“As I sat in my house…, the hand of the Lord God fell upon me there (Ezekiel 8: 1).” Yes, there he sat in his house with the elders of the tribe of Judah. They were parents, business leaders and religious folks. Probably very much like us. They could have been convening and discussing the exile and speaking in general of God and His ways. Maybe they were discussing the things decreed by the king and his spokesmen. Maybe they were speaking of sports and love and family matters. One thing they knew is that they were in the house of God’s prophet.
Often in the world I revolve in, discussions come up on what is happening with the country, jobs, families, and the chaos of the day. With some of the folks, terms can be discussed in a superficial way, just a means to pass a general conversation and an awkward moment. Others the topics can become a debate with each person sharing their perspective. And then there are those you don’t discuss things with but rather listen and observe. It’s a moment like the later that I picture Ezekiel being in.
Sure, we can be in the midst of a people but not be apart of them. I know I feel like that quite often. So in the midst of the powers that be with the tribe of Judah, God shows up on Ezekiel. His presence is as fire and gleaming metal. He extends a hand and grabs the prophet by the hair and carries him to the temple (Ezekiel 8: 2-3). It is here where our story really begins.
Luke approached it this way, “that which is hidden and done in darkness, will be brought to the light (8:17).” Standing by the spirit on the north side of the Temple Ezekiel’s brought to a hole in the wall and was directed to dig, and dig he did until he found a hidden doorway (Ezekiel 8: 8). Inside the cavity were the leaders of Israel and the depravity they had done. The things that were done in the hidden recesses were being shown to Ezekiel, in the spirit, while in attendance with the elders of Judah of the exile.
“Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each in his room of pictures (Ezekiel 8: 12)?” In their own rooms each had detestable things sketched on the walls… things vile unto the Lord (v10). These were the recesses of the heart. The parts inside of a man or woman that conflicts with the Spirit and heart of God. Its these chambers that need cleansing. They have to be white washed in the blood of the Lamb (Isaiah 1: 18; John 1: 29). It is there where we find the Hope of tomorrow!
The journey that Ezekiel began that day at his house spans over the next few segments. In the eleventh chapter, we find God leaving them with a hope. In this hope they will be gathered once more in unity, removing all offenses to the King, and given a new heart! One that is clean and is tuned into God and His ways (vs 17-21).
Similarities exist even today with these stories from the scriptures. We find there is a cleansing of the halls of government, entertainment, business and homes. Some of the rooms that have existed in the dark have been brought to the light and I’m guessing more are to come. The jealousy has been exposed and the recesses of our hearts are being revealed. Although it isn’t pain-free, it will lead to a new relation with your God and my God. Let’s be sure to clean our house and be ready when we are called to help others. No condemnation. No joy. But a hope. The hope that once we go through this battle, we will build on with a sure foundation in Christ. Then we can say alongside with Paul, that Christ is our hope of glory (Colossians 1: 27)!
Godspeed, The Journeyman
Ps. Today’s moment comes from a view of sitting on my couch and journeying with the Lord. The story in Ezekiel goes from chapters 8-11. I hope you enjoy this Christmas season! God bless you and keep you! Remember, without salt it is harder to preserve and flavor can become lacking!
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