The rooms of the people

The rooms of the people

Scripture: Then he brought me into the outer court. There I saw some rooms and a pavement that had been constructed all around the court; there were thirty rooms along the pavement. It abutted the sides of the gateways and was as wide as they were long; this was the lower pavement. Then he measured the distance from the inside of the lower gateway to the outside of the inner court; it was a hundred cubits^] on the east side as well as on the north. Ezekiel 40:17-19

Observation: Interestingly, today’s study lets us take a look at the rooms in the outer court. There are 30 of them, and presumably, since they are in the outer court, they are for the common people. Their purpose is not mentioned in Ezekiel, but still meditating on it, they hold important lessons for us.

Firstly, the temple is not just for the priests but also for the common people. The common people are important too and the rooms are for them, perhaps to prepare themselves for worship unto God.

Secondly, the rooms are identical in shape, which reminds us that every person is equal before God. Rich or poor, tall or short, God judges each one fairly according to his or her own ability and resources. For us too, we are reminded that we must be fair and impartial to others, not favoring one over another just because of he or she is richer, more famous or more beautiful.

Thirdly, the rooms remind us of our future in heaven. Jesus told his disciples “Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God and trust in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” The rooms remind us of our destiny and future in Heaven above.

Application: Remember and praise God that He looks out and cares for us, the common people. Thank Him that He is impartial and just, and all men are equal before Him. Pray for His wisdom and courage to treat others fairly and impartially regardless of status or race. Finally, remember that we have a wonderful home in Heaven Jesus has promised us.

Prayer: Father God, I thank You and praise You that You care for us, each one of us on earth, no matter how small or great we are. Lord, I thank You that You are just and righteous in all Your ways. Help me be like You in the way I treat others, fairly and righteously. I praise You and thank You, Lord Jesus, for You have prepared a place for me in Heaven above. May my life glorify Your name. In Jesus name, Amen.