Deep Breath.
I welcomed myself to a couple of deep breaths, and opened the bible to Ezekiel 43, the first chapter of today's reading. Three straight chapters of dimensions can do that- cause one to breathe deeply. And then reflect further still on the giver of that breath.
I recall "breath" again, just a few chapters back- chapter 37- where thousands of dry bones in a valley responded to the breath of God.
I too, with my bible open to the last few chapters of Ezekiel, respond, and breathe.
With an inhale and only a few verses in, I see these words: "And the glory of the Lord came..." ( Ezekiel 43:4)
Then a breathy "Wow" , as I realize, that all of the specific building instructions - the cubits and the hand breadths, the windows and the columns, the gateways and the walkways - comes to this: the entrance of God's glory.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 says "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, whose temple you are."
When God's specifications are followed, we say, God this, my body, is your house. I will be holy, meaning separated from ( some thing), and dedicated to ( something else).
God is serious about this separation and dedication aspect of Holiness. In chapter 48, Ezekiel's last chapter, God lays out the division of the land. And in verse 35 the city , now divided is named The Lord is there.
Wouldn't it be grand, for us to been seen, and it be said of us, the divided dwelling place of God, that " The Lord is There"?
Jesus, we want to be more like you. We want tobe separated from this world and dedicated to you as your temple. We want it to be said of us, that the Lord is here, and our lights will shine before men, for the purpose of your glory. For you, we will walk as a chosen generation, a holy nation, peculiar- to show forth your praises, and point others who are seeking more to life, in your direction. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
I welcomed myself to a couple of deep breaths, and opened the bible to Ezekiel 43, the first chapter of today's reading. Three straight chapters of dimensions can do that- cause one to breathe deeply. And then reflect further still on the giver of that breath.
I recall "breath" again, just a few chapters back- chapter 37- where thousands of dry bones in a valley responded to the breath of God.
I too, with my bible open to the last few chapters of Ezekiel, respond, and breathe.
With an inhale and only a few verses in, I see these words: "And the glory of the Lord came..." ( Ezekiel 43:4)
Then a breathy "Wow" , as I realize, that all of the specific building instructions - the cubits and the hand breadths, the windows and the columns, the gateways and the walkways - comes to this: the entrance of God's glory.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 says "Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, whose temple you are."
When God's specifications are followed, we say, God this, my body, is your house. I will be holy, meaning separated from ( some thing), and dedicated to ( something else).
God is serious about this separation and dedication aspect of Holiness. In chapter 48, Ezekiel's last chapter, God lays out the division of the land. And in verse 35 the city , now divided is named The Lord is there.
Wouldn't it be grand, for us to been seen, and it be said of us, the divided dwelling place of God, that " The Lord is There"?
Jesus, we want to be more like you. We want tobe separated from this world and dedicated to you as your temple. We want it to be said of us, that the Lord is here, and our lights will shine before men, for the purpose of your glory. For you, we will walk as a chosen generation, a holy nation, peculiar- to show forth your praises, and point others who are seeking more to life, in your direction. In your holy name we pray. Amen.
Comments