In God's Word by Mike Mills, Mar. 8th

March 8, 2016 - When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, God gave him instructions for building the first temple, the first "house of God" on earth. This tabernacle had a specific size, a specific shape, and had to be erected in a specific direction on the compass.

God's glory came down and filled this temple both by day and by night as He dwelt in it while He journeyed with the Israelites.

The 2nd temple or "House of God" was the temple erected by Solomon in Jerusalem, it too followed closely along the lines of the original temple. God's glory also filled it when it was completed and, only the high priest could enter into the inner sanctuary and then only one day per year after much preparation.

Ezekiel was to be a priest of Israel but he was one of the Hebrews that was carried away into captivity in Babylon during the second raid on Israel and before the final raid when Judah itself was taken into captivity for 70 years. Three raids; first, Daniel is taken, second, Ezekiel is taken, third, Jeremiah is left with the remnant, the old and sickly.

The temple in today's text is the third, although the temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt, it is still just the second temple of God. This third temple was shown to Ezekiel, during the time of his Babylonian captivity and is actually a vision of the millennial temple of Christ. The same temple of Christ described in the book of Revelation, the temple where all believers will spend the millennial reign of Christ after the Tribulation.

In the vision, the glory of God entered the temple through the eastern gate, the same as Ezekiel and from there the Holy Spirit took him into the inner court to see the glory of God which was filling the house.

As you read (Ezekiel 43:1-9) you too will see as God shows Ezekiel inside the temple and tells him of all the things which will be.

The voice of God telling him that no more shall the people defile His name with abominations. No more shall they build walls between themselves and God. All that are unrighteous will be put away and all believers will live in God's House forever.

As the gospel of God spread from the east, to the west, to the entire world, this vision heralds the time when the knowledge of the Lord will completely cover the earth.

As Peter, James and John saw Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration in all of His glory, so to will all people see Him one day as He returns to earth in great power and glory.

On that day every head shall bow and every knee shall bend in reverence to the Lord.

You are always welcome to join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM for our Bible study at Spring Hill Baptist Church.

May God bless You and keep you and make His face to shine upon you each day...