The inheritance

The inheritance

Scripture: This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “These are the boundaries of the land that you will divide among the twelve tribes of Israel as their inheritance, with two portions for Joseph. You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with uplifted hand to give it to your ancestors, this land will become your inheritance. Ezekiel 47:13-14

You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners residing among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. Ezekiel 47:22

Observation:

At the time of the temple illustrated in Ezekiel, there will also be an assignment of the land of Israel according to the twelve tribes. During the time of Ezekiel, the Israelites were all in exile, and although a remnant came back led by Ezra and Nehemiah, after Jesus’ death, they became scattered again throughout the nations. Only after World War II, did they come back again and from the country of Israel that we know today. Still, the boundaries of Israel are still to be extended and the inheritance not allocated in the order described at this moment.

Nevertheless, this very specific assignment of the land is a reminder of the future inheritance of Israel and God’s amazing faithfulness. Not one promise that He has made will be broken. All will be fulfilled in due time, just as He has said.

It is interesting also, that Ezekiel 47:22 speaks of foreigners living alongside native-born Israelites, and being considered the same as them, also being allotted an inheritance. This scenario could not be envisioned during the time of Joshua, but during this time, things are different. It is sort of saying to us that God has included us Gentiles as His own children together with His people.

What is spoken in the New Testament about our inheritance?

In Ephesians 1:13-15, Paul says “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Firstly, the deposit of our inheritance is the Holy Spirit. We are sure of the inheritance we have one day from God because of the Holy Spirit who is with us.

Later, Paul continues in Ephesians 1:18-19 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Part of our glorious inheritance is simply belonging to God’s holy people. We who hope in Jesus become part of His royal family and able to receive His incomparably great power!

The Scripture also warns in Ephesians 5:5 “For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Some think they can continue to enjoy sin after they are saved. However, the Scripture is clear that those who continue to be immoral, impure or greedy has no inheritance in the kingdom of God.

Hebrews 9:15 makes it clear for us that it is only because of Jesus Christ that we can receive the promised eternal inheritance, as it is written “
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.”

And in 1 Peter 1:3-5, our inheritance is beautifully described as one that can never perish, spoil or fade, but is kept in heaven for us. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Application: Praise God for the marvelous heavenly inheritance that He has prepared for us. Let the vision of our heavenly inheritance move us away from obsession or trust in earthly things, but towards hope in heavenly things. Recognize that God’s people are part of our glorious inheritance. We are part of God’s great family called together to be in Him. Examine our lives to see if we are in sin, recognizing that no immoral, impure or greedy person will inherit the kingdom of God. Our minds are key. It is so important to set our minds in looking towards Christ, and growing in Him rather than looking at the world and how to gratify the sinful nature.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You that it is only in Your sacrifice alone that I am able to have a heavenly inheritance. Lead me, dear Lord, each step of the way, that I may look heavenward and seek Your glory rather than the things of the earth. Strengthen us and uphold us O Lord. Blessed be Your name. In Jesus name, Amen.

The trees by the river

The trees by the river

Scripture: Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12

Observation: This particular topic has a special place in my heart, as I have named my blog – tree-by-waters.blogspot.com. Trees are mentioned from the very beginning of the Bible, and were created even before the creatures. They are meant by God to be a source of food, of life for every living creature. However, at the same time, the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the centre of the Garden of Eden was the subject of man’s fall because Adam disobeyed the Lord’s command not to eat from it.

Thereafter, Abraham came to dwell under the great trees of Mamre at Hebron. The picture of Abraham dwelling under the great shady trees there reminds us of God Himself being like a great shade over us, giving us comfort and shelter. As the Psalmist writes “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty”.

Just as God created fruit bearing plants to bear fruit and give life, He too created man to bear fruit. John the Baptist warned in Matthew 3:10 “
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Throughout Scripture, men are very often likened to a tree, and as we study it, we can find certain qualities that cause a tree to bear fruit.

The first and probably most well loved Scripture on this topic is from Psalms 1 which speaks about how blessed is the man who does not follow evil but instead delights on God’s law and meditates on it day and night. He is likened to a tree beside streams of living water, which bears fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever he does prospers. The first quality we should desire to have is to shun evil and love God’s Word.

