Then the Spirit took me up and brought me into the inner courtyard, and the glory of the Lord filled the Temple. (Ezekiel 43:5) NLT
The following is a worship profile from the Praise and Worship Study Bible published by Tyndale House. It is a great study bible for all who want to learn more about biblical praise and worship. Let's see what we can learn from the life of Ezekiel.
Ezekiel
Ezekiel's life spanned the watershed years of Judah's history: the fall of Jerusalem and the Exile. Because of his lineage, Ezekiel was a priest for God's people, but in 597 B.C., he became a prophet as well. Ezekiel's message has two themes: judgment and restoration. The first theme was intended to dispel the exiles' mistaken expectation of a quick return to Jerusalem. The second theme, however, reassured the exiles that there would be a return someday and that Jerusalem would be rebuilt, thus giving the people hope. Ezekiel was a man of both strange visions and strange actions. Because he was dealing with a people who had grown numb to the truth, he occasionally performed exotic acts to draw attention to his messages from the Lord. In one instance, he lay on his side for over a year to illustrate his point!
Ezekiel the Worshiper
The glory of God occupies a central place in Ezekiel's prophecy. Judah's chronic pattern of sin compels God's glory to depart from the Temple (Ez. 8:6; 10:1-2). Yet the message of restoration that begins in chapter 39 reaches its climax when the Lord returns to a glorious new Temple (Ez. 43:5).
Like other prophets, Ezekiel comforts his people with the message that their suffering will be turned to joy. This joy will be realized in a splendid festival of worship in which all idols will be put aside and God's people will turn to Him once again. Thus, amidst deportation and devastation, Ezekiel was able to envision a new beginning for true worship of the Lord.
Learning from Ezekiel
Ezekiel's prophecy illustrates that the worship of God can take place anywhere. It transcends physical boundaries because God himself can be present anywhere.
Ezekiel reminds us that God's Spirit and his Word are present wherever his people come together in true worship.
Ezekiel preached a message of both judgment and hope. While we must recognize our sin, we can rest in the hope of God's forgiveness and find security in his promise of restoration.
Following the Example
Meditate on chapter 43 of Ezekiel's prophecy. Imagine witnessing the scene that the prophet saw: the glory of the Lord appearing in his Temple. Consider what it was like to hear God's comforting words spoken amidst the dazzling splendor: "I will remain here forever, living among the people of Israel" (Ez. 43:7). Then reflect on God's law for the Temple: absolute holiness (43:12). In humility, thank the Lord as you gather with other believers this week. Bless him for inviting you to share in that glory, and ask him to help you live a blameless life.