Continuing with the tour of the Temple, Ezekiel was brought to view two areas. One where the holy offerings to God were prepared. Another was where the sacrificial meal for the common people after the worship was prepared. This suggest to us that incorporated into worship was fellowship.
In chapter 46 and verses 16-20, the Prophet Ezekiel was brought by the sides of the gate into the chamber within the enclosure of the inner court. He was brought to the place where the priests would prepare the holy offerings. This was where offerings to GOd , both the guilt and sin offering, would be boiled and the grain baked. The purpose was to keep the holy things for God separated from the people.
In verses 21-24, Ezekiel was brought to the outer court. At each of the four
corners of the outer court was one smaller court. These were the places for cooking the portions
of the sacrifices meant for the common people. These places seem to be were where the fellowship meal was prepared.
Worship is a gathering of God's community to honor Him. It must include
time for fellowship between worshippers. This was practised in the early
church. Acts 2:42 tells us that the early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
As believers, we set aside time to worship God, but
we must not neglect fellowship with others. This is God’s plan for our spiritual
growth. We grow in community for no one can grow effectively in isolation.
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