In Psalm 52:8, David exclaimed “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” The second quality is trust in God. Jeremiah 17:7-8 also gives us a wonderful picture of this ““But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

The third quality is righteousness. Psalm 92:12 says “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon” and  Proverbs 11:30 proclaims “the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.” The Scripture says that “the righteous shall live by faith”. We are righteous not by our works but by faith in salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ who has covered us with His righteousness. Does this mean we are no longer sinners? No, we still sin, due to our fallen nature. However, in our heart there is a desire to be righteous, and our mind is set on becoming more and more like Jesus. One day, when Jesus returns, He will make us perfect, just as He is perfect.

The next quality is a soothing tongue. The tongue has the power of life and death. A tongue that speaks words of hope, of encouragement, of life, is like a tree of life, bringing good and healing to many. The opposite is a perverse tongue that tears down and corrupts. The tongue is a dangerous member of our bodies, but we need to make it submissive to our Lord Jesus.

This picture in Ezekiel of the river of life from the temple causing trees to grow and bear fruit and leaves for healing can interestingly also be seen in Revelation. “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2

Application: Desire to bear fruit and pray to God to give us more of His Holy Spirit. Pray for a greater hunger for God’s Word. Trust in God more and more. Believe that Jesus has made us righteous, and desire to live out His righteousness more and more. Submit our tongues to our Lord Jesus. Let Him change the way we speak.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your river of life that flows through me and gives me life and hope. Let Your Spirit dwell so deeply in me that I will bear His fruit and be a blessing to others.  I submit my tongue to You O Lord. Help me speak words that heal and build up rather than wound and tear down. All that I am, all that I have, use it for Your glory O Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Where the river flows everything will live

Where the river flows everything will live

Scripture:- He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. Ezekiel 47:8-10

Observation: In our last lesson, we learnt how the river from the temple is symbolic of the Holy Spirit poured forth from God which overflows in our hearts and brings life wherever it goes.

Here, pictorially, we see this happening. In the Dead Sea, the salt content is so high that no fish can live. However, when this river from the temple goes there, it will heal the waters and enable fish to live there again. Fish in the Bible is symbolic of men. Jesus told His disciples that He would make them fishers of men.

Without Christ, men are spiritually dead but when God’s Spirit comes and enlightens them and draws them towards Christ, they become spiritually awakened, and alive in God. If we are to touch others, to bring them towards the mighty, living God, we need the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that works in us, through us and out of us to reach out and touch others.

Jesus said “How much more will the Father give the Spirit to those who ask Him.” We need to ask God for more and more of His Holy Spirit. The Spirit brings life to us, and also through us.

The Scripture also speaks of fishermen being able to bring their business to the Dead Sea. The healing of the Spirit is not just physically and spiritually, but also in business. God is the God of Business. Jesus was a successful carpenter, able to provide for His whole family, Paul a tentmaker, Lydia a seller of purple. Even in our work, our business, invite the Holy Spirit in. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, and enlightenment in our work, our challenges. One word from God can totally transform any situation.

Application: See ourselves as the channel of a river, and the Holy Spirit as the river. Continue to pray and seek the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, and let His fruit shine forth to bless and encourage others. Even in business, in work, submit it to God. Invite the Holy Spirit to come in and join with us in all the work we do. Ask for more and more of the Holy Spirit from God the Father in Jesus name.

Prayer: Father God, pour forth Your Holy Spirit into us more and more, in Jesus name. Holy Spirit, fill us with Your presence. Give us Your heart, Your desires. Teach us to be a blessing to others and bring Your light to them. Like a river, Lord, flow forth and bring life wherever I go in my life. Bless my work, my business O Lord. I submit them to You. You are Lord and God. I praise You and love You. In Jesus name, Amen.

The river from the temple

The river from the temple

Scripture: The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. Ezekiel 47:1-5

Observation: This study, we are looking at the river flowing out from the temple. It starts of as a little trickle and then grows and grows until it become a mighty river that no one can cross. What is the significance of this river?

In John 7:37-39, Jesus said: ^“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.  

Jesus likened the Holy Spirit to a river of living water. If we believe in Jesus, the Scripture promises that rivers of living waters will flow from us. When we look to Jesus in faith, and open our mouths and ask Him to fill us with His spiritual river, the Holy Spirit flows into us and overflows out of us. It may start as a little trickle but can grow into a great and mighty river.

In the beginning, there was a river flowing from the Garden of Eden that expanded into 4 great rivers, and they brought life wherever they went. The Holy Spirit in us, overflowing through us brings spiritual life and awakening wherever it goes.

