The steps of the temple

The steps of the temple

Scripture: Seven steps led up to it, with its portico opposite them; it had palm tree decorations on the faces of the projecting walls on each side. Ezekiel 40:26

Observation: In the description of the temple of Ezekiel, steps are mentioned in 8 places. 7 steps are mentioned at the East gate and the South gate, and 8 steps at the East and South gates of the inner court. When we think of steps, we automatically think of ascension, going up. The number 7 symbolizes perfection, and the number 8 symbolizes new beginnings.

God is above us, high and lifted up in the heavens. When we come to him, we must ascend to meet Him. In Psalm 24, it is written “Who may ascend his holy hill? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, he who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.”   

All of us have fallen short, there is no one righteous not even one, and it is impossible for human beings in their sin to ascend and be with a Holy God. However, God has made it all possible by the death of His perfect Son on the cross, for His blood washes away our sins and makes us righteous, just as if we had never sinned.

When we come to God to worship, it is good to look upwards towards Heaven, and to know that we worship in Jesus name, for only in His name can we ascend and have communion with God. In Jesus, we are a new creation. The old has gone, and the new has come.

In Galatians 5, Paul exhorts us to “keep in step with the Spirit”. To walk with the Spirit is to choose to follow the ways of God rather than the ways of men, to choose obedience to God over our selfish desires. The Holy Spirit is living and active, and moves like the wind according to His will which follows the will of God. Where we follow Him, there is power, there is release, there is peace and strength.

Application: When we worship, remember the steps of the temple, that God is High and lifted up above us in Heaven. Seek to rise up and be with Him in Jesus name. Thank Jesus for His perfect sacrifice on the cross, which has given us a new beginning, which has made us a new creation. Ask for more of His Spirit that we may keep in step with God’s will as we live life.

Prayer: Father Lord, I praise You and worship You who are high and exalted above the heavens. Let my praises rise up to You, O Lord. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace for me. Thank You for Your perfect sacrifice that set me free, and made me a new creation. Holy Spirit, fill my life and teach me. Help me walk with You and keep in step with You. In Jesus name, Amen.