Ezekiel 43 - The Glory of the Lord

by Katrina

LINK: Ezekiel 43

BACKGROUND
Ezekiel had seen the glory of the Lord depart from the temple at the east gate (Ezek 1:18-19). Now, his guide took him to the east gate where he saw the glory of the Lord come from the east and enter the temple through the east gate. God's glory, once again, filled the house of the Lord. He claimed His place on the throne, and told Ezekiel that He would dwell there and rule forever.

Then the altar was measured and the procedure for consecrating it was given to Ezekiel. Consecration was the symbolic removal of sin. Then the priests would once again be able to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings that would be accepted by God. You might remember from our study of Leviticus that the burnt offering represented dedicating oneself to God. It's symbolic of giving all on the altar. The peace offering is also called the fellowship offering. It is an expression of worship and represents the relationship one has with the Lord.

REFLECTION
Jesus's death on the cross was the ultimate fulfillment of all the sacrifices described in Leviticus. Both of these offerings - burnt and peace - are ones that believers can give today. We don't use an altar and slaughter animals, but we offer our lives to the Lord as our burnt offering. And we offer praise and walk in fellowship with Him as our peace/fellowship offering.

APPLICATION
Offer yourself to the Lord today for His service. Spend some time in fellowship with Him.

PRAYER
Lord, we thank You for being the sacrifice that atones for our sin. I give my life to You to love and serve You will all my heart, soul, and strength. Thank You for bringing me into fellowship with You forever. Amen.