May 19 - Ezekiel 43

Today's reading in our daily plan is Ezekiel 43. Take a moment to pray, asking God to speak to you from this passage. Then read, using the following notes and questions to help you get everything out of the passage.

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• After several chapters of tedious descriptions about the layout and dimensions of the temple Ezekiel sees in his vision, something new happens: the "glory of God" storms into the temple.
• Earlier in the book of Ezekiel, in chapter 10, we read about the glory of God leaving the Temple in Jerusalem. The vision in today's reading foreshadows the future return of God to His people.
• The chapter concludes with specific instructions about sacrifices. These directives had to be perfectly followed in order for God to forgive sins.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• God's presence in the Temple, and the nuanced requirements for animal sacrifices, are part of setting the stage for the arrival of Jesus. Because of Jesus, God's presence is no longer confined to a building. He dwells inside of us. We don't need to go to a priest or temple to talk to him.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Do you talk to God throughout the day? Your relationship with him shouldn't be confined to a few hours on a Sunday or a few minutes at the start of the day. Set reminders on your phone to nudge you to talk to him throughout the day, even if it's just to thank him for how things are going, or to express frustration. The more you make it a habit to talk to God, the easier it will be to sense where he is leading you.