THE FOREVER TEMPLE
Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 44-45
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
Rev. Rick Hiebert teaches how the High Priest would apply blood (he’s not using real blood) to the horns of the altar in a full-sized replica of the Tabernacle of Moses. This has been on display behind the Crossroads Centre in Burlington for two entire summers, 1997 and 2012. Moses, and in today’s reading, Ezekiel, both spell out carefully, and in great detail, the importance of approaching God correctly with great reverence.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: Ezekiel 44:4-5
Also He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; so I looked, and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord; and I fell on my face. And the Lord said to me, “Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes and hear with your ears, all that I say to you concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord and all its laws. Mark well who may enter the house and all who go out from the sanctuary…”
Jesus Christ (Messiah) replaced all the symbolism of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, with ultimate reality. The essential message of the entire book of Hebrews teaches us this eternal truth (read Hebrews 9:11-28). The last Jerusalem Temple was destroyed just 40 years after Jesus entered the Holy of Holies in Heaven with His own blood, the final Sacrifice for sin. The modern state of Israel has been a reality for almost 70 years now and there has been no attempt by the government or by the chief religious leaders to rebuild the Temple. Some fringe groups are trying to move Israel in that direction, but they have no authority to do so. Approximately 40 years after Ezekiel wrote the final words of his book, Ezra, under the authority of the Persian emperor, would follow the instructions given by God to Moses, David, Solomon, and Ezekiel, and rebuild a Temple, which, during the first century B.C., Herod would restore, enlarge, and beautify. This was the Temple in the time of Jesus. Jewish believers in Jesus would worship in this Temple, observing their Jewish feasts and customs up until its destruction by the Romans.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I thank You for Jesus, my High Priest, who brought His own blood, which He shed on the Cross, before You as the final Sacrifice for my sin. Oh sacrificial Lamb of God, my Saviour, I worship in that forever Tabernacle/Temple in Your Presence right now! I pray that I will, by Your grace, remain faithful, remaining in Your Presence with an attitude of repentance and worship 24/7. I pray in the Name of the One Who is “able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I’m singing (under my breath as people are still sleeping) the magnificent worship hymn, “I will praise Him. Praise the Lamb for sinners slain. Give Him glory all you people, for His blood has washed away each stain” (click here for a rendition). I’m worshipping in God’s “FOREVER” Temple!
I have a suggestion for younger people. Buy Grandma and Grandpa a laptop computer and teach them, if they don’t already know how, to use it. My daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Bruce Stacey, got me started with a gift of my first laptop. And Grandma and Grandpa, why not buy, if you are able, one of these ultra fast, easy to carry, laptops and present it to a grandchild, providing they promise to access regularly God’s Holy Scriptures. Have them turn on the computer and show you how they can find the Bible online. You could ask them to access 100words.ca, and there, by clicking the spot at the top of this page, they can hear the reading of the Scriptures by an excellent reader. The day after tomorrow we’ll be in 2 Peter, and then into the book of Daniel. With just 10 minutes a day, a person can start at any time and complete God’s Word to His human family in 24 months with the encouragement of this blog!!!
Yours for actually reading, or hearing, all that God has to tell us in His written Word!
David
Oh Lord God, we would fall on our faces seeing even the shimmer of Your glory. The day when each of us saints returns to heaven to meet You face to face will be glorious, indeed. There are no words to express the joy that brings us and the love we feel for You–Jesus. Stay safe and well today, fellow saints in the Lord. Do not let your hearts be troubled or worried for your loved ones. Trust in Him and Him, alone. Amen.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10 ESV
Favorite Old Hymns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FnmnpUAFhI
Amen
Blessings to everyone, have been off the grid, no reason, just needed to restock….
Praise and thank the Lord for all who post on this prayer site;
praying for right person to rent the back room; have some people who know the situation and they are also praying about this room;
the person needs to be working, eats meals out; works afternoon shifts; non smoker./no booze; likes swimming, good physical exercise; a responsible person, who loves the Lord, would prefer a male, so, the Lord knows the room and me, I pray He will send me the right person,
God bless all……..amen amen amen
Thanks for the great music Beverlee. Enjoying all the old hymns. I was one of the tour guides for the first replica out at the back of the Crossroads Centre. It was a great experience & I met many wonderful people who attended. Lovely sunny day here in southern Ontario. A great day to watch services on TV as my church & others are closed do to Coronavirus.
Have Your way, Lord, throughout all this world. Please strengthen Your people, and may each one represent You well, we ask in Jesus’s great name, amen
Amen Rob! Thank you for your prayer.
Amen!
Amen
Praise God! “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”(Psalm 118:24). My former Pastor and his wife of 24 years was into to see my brother today before me and led him in a prayer so I am rejoicing. Thanks you saints for your prayers and words of encouragement. Amen!
Amen Ger, God is merciful, praise His holy name His timing is always perfect. Glad you were also able to get in to see your brother today.
Keep safe everyone. ❤️ Eleanor M.
Agreeing with Doreen. So happy to hear this news, Ger. That you were in to see your brother and that he was led to Jesus by your old Pastor. Praise God! Your prayers were answered and you need not worry now. Amen!
Thanks Eleanor M. and Beverlee for your scripture posted and old hymns. I posted that link on my fb. Is a wonderful day and all your prayers helped to prepare the heart of my brother for prayer although he was good and quiet man.
Amen Beverlee. Praise God!
Prayers for Rev. Fortier that he came through his surgery successfully and for his dear wife that has peace and strength through it all in Jesus Name. Amen.
Happy to hear the good news about your brother, Ger! What a wonderful God we serve! So loving and faithful!
Praying for you, Doreen and your sister. These are challenging times but we are encouraged in the knowledge that God remains constant and He is on our side. Our helper, defender, deliverer…well, He’s everything we need.
Praying also for your Minister, William Marshall, Rev. Fortier
For the first time in my life, I was unable to go to church because the doors are closed. It’s a sad situation, however, we can worship anywhere for we are the Temple of God. He dwells in us. Hallelujah! I am very thankful for the technology that allows us to watch church services at home via television and the internet.
God bless you all! Stay safe and keep up the prayers. Let us join with our neighbours to the south as President Trump has declared today a National Day of Prayer for the Corona virus.
this is so good: https://miraclechannel.ca/live
I have enjoyed former comments and look forward to future ones as well.
Thank you Luisa. God bless you! And for your link Beverlee. You are right about my brother and his salvation.