. This act of prostration, with arms outstretched or clasped in front, exemplifies the depth of his humility, submission, and respect for the divine presence.

Falling on one's face before the Lord is a symbol of acknowledging His holiness, sovereignty, and the vast chasm between the Creator and the created. It's a reminder that we are but sinners in the presence of a holy God, and our only response can be one of awe-struck surrender. This profound posture of worship is not unique to Ezekiel; throughout the Bible, we see other individuals falling on their faces in reverence and fear: Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Hannah, Job, Esther, Daniel, Mary, Paul, John and many others, all acknowledging God's greatness and their own unworthiness.

In our own lives, falling on our faces before the Lord represents our need to humble ourselves before Him. It's a recognition that He is worthy of all honor and praise, and that we are utterly dependent on His mercy and grace. This act of worship is a reminder that, despite our imperfections and shortcomings, God invites us into His presence and offers forgiveness and restoration.

Ezekiel's response challenges us to examine our own posture before God. Do we approach Him with humility and reverence, acknowledging His holiness and our need for His grace? Or do we come to Him with pride and self-sufficiency, treating Him as merely a cosmic vending machine for our wants and desires?

May we learn from Ezekiel's example and cultivate a heart posture that falls in reverent awe before the glory of the Lord, acknowledging His supremacy and surrendering ourselves fully to His will. As we do, may we discover the transformative power of humility, the joy of surrender, and the deep satisfaction of being in the presence of the One who created us and loves us beyond measure.

October 10 -- "The Sound of Many Waters"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 43

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In Ezekiel 43:2, the prophet Ezekiel experiences a profound vision of the glory of God filling the Temple. This vision occurs in the context of Ezekiel's prophetic ministry during the Babylonian exile, a time when the Israelites were far from their homeland and the Temple lay in ruins.

In the vision, Ezekiel sees the glory of God in all its brilliance entering the Temple from the east, symbolizing the return of God's presence to His people. The glory of the Lord fills the Temple, illuminating the space with His radiant presence.

"The sound of many waters" evokes the imagery of powerful, rushing waters, reminiscent of a mighty river or waterfall. The water symbolizes life, purification, and the presence of God. The image of "many waters" conveys the abundance and immensity of God's glory and power.

In Revelation 1:15 and Revelation 14:2, similar imagery of "many waters" is used to describe the voice of Jesus and the sound of the redeemed singing praises to God in heaven. This reinforces the idea that the sound of many waters represents the majestic and awe-inspiring nature of God's presence.

The imagery of seeing God's glory filling the Temple and hearing the sound of many waters is a powerful reminder of His holiness, majesty, and sovereignty. It underscores the importance of God's presence in the life of His people and the centrality of worship and obedience to Him.

For modern-day Christ followers, this vision serves as a reminder of the significance of God's presence in our lives. We are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit, inviting God to dwell within us and transform us from the inside out. Just as the glory of God filled the Temple in Ezekiel's vision, God desires to fill our lives with His presence, empowering us to live for His glory and honor. 

October 9 -- "Boundaries of Holiness"

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 42 

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In Ezekiel 42, we find the prophet sketching the outer court's perimeter, emphasizing the separation between the temple's sacred space and the surrounding areas. This distinction reminds us of the temple's sanctity and the reverence with which God's dwelling place was regarded.

As we contemplate the significance of this outer wall, we realize its role in creating a boundary between the sacred and the secular, the holy from the ordinary. The concept of distinguishing between the holy and the unholy is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

In Leviticus 10:10, the Lord instructs the Israelites to differentiate between what is holy and what is common or unclean. This directive is part of the broader framework of purity laws in Leviticus, which regulated various aspects of Israelite life to maintain ritual purity.

The call to separation is also echoed for Christ followers in 2 Corinthians 6:17, where believers are encouraged to "Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you." This New Testament passage emphasizes the idea of spiritual purity and separation from worldly influences.

1 Peter 1:15-16 reiterates the call for believers to live holy lives, mirroring the holiness of God himself. This involves setting boundaries for separating oneself from sinful behaviors and attitudes, seeking righteousness and purity in all aspects of life.