In the healing of the Aramean commander Naaman, he went down to the river Jordan where he was cleansed completely of his leprosy. For us too, the River of God in us brings healing with us.

The Psalmists writes in Psalm 36:8 “They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.” God’s river is our provision, who supplies all our needs and satisfies us delightfully!

God’s river is righteous. In Amos 5:24, it is written ”But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! God’s river brings righteousness wherever it goes!

Application: Thinking of a mighty river, ask God for more and more of His Holy Spirit, seeing His Spirit come into us like a river and overflowing out with praises unto God! Believe that the Holy Spirit in us brings supernatural life, righteousness, healing and provision wherever we go.

Prayer: Lord, I open my mouth to you. Fill me more and more with Your River, Your Holy Spirit. Let it overflow from my heart to bring forth praises unto You. Let Your Spirit be with me wherever I go, bringing supernatural life, righteousness, healing and provision not only to me, but also those I meet. In Jesus name, Amen.

The preparation of the offerings

The preparation of the offerings

Scripture: He said to me, “This is the place where the priests are to cook the guilt offering and the sin offering and bake the grain offering, to avoid bringing them into the outer court and consecrating the people.” Ezekiel 46:20

Observation: When the worshippers brought their offerings to God in the temple, they would be given to the priests. The priests would cut the animal sacrifices into parts and separate them. The grain offering would be baked. Ultimately, the final offering presented to God would look very different from the offering brought by the worshipper.

There is a wonderful lesson in this. When we bring an offering to the Lord, be it our work, our gifts, or simply our availability, we may be surprised when God takes it and transforms and changes it into something totally different. As the Scripture says “He is the potter, we are the clay”. It is God who works in us to form us according to His purposes and for His glory. Thus, when we need to be open when we come to Him as livings sacrifices and let Him change us or change our plans according to His perfect wisdom. At times, this can be challenging for us. Our pride and ego gets in the way, and we may be offended when our hard work is changed into something else. However, in the end, if we trust God, we will understand that all things work out according to His perfect purposes.

I was once led to write an article which I felt would be an excellent testimony to place in a Christian Magazine. I was disappointed when it was deemed not suitable. However, the article turned out to be very useful for a friend later who had prayed about it. It is our role to serve, to give according to how God leads us. It is for God to use our service when He sees fit.

Application: Pray and ask God to show us any area He has inspired us to serve in. Go forth and serve Him faithfully and humbly, leaving it to God to use when and where He sees fit.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when pride and anger blinded me when I felt my service, my offering was in vain. Help me have a humble heart, that serves You faithfully, and trusting You to use the service I give You as You know best. You alone are wise above all the earth, O Lord. May Your name be glorified always. In Jesus name, Amen

Purify the altar

Purify the altar

Scripture: You are to take some of its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar and on the four corners of the upper ledge and all around the rim, and so purify the altar and make atonement for it. Ezekiel 43:20

Observation: In the Old Testament, and even in Ezekiel’s temple, there is the important process of purification. Today, purification is no longer by the blood of sheep and goats, but only by the blood of Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13-14 explains this:- while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. The purpose of the Lord purifying us is for us to belong to Him and to be eager to do what is good.

We also note that from other parts of Scripture, purification also has an active element on our part. We have to apply the purification made possible for us by the blood of Jesus to our lives in faith and obedience.

2 Corinthians 7:1 says “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” Part of purification is making sure we do not dwell or indulge ourselves in unholy things. We cannot be pure and continue to indulge in sexual immorality, pornography, greed, corruption, drunkenness, violence and other vices.

James 4:8 says “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Many movies and TV shows today glorify the occult, immorality, violence. To be pure, we need to be careful what we watch and how much we watch. The mind is the battlefield. If our minds are set on earthly things, our hearts cannot be pure. We need to purify our minds, and be single-minded in our focus on God.

1 Peter 1:22 says “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart” and 1 John 1:7 says “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” Purification means to obey the truth, to walk in the light, to have fellowship with other believers in love.

And finally, no matter how far we have fallen, if we come back to God, there is always hope in His forgiveness and He will make us pure. As 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. As John 3:3 says “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure”, ultimately all who truly believe and hope in Jesus for salvation will be made pure just as Jesus is pure.

