The return of glory: rediscovering God’s presence
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He led me to the gate, the one that faces east, and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice sounded like the roar of a huge torrent, and the earth shone with his glory. The vision I saw was like the one I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and like the ones I had seen by the Chebar Canal. I fell facedown. The glory of the Lord entered the temple by way of the gate that faced east. Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the inner court, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. —Ezekiel 43:1-5
This story ends in glory.
Consider what the Book of Ezekiel has shown us. God's justice would not allow his chosen people who were given the assignment of blessing the whole world to turn the blessings upon themselves, selfishly grasping for everything they could get and sorting through the assortment of false gods to make them feel good about themselves. God warned them, and warned them, and warned them again. Then he brought the judgment he had spelled out when they entered the land of promise centuries before.
- People forget; God does not.
- People are fickle; God is not.
- People like gods who make them feel powerful and beautiful; God is all-powerful and glorious.
- People like to be seen for who they imagine themselves to be. God wants to be known for who he is.
- People enter the room with an expectation of attention; God enters the room with glory that drives everyone facedown.
This story ends in glory, but not mine, and not yours. God alone is glorious. He doesn't require surgery to appear so. He doesn't need a diet to drop a few. He doesn't need an exercise plan to firm up what is beginning to sag and drag. He doesn't require hearing aids, glasses, or contacts. He does not luxuriate in beauty sleep.
God is glorious. Seeing him for who he is changes everything. Ask Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Peter. They never got over their unfiltered experience of glory.
It's interesting, isn't it, how completely we forget all about ourselves when we encounter God. Every instinct drives us down to our knees and onto our faces. One of the healthiest steps we can take is to forget about ourselves and focus completely on our Creator, Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.
Prayer:Our Father, I humbly bow before you now. You are glorious. You are most holy. You are pure love and perfect peace. You are amazing grace and enduring truth. You save, deliver, and heal. You wash us clean and fit us for service. You empower us to help others see you for who you are. Hallowed be your name. Amen.
 | David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More » |
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