Links for today’s readings:
Read: Ezekiel 42 Listen: (3:12)
Read: 1 Peter 5 Listen: (2:11)
Scripture Focus: Ezekiel 42.15-20
15 When he had finished measuring what was inside the temple area, he led me out by the east gate and measured the area all around: 16 He measured the east side with the measuring rod; it was five hundred cubits., 17 He measured the north side; it was five hundred cubits by the measuring rod. 18 He measured the south side; it was five hundred cubits by the measuring rod. 19 Then he turned to the west side and measured; it was five hundred cubits by the measuring rod. 20 So he measured the area on all four sides. It had a wall around it, five hundred cubits long and five hundred cubits wide, to separate the holy from the common.
Reflection: Temples—Gardens of Grace
By John Tillman
Temples separate the holy from the common but also connect the common to the holy.
Every religion builds temples. Temples are earthly spaces with heavenly aspirations where humans reach for something beyond ourselves.
The tabernacle and the temple in Jerusalem that followed it were unique. In these places, God reached out to humans. God designed these spaces as symbols of the garden of Eden where humans walked with God in perfect harmony, hope, and holiness.
The temple was a daily reminder of God’s presence and promises. It symbolized God’s presence in Jerusalem like the sound of God walking in the garden. (Genesis 3.8)
Adam was cast out of the garden for his sin. A flaming sword barred the garden’s gate. (Genesis 3.24) Yet, at the temple, God threw the gate open. Through ceremonies, rituals, and offerings, the unclean could become holy. (Isaiah 6.5-7) God invited sinners to come out of the wilderness, out of hiding, and pass through the flames to walk with him again.
Ezekiel and the exiles were, for the first time in their lives, living without the temple. The gate was again closed and they were cast out for their sin. They had no assurance of God’s presence or of connection to him. They could observe no ceremonies, perform no rituals, nor make any offerings.
An earlier vision showed Ezekiel the corruption that defiled the temple. But now, God showed Ezekiel a different temple. Its measurements and description match none of the temples built in Jerusalem. Architectural descriptions of a temple may not seem exciting or inspiring. But remember who this vision was for and why it was compelling and sustaining for them.
It is a temple for those with no temple—a garden of grace for those with no Eden. A home for the homeless. This vision is not just for Ezekiel’s exiles in Babylon, it is for us, exiles in America, Mexico, China, Australia, Ukraine, or anywhere else in the world.
Believers are Christ’s temple—his garden of grace. Christ completed the ceremonies, rituals, and offerings on the cross. Now, this temple touches our world through believers. Like the tabernacle, it travels with you. You enter it whenever you pray. You open its gates to the lost when you share the gospel. You establish its righteousness and justice when you work and serve others.
Let those around you hear, see, and feel the effects of this temple emanating from your heart.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons
“Because the needy are oppressed, and the poor cry out in misery, I will rise up,” says the Lord, “And give them the help they long for.” — Psalm 12.5
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more about A Temple for Exiles
God is measuring out a temple of living stones upon the chief cornerstone of Christ. May zeal for this living temple, exceed our zeal for earthly kingdoms.
Read more about From The Most Holy Place
The same Spirit that makes the most holy place holy has been sent to “tabernacle” within us.