Application: Praise Jesus for purifying us by His precious blood. Pray and desire that God will help us fulfill our destiny to be His people and eager to do what is right and good. Review our lives often to see if we are letting unholy things contaminate our minds and bodies. Confess our sins to God and trust in Him to purify us of our sins. Set our hearts to walk in the light in obedience to Jesus.

Prayer: Praise You, Lord Jesus, for Your blood that purifies us and washes us clean, white as snow. Help us, dear Lord, fulfill our destiny to be part of Your people, eager to do what is right and good. Forgive my sins, O Lord, and turn my heart from evil. Help me walk in the light before You. Let my hope ever be in Your salvation. In Jesus name, Amen.

The glory of the LORD

The glory of the LORD

Scripture:- The glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east. Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. Ezekiel 43:4-5

Observation:- The first time “the glory of the Lord” was mentioned was in Exodus 16:10 when the glory of the Lord appeared to the Israelites in a cloud from the desert. The Israelites had been grumbling and feared they would starve to death, but the Lord appeared to them and later sent them quail and manna so that they would survive. In His glory, the Lord is our Provider. He provides all our needs.

Secondly, the glory of the Lord was seen on Mount Sinai where He met Moses and gave the 10 commandments. The people saw God’s glory like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. In His glory, the Lord is righteous and holy. Those who come to Him must also be righteous and holy, and we can only do so by the blood and power of the Lamb. 

Thirdly, the glory of the Lord was seen was by Moses alone in Exodus 33. Moses desired to see the glory of the Lord, to see the Lord Himself personally, and the Lord passed by Moses, covering him with His hand while He passed by. How amazing that even in His great glory, the Lord is a personal God, meeting Moses personally. We too can have a personal relationship with our Mighty, Living God!

Next, in Exodus 40, after Moses had completed the tabernacle, the glory of the Lord was seen when the cloud covered the tent of meeting and His glory filled the tabernacle. Incredibly, the glory of the Lord was with the Israelites in the tabernacle by day in a cloud and by night in a fire in the cloud in all their travels. In His glory, the Lord is our Protector. He is always with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us, blessed be His name!

Besides that, the glory of the Lord also appeared when the Israelites refused to enter the promised land because of fear and threatened to stone Moses, and again when Korah the rebel challenged Moses and Aaron. In both occasions, the Lord came to defend His servants. In His glory, the Lord is our Defender!

After that the glory of the Lord is only mentioned next when He filled the temple built by Solomon after the king prayed to Him, and the priests could no longer do their work because of the presence of the Lord. In His glory, the Lord is a God who listens to prayer!

In Ezekiel, we see the glory of the Lord mentioned several times in his visions and in this new temple. In His glory, the Lord reveals mysteries to His children.

Application: Meditate on the glory and greatness of our Lord. Praise Him for He is our Provider, our Protector, our Defender. He answers our prayers, and seeks a personal relationship with us. He is righteous and perfect in all His ways. Like Moses, pray and desire to see the glory of God for ourselves. How, His presence would change us completely!

Prayer: Lord, You are my Protector, my Provider, my Defender. You are perfect in all Your ways, may Your name be praised. Open my eyes O Lord and reveal Yourself to me that I may see You. Change me O Lord, and stir a great fire within my heart to love you and to love others. In Jesus name, Amen.

The side rooms

The side rooms

Scripture: Then he measured the wall of the temple; it was six cubits thick, and each side room around the temple was four cubits wide. The side rooms were on three levels, one above another, thirty on each level. There were ledges all around the wall of the temple to serve as supports for the side rooms, so that the supports were not inserted into the wall of the temple. The side rooms all around the temple were wider at each successive level. The structure surrounding the temple was built in ascending stages, so that the rooms widened as one went upward. A stairway went up from the lowest floor to the top floor through the middle floor. Ezekiel 41:5-7

Observation: This Scripture focuses on the side rooms in Ezekiel’s temple. There were about 90 of them, and some theologians speculate that they are to be used as storerooms. It is interesting that God’s instructions made sure that there were ledges all around the wall of the temple so that the supports were not inserted into the wall. Also, it is interesting that the rooms widened as one went upward.

Thinking of our bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit, we realize that it is also important for us to have place for Him to store His qualities in us. What are His qualities? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – the fruit of the Spirit. Against such things there is no law. Besides that, the Holy Spirit also stores in our minds wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the things of God, for He is the Spirit of Wisdom. Also, the Holy Spirit stores in us His gifts, of teaching, of healing, of ministering, of encouraging, of helping, of so many different things. He stores in each one as He sees fit.

