THE GLORY

THE GLORY

There is an interesting story to be gleaned from the book of Ezekiel, if we take the time to search it out. It concerns the Glory of God, which was, at times visible to the eyes of men, as we read in Exodus 24:17-And the sight of the glory of the LORD [was] like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

God used this visible "Glory" to keep the children of Israel in line while in the wilderness. It "scared the daylights" out of them when it appeared at the door of the Tabernacle. Twice in two days, it stopped them from lynching Moses and his family.

Num 14:10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Num 16:19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation.

Num 16:42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.

It also served as a protection for them in the wilderness, in the form of a cloud by day, from the blistering sun, and a pillar of fire by night, from the cold, and other enemies.

It appeared at the dedication of Solomon's Temple as a thick cloud like smoke, stopping the priests from going in to perform their duties. It was perceived as a blessing and an approval from God. Ezekiel's story follows this theme through his prophecy. Let' follow it through its journey. We start at the river Chebar.

Ezekiel 3:15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

Next stop is on the plain.

Ezekiel 3:23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.

All aboard for Jerusalem, where we see some strange sights. Jerusalem is a picture of the Church today.

Ezekiel 8:3 And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north; where [was] the seat of the image of jealousy, which provoketh to jealousy. ((ContemporaryEnglishVersion) where there was an idol that disgusted the LORD and made him furious.)
And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel [was] there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.

Ezekiel 8:6 He said furthermore unto me, Son of man, seest thou what they do? [even] the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth here, THAT I SHOULD GO FAR OFF FROM MY SANCTUARY? but turn thee yet again, [and] thou shalt see greater abominations.

Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. [and stood] over the threshold of the house; Ezekiel 10:18 Then the glory of the LORD DEPARTED FROM OFF THE THRESHOLD of the house, and stood over the cherubims.

Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: WHEN THEY WENT OUT, the wheels also [were] beside them, and [every one] stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD'S house; and the glory of the God of Israel [was] over them above.

Ezekiel 11:23 And the GLORY OF THE LORD WENT UP FROM THE MIDST OF THE CITY, and stood upon the mountain which [is] on the east side of the city.

What a sad commentary. Because of the sins and idolatry of God's people, the Glory of God was driven from its place, from the SANCTUARY, from the THRESHOLD of His House--even from the MIDST OF HIS CITY. It left by degrees--hoping that the people would sense its departure, and stop their wickedness. THEY DID NOT.

A British Evangelist told us some time ago that we had driven God from His Sanctuary, and set up in His place the idol of entertainment. Can this be true?

I am afraid it is so.

Happily, the story doesn't stop there. There is a group known as the heathen who are being ministered to by the Glory of God.

Ezekiel 39:21 And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.

The good news is that in God's time, the Glory shall again be set in the midst of His people, but not until there has been a THOROUGH REPENTANCE FROM SIN AND IDOLATRY.

Listen to Eze 43:2 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. Ezekiel 43:4 AND THE GLORY OF THE LORD CAME INTO THE HOUSE BY THE WAY OF THE GATE WHOSE PROSPECT [IS] TOWARD THE EAST.

Yes, there is a real restoration coming to the Church. GOD'S GLORY SHALL FILL HIS HOUSE.

Ezekiel 43:5 So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE HOUSE.

Ezekiel 44:4 Then brought he me the way of the north gate, and, behold, THE GLORY OF THE LORD FILLED THE HOUSE OF THE LORD: and I fell upon my face.