Passage Read: Ezekiel 40-43
Meditation Verses: 43:10-11
Thought
The Lord dictated all these plans and Ezekiel was to describe them to the people of Israel so that they might be ashamed. And only if they were ashamed of all they had done was he to give them the details. In fact, only if they were truly ashamed and ready to make things right was there any point in giving them the details. If they didn't change, they would either not bother to make the temple or they would make it but continue their false worship. Yet here are the plans, for any and all to see. Was there remorse? This temple has never been built. The exiles returned and built a second temple, smaller than Solomon's, which Herod later expanded, but this structure has never been built. Are we not there yet? Are we still trying to just get by with whatever were willing to give, without giving all God asks? Claiming this limitation or that excuse? The chapters to come suggest this temple belongs to the reign of Christ but these verses say God's people are to read and understand and do according to these directions. It seems the Jews are supposed to build it when they're ready to change and give God all He asks. Apparently, that day has not yet come. But as Paul says, when it comes, when God turns disobedience away from Israel, it will mean life from the dead for us Gentiles. That day is a day to keep hoping for.
Application
The revelation of these plans is for the purpose of breaking the heart of the Jews over their sin, to bring them shame so that they will loathe their former sins and turn forever away from them. Shame is not wrong or bad if it leads to repentance and humility and restoration of right worship of God. It is necessary for the breaking of a heart in humility. The holiness and magnificence that true worship of God requires is not impossible to attain and so nothing to be pursued. I need these kinds of visions of true and holy worship and living in order to raise the bar of my walk, that I might come face to face with my half-heartedness, be ashamed of all I have done or failed to do, and turn and give God all He deserves.