Considering the ledges and the importance of not inserting the supports into the wall, we are reminded that Scripture is Holy and Perfect. Nothing should be added to it or taken away from it. The Word of God is the foundation, the fabric of our faith, embodied in our Lord Jesus Christ. Beware when people come and tell us of a new teaching. Like the Bereans, we are called to search the Scriptures diligently and know the Word of God so that we will not be easily shaken by false teachings.

Also, the fact that the rooms become wider as they go higher shows that the closer we go to God above, the more He is able to store His goodness, His wisdom, His blessings and purposes in us. He enlarges us as we grow in Him.

Application: Ask of the Holy Spirit who holds the keys to the treasure storehouses in Heaven. Pray that He may cultivate His fruit more and more in our lives, and teach us His wisdom, and give us His gifts that we may serve God more and more. Be alert and be as grounded in the Word as we can, so that we may not be shaken by false teachings which will abound more and more as the end draws nearer. Desire for growth and enlargement in the Lord, for He gives us more and more as we seek Him and advance in Him.

Prayer: Precious Holy Spirit, fill us with Your power, Your fruit, Your wisdom. Give us Your great gifts and give us faithfulness to use it for the extension of God’s kingdom. Protect us from evil, and guard our minds by the Word of God. Enlarge us, and help us grow in You, O Lord, as we seek You and learn from You. In Jesus name, Amen.

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.

The sacrificial rooms

The sacrificial rooms

Scripture: A room with a doorway was by the portico in each of the inner gateways, where the burnt offerings were washed. In the portico of the gateway were two tables on each side, on which the burnt offerings, sin offerings and guilt offerings were slaughtered. By the outside wall of the portico of the gateway, near the steps at the entrance of the north gateway were two tables, and on the other side of the steps were two tables. So there were four tables on one side of the gateway and four on the other—eight tables in all—on which the sacrifices were slaughtered. There were also four tables of dressed stone for the burnt offerings, each a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide and a cubit high. On them were placed the utensils for slaughtering the burnt offerings and the other sacrifices. And double-pronged hooks, each a handbreadth long, were attached to the wall all around. The tables were for the flesh of the offerings. Ezekiel 40:38-43

Observation: The next thing we see about Ezekiel’s temple is that there are sacrificial rooms where there will be sacrifices. As mentioned before, once Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, there is no longer any need for the sacrifices of bulls and lambs. These sacrifices of old were to foreshadow the coming perfect sacrifice of our Lord Himself.

As illustrated in the guilt offering, our sin was transferred to our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross so that we might be completely absolved from guilt before God. The fact that the sacrificial rooms had to be passed before entering the holy of holies show that we too cannot enter the presence of God except by the blood of the lamb that purifies us.

It is interesting that sacrificial tables were not mentioned in the description of the other temples, but here we see eight. Hence, we get the impression of multiple sacrifices being done at the same time.

Regarding sacrifices, although we do not offer the sacrifices of old, there are many important sacrifices that we can give God. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God by being holy and pleasing. Therefore, our holy lifestyle itself is a sacrifice unto God.

In Philippians 4:18, Paul described the gift sent to him from the Philippian church as a fragrant offering and sacrifice pleasing to God. Our gifts of money or goods to missions, to the poor, are also sacrifices unto God.

In Hebrews 13:15, we are called to give a sacrifice of praise to God. Our worship, our songs to God are also sacrifices unto Him. This sacred worship and praise to God is not just in a corporate church setting, but also in our private moments, as the Spirit leads us to declare praise or songs of worship to God.

Application: Thank our Lord Jesus for His great sacrifice for us that washes away our sins and enables us to come before God. Resolve to show our thankfulness and love for God by the sacrifice of a holy life, sacrifice by way of gifts to missions and the poor, and sacrifice of praise and worship to God on a daily basis, from our hearts.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I thank You and praise You for Your perfect sacrifice, for dying on the cross for my sins, that I might be saved, that I might come and be with our Father. Strengthen me O Lord and give me the desire to live life in a holy and pleasing way, as a living sacrifice. Spur my heart to give generously to bless Your work, and let Your praises and worship always be on my lips. In Jesus name, Amen.

