Ezekiel 43:1-5 – With God, life is a thrilling experience

Ezekiel 43:1-5 must be a déjà vu moment for the prophet. For years earlier he saw the same glory of the Lord leaving the temple before the destruction of the temple, the city, and the inhabitants. This time what his eyes beheld was very different. He saw the glory of the God of Israel coming into the temple.  

The voice He heard was like the sound of many waters, and the whole earth shone with His glory.  As he caught sight of the returning glory, he fell on his face. As the glory of the Lord entered the temple via the gate facing the east, Ezekiel was lifted by the Spirit of God and brought into the inner court. There he beheld the glory of the Lord filling the house.  

It must have been an exhilarating moment for him. Ezekiel describes three unforgettable features of the revelation he was given. Firstly, he heard the voice of God. It was like the sound of many waters. The voice of God today is found in the written word. If we are to have a victorious walk with God, we need to hear the voice of God. He still speaks as clearly and loudly if we care to pay attention.  

Secondly, he beheld the glory of God’s presence of God. It must have been a stupendous sight. We all yearn for the presence of God. A spiritual journey without His presence will be aimless, meaningless, and unfulfilling. Like Moses, one of our daily prayers should be, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here (Exodus 33:15).  

Thirdly, he had a great encounter where he fell on his face. It must have been an awe-filled moment. Moses and Joshua were told to take off their sandal for they were standing on holy ground. Isaiah saw himself as he truly was in his encounter with God’s presence. His words were: “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; And my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5). When John encountered the presence of God, “he fell at His feet like a dead man” (Revelation 1:17). It is undeniable that every person who had encountered the Lord’s presence cannot remain unaffected.

Fourthly, Ezekiel was assisted by the Spirit of God. Like what the Spirit did for him. He wants to lift us up, lead us, and guide us. He is alongside us in our journey. Living a Spirit-led, directed, and guided life is not only possible but also much-needed.