In Psalm 132, we read about David’s total commitment not to rest until he found a resting place and a dwelling for the LORD and the ark of His might – to build a temple for His worship and honor (verses 5-8). Properly, the “place and the dwelling for the LORD” should be in our hearts, and our commitment to Him should be like David’s – total – first and foremost. David was aware of God’s unconditional covenant with its irrevocable promise to “place on the royal throne one of His own descendants – for ever and ever” (verses 11-14). This is a clear prophecy and God’s total commitment to provide Israel’s coming Messiah through David’s line. This pledge included the supply of certain material blessings as well – “food; salvation; joy; a royal dynasty for David; and victory over the enemies of the Lord and of Israel (verses 15-18). “For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling – this is my resting place for ever and ever” (verse 13).
In Ezekiel 43-44, the prophet continues to share his vision about Jerusalem and the future temple. We see that God’s “radiant glory” now returns to this new temple. As the prophet Ezekiel sadly witnessed the earlier departure of the glory of God (cf., Ezekiel 10:18), the return of God’s glory to this temple must have represented a great joy for him – causing Ezekiel to “fall facedown” in worship (43:3). We read that the “Spirit lifted him up” and escorted him into the Lord’s future throne room (verses 6-7) where the glory of God will abide in the kingdom age and dwell “among the Israelites forever” (verse 7). In verses 13, ff., Ezekiel reveals to us the restoration of the altar, the sacrificial system of offerings, and the priesthood (chapter 44). Surely, the prophetic meaning of these restorations considers Israel’s return to the land after the exile, but also it represents the future memorialization of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross at Calvary, which effected final atonement for all sin. Again, we see Ezekiel “falling facedown” in worship (44:4). The chapter contains further instructions for the Levitical priests – specifically – for “the descendants of Zadok who guarded the sanctuary when Israel went astray” (verses 15, ff.). Once again, we see that God’s concern for details and for service has important implications for all of us, His children. May we ever praise Him!
In 1 Peter 2:4-25, Peter informs us that the One in Whom we trust – Jesus – is our “chosen, precious, and chief Cornerstone, rejected by the builders but acceptable to God” (verses 4-6). He is “a Rock that causes people to stumble,” but for those of us who trust Him, He is our Rock of hope and salvation; He makes us, who “were once not a people,” to become “a holy nation and God’s special possession” (verses 9-10). For this reason, Peter calls upon us to make a total commitment to “glorify God” and to “follow the example of Christ by living as examples before a pagan world” (verses 12-21). We notice that, “When they hurled insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats” (verse 23). Whenever we feel like His example may be a difficult one for us to follow, we should remember and realize that He was completely innocent of sin – bearing “our sins in His body on the tree” (verse 24). Such a reality should encourage our total commitment to Him, and it should enable us to live “as examples before a pagan world” (verse 12).
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