SOAP 09/17/2014; Ezekiel 43:10-12

Today's reading: Ezekiel 42, 43, 44; Revelation 22

 S) "¹⁰ As for you, son of man, describe the temple to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the plan. ¹¹ If they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the design of the house, its structure, its exits, its entrances, all its designs, all its statutes, and all its laws. And write it in their sight, so that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and do them.¹² This is the law of the house: its entire area on the top of the mountain all around shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house."

Ezekiel 43:10-12 (NASB)

O) After reading through roughly three chapters, detailing the measurements and designs of this temple, can bring to mind questions of purpose. And then, coming to this passage, we see that there is a spiritual purpose, in addition to the practical purpose. This plan for the temple is holy and pure, and after reading its description in the preceding chapters, its holiness is almost tangible. The effect of that confrontation of holiness, is our contrasting unrighteousness becomes undeniable. So, in a sense, the description of this temple becomes a sort of separating test. Those who are convicted by it's holiness, will in turn repent, and then choose to observe its whole design and its statutes, to keep it holy.

A) Everything throughout the Bible, really reveals God's nature. After all, the Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh, so reading anything from the Bible is an encounter with the LORD. This is what makes Hebrews 4:12 so true. But, the chapters like the ones preceding this, still have the effect described in the above passage. Reading descriptions of something so holy, so perfect, reminds me that I am still so far away from being perfect. It is humbling, and I bring myself back to the cross in humble repentance, with a contrite heart, and I ask my Father God to continue His work in me.

P) Father, the depths of Your holiness and perfect are immeasurable. As I read Your holy words, and I am convicted and reminded of my own imperfection, my sin, it reminds me how tremendously blessed I am. Your graces are innumerable, and Your mercies are unending. Please continue to perfect me, by the Holy Spirit within me, until the day of completion. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.