S) "9 But when the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, he who enters by way of the north gate to worship shall go out by way of the south gate. And he who enters by way of the south gate shall go out by way of the north gate. No one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered but shall go straight out."
Ezekiel 46:9 (NASB)
O) This is an ordinance about the assembly before the LORD in the temple. This could be a simple matter of practical order. Having people flow through the temple makes sense, keeping things moving. I mean, it would take a very long time to get thousands and thousands of people through a temple, if they were all trying to leave through the same door they entered. But, having them flow through the temple, means you can have a pretty steady procession. But, there were also two symbolic elements that came to mind when I read this verse. First, I was reminded that our Father God is more concerned about getting there, than He is about how. Whether through the north or south, the people were welcomed. Second, God wants us to leave His presence changed. This ordinance reminds us that we are supposed to be going somewhere with Him.
A) Who I was will sometimes affect who I will become. What I've done will sometimes affect what I can do. But, most importantly, regardless of my origin, and regardless of my future, I get to spend time with the LORD as long as I am in His presence. It sounds crazy to say it, but I sometimes forget that I am the temple (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). The more I dwell on that, instead of my past or my future, the more peace and joy I will have manifesting in my life.
P) Father, I want to be changed by You when I am in Your presence. I don't want to leave the same as I came. I think of that when I go to church or Life Group on Sundays, but I seldom think of it daily, as it relates to Your indwelling Holy Spirit. So, open my eyes to the truth of Your presence. Help me to realize, and appreciate, and associate that truth more consistently in my life. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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