The rooms of the priests

The rooms of the priests

Scripture: "Then he said to me, 'The north and south rooms facing the temple courtyard are the priests' rooms, where the priests who approach the Lord will eat the most holy offerings. There they will put the most holy offerings - the grain offerings, the sin offerings and the guilt offerings - for the place is holy. Once the priests enter the holy precincts, they are not to go into the outer court until they leave behind the garments in which they minister, for these are holy. They are to put on other clothes before they go near the places that are for the people. Ezekiel 42:13-14

Observation: Today’s Scripture focuses on the priests’ rooms. The temple courtyard is very near the holy of holies, where God Himself will meet with the priests and the priests’ rooms here are where they eat the most holy offerings and change into the garments in which they minister.

In 1 Peter 2:9, the apostle Peter declares “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Jesus is our great High Priest, and we too are chosen to be part of God’s royal priesthood, to serve God and be in His presence.

Looking back at the function of the priest’s rooms, we see that firstly they eat the most holy offerings there. Since Jesus came, He has done away with the sacrifices of old as it is written in Hebrews 7:27, “unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” So what does “eating the most holy offerings” mean for us today? Remember, Jesus said “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” in John 6:54. Jesus is by far the most holy of offerings. When we take the holy communion and remember Jesus, that His body broken for us and His blood shed for us, we are reaffirming our faith that the Lord’s sacrifice on the cross has set us free from our sins, and given us new life in Him. It is only by His great sacrifice, that we are able to go into the holy of holies, to be with God.  

Secondly, the priests have to take care to wear holy garments before they minister to the Lord. Spiritually, it is not physical clothes that make a person holy or unholy. In Romans 13:14, Paul says “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” When we come to God, we must always remember that we cannot come in our own righteousness, which are like filthy rags, but only by the perfect righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. We need to see ourselves wearing robes of righteousness. If we see Jesus on us, and in us, our behavior will surely change. There was once a heavy smoker who came to know the Lord and he thought to himself “If Jesus is in me and I smoke, I am making Jesus smoke”, so he quickly quit the habit.”

Application:  We need to remember two important things when we come to our holy God. Firstly, we come to God by the blood of the lamb, by the perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, we come not by our own righteousness but by the Lord’s righteousness. How precious and holy it is that we are able to come and fellowship with our mighty, living God. Let us never take it for granted.

Prayer: Lord, I will ever seek Your face. Thank You, Lord Jesus for Your great sacrifice for me, that through You, my sins have been forgiven, and I have new life. Lord, You are my righteousness alone. I desire to be in Your presence O Lord and to know You more. Be real in my life I pray, as I worship You and seek Your face. In Jesus name, Amen.

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.

Guarding the temple

Guarding the temple

Scripture:- The alcoves for the guards were one rod long and one rod wide, and the projecting walls between the alcoves were five cubits thick. Ezekiel 40:7

Observation: In the description of Ezekiel’s temple, guards are only mentioned once in that there were rooms for them. However, the lesson for us is that just as there are guards for God’s temple, we who are the temple of the Holy Spirit also need guarding.

First of all, our supreme Guard is of course our Mighty God in Heaven. In Psalms 25:20, David cries to God “Guard my life and rescue me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. In Psalm 127:1, Solomon exclaims “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Ultimately, our trust should always be in God as our ultimate Guardian from all trouble and enemies.

However, there are other areas of our lives that we too must take especial care to guard. In Psalm 141:3, David prays: Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. He understood that our words, what we say and do is especially important. James likens our tongue to an untamed beast, and we are often reminded that the tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 21:23 says Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

In the Proverbs, Solomon often writes of understanding, instruction and discretion guarding us. That’s why it is so important for us to read God’s Word, to let it immerse into our lives, for God’s wisdom will then overflow and guard us from doing wrong and bringing trouble on ourselves. Proverbs 4:23 says “Above all, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”. Our heart is deceitful beyond all cure, who can understand it? On our own strength, we are bound to run into trouble, but if we submit our hearts to the Holy Spirit, and seek to do God’s will rather than our own, we will be safe.

Another area, we must be very careful to be on guard of is greed. Jesus preached “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” in Luke 12:15. Today there are many who preach a gospel focusing a lot on abundance of possessions and money given by God, but we need to be careful that this does not become a snare. There is greed too in other areas, for fame, for entertainment, for food, for leisure that is all dangerous.

