Ezekiel 42
As we continue to consider this amazing account of a new temple given in a vision at the end of Ezekiel, it may help us to think about some obvious facts. First, this vision was given to Ezekiel 14 years after the destruction of Solomon’s temple in
We should also add that these chapters have been set aside by many as too difficult to interpret. Many others have seen them as a blueprint for action, and they pray regularly for the plans to be fulfilled. It is not that the words are so difficult to understand. The problem is in how to use these words. Is it about a structure that is meant to be physically built, perhaps during this unusual time of a “Jewish” government in the
We can say that the topic of temple is intensely interesting to God. The Old Testament worshipers thought about temple mainly in terms of building, but God also speaks about temple in terms of body. God is redeeming people and not buildings. Buildings must tell the story of God dwelling with people. People do not exist to be a sign of some greater story of God saving buildings. If we keep that in mind, we have to believe that once the redemption story of “temple” has made the clear shift out of the shadows and moved from sacred building to holy people, especially in the coming of Messiah and the expansion of His Kingdom to the whole earth through His church, we should not expect that the construction of even the most amazing building would be a development forward in the story of redemption.
What then do we do with the details of these various chapters in Ezekiel that show a longing for a temple that was never truly fulfilled in the construction of a building, despite the intentions and actions of many? It may help us to remember that these chapters were not Ezekiel’s idea. They came from God. He wanted His people to enjoy the vision, and to begin to think beyond the building to a new temple people that would know the presence of God by His Spirit.
With this fulfillment in mind let us rejoice in God’s holy temple of old. Let us explore its upper, middle, and lower chambers. We see its wonderful walls. We hear of the symmetry of various spaces. We walk in our mind’s eye through gates, and explore inner courts and outer courts. We are like children who have been invited into the most wonderful holy fort. Better than that, we are the aged exiles who hear the good news that the hope of a holy place is not utterly gone despite our wretched disobedience. We are led by the hand into this marvelous place. We are given a view for the whole area, 500 cubits by 500 cubits, and we know something of what righteous Simeon must have felt when he said to God, “Now you are letting your servant depart in peace.” We want to sing Psalm 126: “When the LORD restored the fortunes of
Even that Psalm continues on with recognition that there is yet a holy expectation of a far better day for the people of God. We sing on, “Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Simeon saw the better temple, though in a very low condition as a baby born under the Law. That elderly holy man still rejoiced when He saw the wonder of the Messiah. He had been assured that He would not die before He had seen the Lord’s Anointed. He spent His time in a building set aside for worship, but when He saw Jesus He saw the Anointed One. He saw the better
posted by Pastor Magee @ 7:00 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home