June 14, 2022

Passage Read: Ezekiel 40-43
Meditation Verse: 43:11

Thought

Only if the people are ashamed of their ways, their waywardness, only if they're ready to change their ways and seek the Lord in truth, then Ezekiel is to show them the measurements and statutes of this new temple. But if they're not ready to obey the Lord, then there's no point in building a new temple. It will just continue to infuriate the Lord. God is not interested in faithless motions and offerings. He wants changed lives; He provides changed hearts and expects those new hearts to produce action and life consistent with His character, which He has revealed in His Word.

Application

Rebuilding the Temple does not make the people better, more acceptable to the Lord. Living in obedience makes a people acceptable. Having a building, a place to worship the Lord, means nothing if that worship doesn't come from people who have fully submitted themselves to walk in God's ways every day and in every place. He is not fooled by a weekly meeting; He wants daily obedience. That's why He offers a new heart eager to walk in His commands, and why He gives His Spirit to dwell in those who trust in Him. If I want the Lord to dwell near me, with me, then I need to honor Him by obeying Him. Jesus said that in John 14:21!