Finally, and so importantly is the importance of constant prayer and guarding our minds. Philippians 4:6-8 reads “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” The mind is often said to be the battlefield and we need to think about what we are thinking about. We need to fill our minds with prayers and thinking positive thoughts in God, to guard our hearts and mind in Christ Jesus.

Application: Look to God as our supreme Guardian in all things. Take care to guard our mouths from careless talk, to train ourselves in wisdom in God’s Word, to be very careful against greed in our lives, and to pray and guard our minds to be careful of what we are thinking about. 

Prayer: Lord, I praise You for being My Great Guardian in Heaven. In You always will I put my trust. Teach me O Lord, to guard my heart and mind and especially my tongue. Lead me away from all kinds of greed, and fill my life with Your precious Word and presence. In Jesus name, Amen.

Walls of the temple

Walls of the temple

Scripture: "I saw a wall completely surrounding the temple area. The length of the measuring rod in the man's hand was six long cubits, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth. He measured the wall; it was one measuring rod thick and one rod high." (Ezekiel 40:5)

Observation: The next part of Ezekiel’s temple that we focus on is the wall surrounding the temple area. It is a wall completely connected all the way round, and it is thick and high.

What are the main purposes of walls? Firstly, walls are for separation, separating the holiness of God’s temple from the common things outside. When we are in Christ, we are also separate, set apart from the things of the world. The Holy Spirit in us, a powerful conscience, is like a wall of holiness turning us away from evil, but keeping us in God’s paths. There is a Proverb which says “Like a city without walls is a person who lacks self-control (25:28) The Fruit of the Spirit – Self-control, is like a wall keeping us from sin.

Secondly, walls are for protection, for keeping out enemies. All great cities have walls. Jericho of old was a city with a great wall, but it could not stand before the Living God of Israel who was with Joshua and the Israelites. Separation and Protection come together. When we leave the ways of the world, and follow the ways of God, God becomes our Protector, our Shelter, our Refuge.

Finally, walls in Ezekiel’s temple was also used for useful and creative purposes – for decorations, for holding up the portico, for having alcoves (rooms) for the guards. When we are within the walls of safety in our Lord Jesus, it is not just to stay there and do nothing but to be useful. In God’s service there are plenty of creative things we can do to serve Him, each according to his or her own ability and imagination.

Application:  Thinking of walls, remember that we are called out to be separate and holy, from the world. Remember that God is our protector, and no one can harm us if we are in Him. Finally, remember that we are safe to be useful. So let us pray that God will inspire us to serve Him in different, creative ways, to build up the body of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You called me out to be separate and holy, set apart for You. Help me stay within the wonderful walls of Your protection as You give me Your Holy Spirit. Inspire my heart I pray, that I may serve You more and more, and find joy and creativity in pleasing you. In Jesus name, Amen. 

The porticos at the gateway

The porticos at the gateway

Scripture: "Then he measured the porch of the gate facing inward, one rod. He measured the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and its side pillars, two cubits. And the porch of the gate was faced inward." Ezekiel 40:8-10

Observation: The porches, or the porticos at the gateway of each gate of Ezekiel’s temple had three important features – it was covered, it was supported by pillars on each side, and it faced inward. Matthew Henry’s commentary suggest that this porches were built to shelter those who attended there from rain or shine.

Hence for those approaching the temple from the gateway, the shelter from the porticos remind them that God is their shelter, their refuge. In the Psalms, the Psalmists often refer to God as their great shelter, their great refuge. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty” is indeed a wonderful and favorite verse for many.

When Abraham set out to Canaan in obedience to the Lord, he was led to settle under the great trees of Mamre. The shade of the tree indeed wonderfully gives us a picture of God’s favor and protection sheltering us.

The fact that the porticos face inward remind us, that it is in continuing to look towards the Lord and hope in Him that we enjoy His favor and protection. Jesus said “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” Just as the Israelites who looked up to Moses’ serpent were saved, so too we who look up to Jesus, and continue to hope in Him will be saved.

Application: Remember and declare that God is our Great Shelter, and we hide under the shadow of His wings. Turn our faces towards Jesus as our Great Savior and hope in Him as our Great Protector and Shepherd.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your abundant grace and favor, for bringing Your wonderful shade to cover me and give me protection and rest. Let my eyes always be fixed on You, Lord Jesus, for it is only You who are My true Shepherd and Protector. In Jesus name, Amen.