Daily Bread for Sep 13, Eze 43-45.

Today's readings are Eze 43-45. 

Eze 43:1-5 prophesies the coming of the Messiah as He enters the temple through the East Gate. Just as the glory departed from the temple in Eze 10, it will one day return when Jesus descends the Mount of Olives and enters through the same gate. Despite prophecies like this one, God’s people will not recognize Him for who He is. Christ will pause and weep over the city for missing the time of His visitation (Luke 19:44).

Eze 43:10-12 gives us the reason God's plans for the tabernacle and temple are so detailed. They reflect the perfection and holiness of God and His sovereign authority over all things in creation down to the most minute detail. His people are to "measure" His word and commandments, write down His design and His laws and carry them out. Their obedience in building His temple will teach them discipline in following His statutes. 

The rest of Eze 43-45 deals with how the rebuilt temple will function until the time of that visitation mentioned n Luke 19. Significantly, the sacrifices, feasts and rituals will be reintroduced as will the priesthood and the Levitical duties. This will all occur during Nehemiah's time after King Cyrus of Persia allows some of the Jews to return to Jerusalem. They will be the prophesied remnant. Their job will be to re-institute the practices of Judaism in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.

Eze 45 tells us the holy area around the temple will be greatly expanded. This is prophetic in that it symbolizes the larger geographical influence of the people of God as the Messiah brings His message of redemption for all nations. Once again, the Jews will not fully understand all of this in Ezekiel's time. It is to their credit that they were faithful to do all God told them to do.

All of it, every detail, is part of God's plan to redeem His people and spread His gospel to the entire world.