God establishes these boundaries out of love and concern for His people. Boundaries protect God's people from spiritual harm and contamination. Just as a fence keeps animals or crops safe from predators, spiritual boundaries keep believers safe from the influences of the world. By setting clear guidelines, He equips us to live lives that honor and please Him, and to walk in the fullness of His blessings and purpose.

As Christians, we are called to separate ourselves from practices incompatible with our faith. Just as the outer wall encircled Ezekiel's future temple, so too must we establish boundaries in our lives to safeguard our relationship with God and protect the sanctity of His presence within us.

May the boundaries of holiness guide your steps, as you seek to separate the sacred from the profane. May your life reflect the purity and righteousness of Christ, and may you draw nearer to the presence of God in every moment.

October 8 -- "The Most Holy Place"

 Today's Reading: Ezekiel 41

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Imagine stepping into a sacred space, where the presence of God dwells in unparalleled purity - the Most Holy Place, as described by Ezekiel 41:4. Also known as the “Holy of Holies,” this mysterious chamber invites us to ponder the profound depths of God's set-apartness (holiness) and contemplate our response to His divine presence.

The wall that encircles this hallowed area, measuring nearly nine feet thick, serves not only as a physical barrier but also as a symbol of the impenetrable divide between the mortal and the divine – between sinful humanity and a holy God. This monumental structure underscores the unparalleled sanctity of God's dwelling place and reminds us of the reverence due to His holy presence.

As we contemplate the significance of this sacred space, we are reminded to approach God with awe and humility, just as the Israelites once did when entering the sanctuary. We must acknowledge the solemnity of God's presence and treat it with the respect and reverence it deserves.

The Most Holy Place calls us to examine our hearts and lives, purging anything that defiles or distracts from God's pure holiness. Like the priests of old who cleansed themselves before entering the inner sanctuary, we must confess our sins and be purified by the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.

As we meditate on the Most Holy Place, let us draw near to God with sincerity and devotion, seeking His face and surrendering to His will. May we cultivate a heart of reverence and awe, recognizing the boundless greatness of His holiness.

"Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." (Psalm 29:2)

October 7 -- "The Chamber of Holiness"

  Today's Reading: Ezekiel 40:28-49

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Imagine the grandeur of the Jewish Temple, filled with majesty and wonder. This was the sacred meeting place where God would visit His people. It is the place where He chose to dwell, making it a sacred space that connected human being directly to their holy Creator. The description of the temple in Ezekiel paints a picture of a magnificent structure, filled with gold, precious stones, and intricate carvings - all testifying to God's majesty and splendor.

In Ezekiel 40:46, we find a little-known treasure nestled within its walls. This passage tells us that the chamber facing north was reserved for a special group of priests - the sons of Zadok. These devoted individuals were uniquely set apart to come near to the Lord and serve Him directly.

This sacred chamber's proximity to the Holy Place represents their closeness with God, granted by His divine appointment. They were chosen for a special purpose - to minister to Yahweh Himself! This reminds us that true connection with our Creator comes from being set apart for holiness.

While only the sons of Zadok enjoyed this rare privilege in Ezekiel’s day, all believers in Christ are now called to share their incredible experience. Not in a physical temple per se, but in the “chamber of holiness” found in God’s personal presence in our lives. For Christians, the "temple" is not a physical building but rather each believer's heart and life. The New Testament teaches that believers are the temple of God. This means that our bodies, our minds, and our spirits are consecrated to God and serve as a dwelling place for His Holy Spirit. We are a "royal priesthood," summoned to offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:9).

Holiness isn't about outward appearances or rituals; it's a matter of the heart. It means consecrating ourselves to God, separating from sin, and devoting our lives to Him.

Ultimately, the selection of the Sons of Zadok is not just about them as individuals but about the principles they embodied: dedication, purity, and a heart devoted to God. These qualities are essential for anyone seeking to draw close to Him, regardless of their role or station in life.

So let us examine our own lives today. Are we striving for holiness and drawing near to God in the sacred chamber of our hearts? Let us repent of any sin or compromise that hinders our intimacy with Him and seek purity of heart. As we do, may we experience the joy of drawing closer to the One who calls us His own!

May the Lord bless you and keep you, granting you His presence throughout each day. May your heart be a sacred space, where His Spirit dwells and guides you in all you do.