Day 253 – Ezekiel 43-45

Talking Points

• These chapters are prophetic in nature and appear to be describing events during the millennial reign of Christ as described in the New Testament. After a very detailed description of the millennial temple, God’s glory fills the temple, and He promises to dwell with His people forevermore.
• There is a careful description of an altar, the offering of sacrifices, and the duties of the priests. At first glance, this can seem to be in conflict with the clear teaching in the New Testament that Jesus is the final and full Sacrifice for sin. However, the sacrifices offered during this time will actually be memorial in nature, much like the Lord’s Supper observed in the church today. They will exist to point to Jesus and honor Him as the Lamb of God, the Sacrifice for sinners.
• While the exact identity of the prince mentioned in these chapters is speculated upon, we know he is not the Messiah. He has sinned and carries out an offering to sanctify himself. He is also found worshipping the Messiah. He serves as the overseer of Jerusalem, some sort of national leader.
• It is important to remember the Jewish context that Ezekiel’s audience would have understood, enabling them to discern this prophetic message. The cultural, historical, and traditional perspective of the Jewish people is essential.

Thoughts

Amidst God’s instructions to Ezekiel and His description of the temple and its being filled by His presence, God tells Ezekiel this: “…describe the temple to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the plan” (Ezekiel 43:10).

God knew that, in the careful consideration of the holiness of His temple, the glory of His presence, and the gravity of the sacrifices for sin, people would come face-to-face with their sin. His desire for them — for all people — is that, when confronted with their sinfulness and God’s holiness, they would exhibit shame and turn from sin to follow God.

Today, may we stay in careful consideration of the holiness and glory of God. May we remember the full and final Sacrifice for sin. May we measure God’s perfect plan. And, then, may we rejoice in a deep desire to faithfully follow God.