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September 10th

The bible reading today continues the prophet’s visionary trip to Jerusalem and the guided tour by Jesus of the new Temple that would house the very presence of God again...Ezekiel 42,43.

Jesus shows Ezekiel the Holy Chambers within the Temple that were for the priest’s fellowship meals with each other and with God being the host of honor.

The priests had a right to eat of certain offerings.

“Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9:13-14‬ ‭

Yes, the priests had a right to eat of the offerings. That was a part of God’s plan to take care of His priests.

Some of the chambers were used as storage for priestly garments. The Priests had “holy garments”...the ones that they wore when they were ministering to God’s people on the Temple Mount. And they had “ordinary garments” that they wore when they were off duty.

Reminds me of a passage in Isaiah. Jesus’ words about His ministry...“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring “good news” to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison doors to those who are held captive; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness for mourning, and the “garment of praise” for a heavy heart; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:1-3‬ ‭

Spiritual “garments” of praise and worship given to us by our Savior...just when we need them most...for our heavy hearts.

By the way, let’s be sure to offer Jesus, who is that garment of praise, to family and friends especially when they have heavy hearts.

Back to the priest’s chambers...Jesus, our High Priest, came not with two sets of garments. One for his holy work and one set for his ordinary work. He brought a new perspective on holy work, Jesus didn't have two kinds of work. All of his work was work done unto the Father, for the Father's honor and glory.

No wonder Paul said...“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!"

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:31‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In Christ, all of our work, all of our daily living is “holy”, dedicated unto the Lord. Thanks for clearing that up Paul.

One more thought from today’s reading...“As the “glory of the Lord” entered the temple by the gate facing east, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭43:4-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Without the glory of God, the Temple was no more than a building. But with the glory of the Lord, it was a habitation for God and the radiance of His powerful presence...”the shekinah”.

The cloud that stood by Israel in the wilderness. The cloud from which God spoke to Moses mt. Sinai. The cloud that stood at the door of the Tabernacle. The cloud of glory that overshadowed Mary when she conceived Jesus. The cloud that was present at the transfiguration of Jesus. The cloud that received Jesus into heaven. The Shekinah cloud of glory that will accompany Jesus when He returns to earth. The cloud of the Spirit’s continuous presence in the lives of all who believe Jesus.

Have a great day