Today you should read: Ezekiel 44
God is continuing to lay out His plans for the new temple. Today, as we read, I am blown away with the holiness of God. I know we talk about the holiness of God a lot. We think we understand it. We think we have grasped it. We know it’s a big deal, but I don’t think we know how big of a deal it really is. It defines WHO GOD IS. It is the one word that can encapsulate Him: Holy.
As I studied this text this is what kept coming to my mind: We can not come close to comprehending the holiness of God. It is so far above. It is more than “good” and “right”. His holiness is not falling in line; it is defining the very meaning of the word itself.
We see two aspects of God’s holiness today when it comes to the temple…
1) Shut The Gate (v. 1-3)
We are not even worthy of walking through the same gate as God has. He is transcendent. He is far above. He commanded Ezekiel to shut the gate that he walked through BECAUSE God had entered through it (v.2-3). God was trying to send a message. He was saying He wasn’t just “kind of” God, “kind of” holy… but He was Yahweh.
2) High Standards For Leaders (v.15-31)
God had HIGH STANDARDS for His priests: those who would represent Him to the people. When we read this list, it can seem like too much; like it is impossible. But we have to remember… this was never about PROVING our goodness but SHOWING God’s holiness. God cannot compromise on standards or He would not be holy. God also has HIGH standards for us.
Looking at God’s holiness is where I am thankful for Jesus. Hebrews 4:14-16 says…
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
God made a way, in His holiness and love, in Jesus. Where we used to not be able to follow Him through the same gate… Now we can approach His throne. Jesus fulfilled the standards for us… not so we can do whatever we want but so that we can fully serve and love Him.
God’s holiness has not changed… but He has provided a way. He did this so that in Christ we can have the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
How are you thankful for the love & grace of God today in your life? Make a list of 5 ways you are thankful.
By: Nick Parsons — Pastoral Ministry Associate – College
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Such a good message today, Nick. I especially liked the part about “never about PROVING our goodness but SHOWING God’s holiness.” I am so in awe and more than grateful for the grace God provided us through Jesus, and the guidance He left us through His Holy Spirit and His Word. How very blessed are those who receive His gifts.