Can you picture what Ezekiel describes? It’s hard to because none of us have seen the temple built by Solomon. It no longer exists.
The people in exile in Babylon, where Ezekiel wrote this prophecy, might have seen it. If they didn’t they probably heard about it from their elders. It was where God dwelled in the Holy of Holies, behind a thick curtain. No one except the high priest was allowed behind this veil, but the people believed somehow, someway God dwelled there amongst them. Then it was destroyed. Ezekiel’s description of God’s future return to a newly restored temple gave the exiled people hope.
Today, the Holy Spirit dwells within the believer and we are the temple (I Corinthians 6:19-20). We carry God with us wherever we go. That seems fairly daunting to me. When people see me, do they get a glimpse of God’s love?
To be honest, most of the time I don’t feel full of the radiance of the glory of the Lord. I feel inadequate, bumbling, and way too human. But like the ancient Hebrews, I believe God does exist “behind the curtain”. Even during those times I cannot detect him, God still dwells with and in me. The more I choose to empty myself, the more he can fill me with his loving nature.
How about you? Has God filled your temple? He wants to, you know. Whisk open the curtain and let him in.
Father God, help me to empty myself of all the things that do not honor you. Empty me of any hurt, anger, jealousies, and negative thoughts. Then fill me instead with your Spirit so others can witness you in my life. Through your Son, my Savior, I pray this. Amen.
Go Deeper — Take an empty drinking glass and breathe into it. See how your breath fills it and clouds it? Now fill it about three-thirds full of water and breathe again. Note the difference. Let it demonstrate how we need to empty ourselves so God can fill our temple.
Photo Credit: Debby Hudson