ODJ: bright future

January 19, 2016 

READ: Ezekiel 43:1-9 

The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory (v.2).

I can sometimes be found practicing worship music in our church sanctuary. It’s a completely different vibe with empty pews on a Thursday night versus a full house on a Sunday morning! In a way, some of God’s glory is missing when I’m alone in the sanctuary. For the glory of God is found within each believer in Jesus.

Ezekiel wrote of a day when God’s glory would leave the temple in Jerusalem due to its defilement (Ezekiel 10:18-19). And at that time, many of the people of Judah would have already been exiled by the Babylonians. The good news was that God’s glory would dwell with them in Babylon (1:1-3, 3:23).

When Jesus came, God’s glory came with Him. John wrote, “The Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:14). The tabernacle and temple were the places where God once dwelled among His people (Exodus 40:34-38). Jesus brought God’s glory to us in a new and life-giving way (Hebrews 10:20).

Upon receiving salvation, we’re indwelt by the Holy Spirit who allows us to “see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Now, turning our eyes back to Ezekiel, we read of his vision that pointed to the time when God’s glory would once again return and fill the temple (43:4-5). He also wrote that God would live among His people “forever” (v.9).

Today and forever, you and I are filled with God’s glory, for we’re temples of His Holy Spirit. Today, see how you can reflect His glory, even as you look toward a glorious future made possible by Jesus!

—Tom Felten

365-day-plan: Genesis 29:14-30