"Suddenly!"

Scripture Passage

Ezekiel 40:38-43:27

Scripture Focus

Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory. (Ezekiel 43:2 NLT)

Observation

I studied Ezekiel long ago as part of a class led by an instructor who was far, far more of a scholar than I’ll ever be. Even then, however, he seemed an ancient man to me, soft-spoken and reserved. He would sometimes fall asleep in mid-sentence, only to awaken moments later and complete his thought. This was both remarkable and frustrating! The class met early in the day and his lectures—though filled with significant information—often became exercises in endurance.

Occasionally, however, something about the text of Ezekiel would capture the professor's affections and he would ignite our souls with his words regarding Ezekiel. For a few moments, we’d be captured by the wonder of this unique and colorful prophet and his powerful message.

It never occurred to me until today how much the book of Ezekiel and my professor had in common. Ezekiel seems, sometimes, to drone on and on with information I’m sure is vital—but certainly not invigorating! I confess—though I’m sure they’re significant measurements—I really don’t want to know every dimension of the temple mount Ezekiel has seen in his vision. I’m not beyond nodding off in mid-sentence myself!

But then—suddenly—the glory of the God of Israel appears in a vision just like the others Ezekiel has seen! The glorious God of Israel re-enters this re-visioned temple, and declares…

“This is the place of my throne and the place where I will rest my feet. I will live here forever among the people of Israel. They and their kings will not defile my holy name any longer by their adulterous worship of other gods or by honoring the relics of their kings who have died” (Ezekiel 43:7 NLT)

What a vision—what a promise—of restoration! The glory of God that departed the temple in Ezekiel chapter 10 has returned, reclaiming His throne and reclaiming His people! Wow! (I mean—can you write that strongly enough? “Wow!”)

And there’s more to come. I think the best part shows up in chapter 47. But we’re not there yet, right? So here’s a prayer for today based on Isaiah 55, and another, quoting Habakkuk:

“Oh that the glory of God—the Holy One of Israel—would endow

His people with His splendor once again!”

LORD, I have heard of your fame;
     I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day,
     in our time make them known;
     in wrath remember mercy.
                      (Habakkuk 3:2 NIV)

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