I left my usual Bible reading in Ephesians this morning and just read where I opened up to in Ezekiel 8 to 10. Imagine the tragedy of watching the Lord leave His temple, His chosen people and land. How heartbreaking. I can see the glory that Isaiah saw filling the temple step to the threshold as He orders destruction on those who have defiled His land, then out to the courtyard, then Exekiel watches Him go up surrounded by His cherubim. The God who chose them, led them out of Egypt, saved them and gave them a land, made them a people. What heartbreak it must have been for God, not just Ezekiel watching. He almost seems to be hesitating, looking back in grief as He takes each step away.
It got me thinking about the Jews who desire today to rebuild the temple and start the sacrifices again. The instructions for each temple part, priest garment, ritual, are laid out in the Torah. But it's very difficult to interpret the exact meaning of some of them. And when obeying the Law you must be exact.
Think of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6 who accidently touched the ark of the covenant to keep it from falling over. And he died just because God had commanded that no one but the priests was to touch the ark. God's law must be obeyed perfectly or there are major consequences to deal with.
How must those who are preparing for a new temple agonize over some decisions, knowing the God's favor depends upon being exactly right?
I praise and thank God that we are not under the law. That no one can bring a charge against God's chosen. What a relief to know that a simple mistake or an unthinking moment doesn't lead to a my death or a new sacrifice of an innocent animal. The sacrifice has already been made, once and for all.
To the praise of the glory of His grace!
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3 comments:
Really like the look of this site, and good first entry. It's sorta theraputic to keep a journal online. I'm not sure if I will be checking it from China, though.
I appreciate you posting your thoughts about our lovely Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory of His people until Hab. 2:14 when the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will be over the whole earth, as the waters cover the sea. But in the meantime, let His glory be known through us - His people. Keep up the postings as I enjoy reading about my the Lord of glory.
Thanks for your comments. I hope all I post on here can be as much to His glory, even if it doesn't mention His name. (Think Esther.)
Yeah, I can see how you might not want to check it from China. I'll try to send you the ones that are safe. Or send with editing!
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